If you have had a dentist tell you that you need a root canal, you likely had a lot of questions running through your mind. The most common question people ask is: “What type of dentist does a root canal?” It is great question, and it is because not all dentists do every kind of procedure.
Some are general treatments, while others demand a specialist. And as for whether it will come with root canals, that will depend on how your situation is. In this article, we will guide you through everything in the simplest possible terms so you know exactly who to visit, what to expect and why root canals are nothing to be afraid of.
What Exactly Is a Root Canal?
Before we discuss the types of dentists, it is good to first talk about what a root canal really is. A root canal is a procedure performed to save an infected or damaged tooth. Within each tooth lies soft tissue known as pulp.
This pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth healthy. But sometimes the pulp becomes infected from deep cavities, injuries, or cracks. When that occurs, you might experience pain, swelling, or tenderness.
A root canal removes the diseased pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and further seals it to prevent any additional issues. The best part? It enables you to retain your natural tooth rather than remove it.
Who Can Perform a Root Canal?
Root canals are extremely sensitive procedures. They need a lot of attention, precision, and knowledge of tooth structure. The kind of dentist who handles your root canal generally depends on how simple or complicated the case is. Let us discuss the various types of dentists who might be involved.
1- Endodontists: The Root Canal Specialists
So, who specializes in root canals? That would be endodontists.
You need to see an endodontist to get your root canals done. They undergo two or three additional years of postgraduate training after dental school, concentrating primarily on issues within the tooth, in particular the pulp and root tissues. These dentists handle root canals almost daily, so they have encountered all types of tricky cases.
Dental microscopes and 3D imaging are also used to help look inside these mini cavities. In addition to this training with this advanced equipment, they are also able to treat the most complex root canal cases. If your tooth has multiple roots, curved canals, or an old root canal that failed, your general dentist may refer you to an endodontist.
2- General Dentists: The First Stop
Usually, your general dentist is the first to discover your need for root canal therapy. They perform your routine checkups, cleanings, and fillings, so they have an understanding of your general dental health. In many cases, they can also do simple root canals, particularly on teeth that have fewer or straighter roots, such as the front teeth.
General dentists are trained to control tooth pain, and root canal care is properly taught to them in dental school, and many continue taking additional courses throughout their careers. So if your root canal appears to be fairly straightforward, your regular dentist may be able to do it without referring you out. This is great because that creates fewer appointments, and a dentist you already know and trust. Especially one from a trusted family dentistry practice.
3- Prosthodontists: Experts in Tooth Restoration
While they are not the first name that comes to mind for root canals, some prosthodontists are qualified to do them, too. They tend to be more focused on the replacement and restoration of teeth. They specialize in crowns, bridges, and dentures. But since many of their treatments are about repairing teeth, some are trained in endodontic techniques, such as root canals, too.
This will be especially useful when the tooth involved is to undergo extensive restoration thereafter.’ So, if you get a root canal and then need detailed crowns or bridges, a prosthodontist may very well be the right person for the job.
Why It’s Important to Get the Right Dentist?
The selection of the right type of dentist to have your root canal performed can have a huge impact on how successful the treatment actually is. When you understand the endodontist vs dentist for root canal distinction, then you will receive the proper level of care.
Remember, endodontists are trained to handle the most difficult cases, so if your tooth is more complex, they are usually best equipped. However, in simple cases, a general dentist can usually do just fine, assuming he or she has a lot of experience.
It is also worth remembering that your dentist wants what is best for you. If they think your case requires more sophisticated treatment, they will be happy to pass you along to a specialist. This collaboration between different kinds of dentists helps make sure that your tooth is treated correctly and at the right moment.
Why Choose Northside Family Dental?
At Northside Family Dental, we care about our patients, and we want to help everyone have a bright, healthy, and beautiful smile. If you are worried about how your smile looks, don’t worry! Our expert dental team knows how to bring back your smile and make it look like new. We offer many helpful services like dental implants, dentures, implant repairs, fillings, teeth whitening, and more. As part of our commitment to family dentistry, we ensure patients of all ages receive the right care in a comfortable, welcoming setting.
Final Thoughts!
Our blog post is a clear answer to your question, “What type of dentist does a root canal?” Many root canals can be performed by a general dentist, especially if it is not a too complicated a tooth. That is where the experts, endodontists, come in.
In short, dental specialists who perform root canals are called Endodontists. And, in certain unique situations, prosthodontists may be involved as well if the tooth needs significant restoration afterward.