Does a Dentist Do Root Canals? When Treatment Is Needed
Quick Answer
Does a dentist do root canals?
Yes. Many general dentists provide root canal treatment when the pulp inside a tooth is infected, inflamed, or damaged. If the tooth has difficult canals or needs more specialized care, the dentist may refer you to an endodontist.
Key Takeaways
- General dentists can often perform routine root canals.
- More complicated cases may be referred to an endodontist.
- Root canal therapy can help preserve a natural tooth.
- An exam and X-rays help determine whether treatment is needed.
- Persistent tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity should be checked.
If you are told there is a problem inside your tooth, you may ask, do dentists do root canals, or is a specialist always needed?
General dentists receive training in diagnosing and treating many dental conditions, including problems involving the pulp. Whether your dentist provides root canal care can depend on the affected tooth, the shape of its canals, and the complexity of treatment.
Do Dentists Perform Root Canals?
Yes, many do. A general dentist may perform a root canal when the case can be appropriately treated in their office. But do all dentists do root canals? No. Some dentists provide this care themselves, while others refer patients to an endodontist.
Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Deep decay, cracks, or trauma can allow bacteria to enter this area. An infected tooth may cause tooth pain, swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold, or discomfort when biting.
When Would I See a Dentist or Endodontist?
Choosing between a dentist or an endodontist depends on the condition of the tooth. General dentists often manage routine cases. Endodontists receive advanced education in endodontic treatment and conditions involving the pulp and root canals.
A dentist may recommend an endodontist when the canals are unusually curved or narrow, the tooth has received root canal treatment before, or another issue makes the case more difficult.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
Before performing the procedure, the dentist examines the tooth and may take X-rays to check its roots and surrounding structures. Local anesthesia is commonly used to numb the area.
To perform a root canal, the dentist makes a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp. A protective sheet called a dental dam is placed around the tooth to help keep the treatment area isolated and dry.
The dentist removes unhealthy tissue from the tooth, including infected or damaged pulp inside the canals. The canals are then cleaned, shaped, filled, and sealed.
After the root canal procedure, a crown, filling, or another type of dental restoration may be recommended to protect the tooth.
How Can Root Canal Therapy Help Save the Tooth?
Root canal therapy treats damaged or infected pulp while helping preserve the natural tooth when it can still be restored. Keeping the tooth can support normal chewing and help maintain your oral health.
If the tooth cannot be restored, extraction may be necessary. Depending on your dental needs, a dental implant may be discussed as one option for replacing the missing tooth.
Final Thoughts
Root canal treatment can address problems within a tooth while helping preserve it when restoration is possible. A dental evaluation can determine what is causing your symptoms and whether treatment by a general dentist or an endodontist is appropriate.
Take a Closer Look at Ongoing Tooth Pain
A tooth that keeps aching or becomes increasingly sensitive may need dental attention. Emergency Dentist in Peoria can examine the tooth, assess what may be causing the discomfort, and discuss treatment options based on the findings. Contact the office for an evaluation if your symptoms continue or become more severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dentist tell if I need a root canal from an X-ray alone?
Not always. X-rays can provide useful information about the tooth and surrounding bone, but the dentist may also consider your symptoms, examination findings, and other tests before recommending treatment.
Why does my tooth hurt when I chew but not all the time?
Pain during chewing can have several causes, such as decay, a crack, inflammation, or problems with the pulp. A dental examination can help identify the cause.
Can I get a root canal if I already have a large filling?
Possibly. A tooth with a large filling may still receive root canal treatment if the pulp becomes damaged or infected and the tooth can be restored.
Does a root canal remove the nerve from my tooth?
Root canal treatment removes the pulp from inside the tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The canals are then cleaned, filled, and sealed.
What happens if my tooth still hurts after a root canal?
Some tenderness can occur after treatment. Contact your dentist if the pain becomes severe, gets worse, does not improve as expected, or occurs with swelling.
