What is the difference between a dentist and an endodontist in Cardiff, UK?

Most patients understand what a general dentist does, but far fewer know the vital role of an endodontist. If you’ve been told you may need a root canal—or you’re experiencing deep tooth pain—you may be wondering: do I need my usual dentist, or an endodontist?

At Rumney Endodontics, we provide specialist-led endodontic care and often work closely with general dentists across Cardiff and South Wales. Understanding the difference can help you decide where to go when tooth pain strikes.

What does a general dentist do?

A general dentist provides routine and preventive care, focusing on the overall health of your teeth and gums. They carry out examinations, hygiene advice, fillings, crowns, extractions, and manage many common dental issues.

Dentists also identify when a patient needs specialist care—such as complex root canal treatment—and refer appropriately.

What does an endodontist do?

An endodontist in the UK is a dentist who has completed years of additional postgraduate training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the dental pulp (the inner nerve and blood supply of the tooth). They focus on:

• complex root canal treatment

• root canal re-treatment

• management of dental trauma

• diagnosing unexplained pain

• microsurgery, such as apicectomy

Endodontists regularly treat cases that would be too complex, time-consuming, or high-risk for general practice settings.

What makes endodontists different?

Advanced training

Endodontists undertake specialist education focused solely on pulp-related disease and pain. This means they’re trained to save teeth that would otherwise be removed.

Specialist technology

Modern endodontics relies heavily on microscope-assisted treatment, CBCT scans, and advanced rotary tools—equipment not routinely used in general practice. At Rumney Endodontics, all treatment is performed under high magnification for accuracy and long-term success.

Higher success rates

Research shows that specialist-performed root canal treatments have significantly higher survival rates compared to those carried out without magnification or specialist techniques.

When should you see an endodontist?

You may benefit from seeing an endodontist in the UK if you have:

• persistent tooth pain

• lingering sensitivity to hot or cold

• pain when biting or chewing

• swelling around a tooth

• a dark or discoloured tooth

• a previously failed root canal

• trauma or cracked teeth

When your dentist refers you to an endodontist, it’s because they want to give you the best chance of saving the tooth.

Why Rumney Endodontics?

At Rumney Endodontics, both Dr Andrew Bartley and Dr Cassandra Maunder are registered endodontic specialists with years of experience in complex root canal care. They work closely with local dentists to ensure patients receive the highest standard of diagnosis and treatment.

Modern endodontics is precise, minimally invasive, and focused on preserving natural teeth—something our entire team cares deeply about.

Learn more or request a referral: rumneyendodonticsanddentalcare.co.uk