Referral aims to meet the needs of a particular case. It does not mean every root canal requires a specialist or that a second opinion will change the diagnosis.
Training: what's behind the title
A general dentist completes dental school. An endodontist continues with postgraduate training focused on pulpal diagnosis, root canal treatment, and problems affecting previously treated teeth. Programs and their duration vary by country and institution. Read more: root canal.
Typical cases for each one
The general dentist treats
Examinations, prevention, restorations, extractions, and other treatments according to training and experience, including root canal treatment when appropriate to their competence.
The endodontist treats
Dental pain diagnosis, complex root canal treatment, retreatment, and assessment of trauma, resorption, or calcified canals. This clinic refers cases requiring apical surgery. Read more: retreatments.
Technology: it's not just training
At Endodontics, our tools support evaluation and treatment:
- Endodontic microscope: provides illumination and magnification to observe details.
- Rotary instruments: help prepare canals according to their anatomy.
- Apex locator: supports the determination of working length.
- Digital two-dimensional periapical X-rays: complement the examination when indicated.
When the general dentist refers to an endodontist
Referral may help with complex anatomy, difficulty locating canals, unexplained pain, or a previous treatment needing review. The clinician explains the reason and coordinates care.
Can you go directly to the endodontist?
Yes: if you already have a diagnosis of a pending root canal, if a previous root canal hurts again, if you have dental pain that doesn't respond to general treatments, or if you want a second opinion before an extraction. We see patients directly here, no prior referral needed.
Who should you see? It depends on what's going on
| What's going on | Who to see |
|---|---|
| A large cavity that started to hurt | Your dentist can evaluate the cause of pain and whether a restoration, root canal treatment, or other care is needed. |
| A root canal done years ago that hurts again | An endodontist can assess the cause and whether retreatment is an option. |
| "They can't find the canal" or you were told it's calcified | Endodontist, with an endodontic microscope. |
| Pain and nobody can tell which tooth it is | Endodontist: assesses symptoms and uses clinical tests and indicated studies to identify the cause. |
| You were told the tooth has to come out | You can seek a second opinion; it may confirm extraction or identify another option. |
| A blow to a front tooth | Seek dental care promptly at an available service; urgency depends on the injury. |
Coordinated work
In the ideal flow, the general dentist diagnoses and refers to the endodontist for the specialized procedure. Once the root canal is done, you can have the crown made right here — $300 in zirconia or $450 in lithium disilicate — or with your general dentist, if you prefer to stay with them. Each one does their part.
If you were already told it can't be done, get a second opinion
At Endodontics El Salvador in San Miguel, Dra. Stefany Colato is an endodontist: Doctor of Dental Surgery from Universidad de El Salvador, Endodontic Specialty in Brazil, license JVPO 5411. She works with an endodontic microscope and digital X-ray. Root canal $390, any tooth; evaluation with X-ray $35. If you have a tooth that others haven't been able to resolve, send us your X-ray on WhatsApp or meet the team.
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