When it comes to root canal therapy, most general dentists are more than capable of performing these procedures. They receive extensive dental training to know how to treat root canals, but some dental offices may not have the necessary equipment. In this case, the general dentist would recommend the patient to a dental specialist who could perform the therapy. Endodontists are specialists who focus exclusively on dental pulp treatments.
They complete an average of 25 root canal treatments per week, while general dentists usually do two. Endodontists don't place fillings or clean teeth, but instead spend their time diagnosing and treating tooth pain. They are experts in finding the cause of oral and facial pain that has been difficult to diagnose. Simple root canals can be done by a general or family dentist.
However, if the canal has a complex enough anatomy to make finding, navigating or accessing the root difficult, it may require the contact of an endodontist. Endodontists have significantly more specialized training and experience. An endodontist is also recommended for teeth with more than one channel, such as molars. The first visit is when the actual procedure will be performed and the second is when the patient will undergo the necessary dental restoration.
While most dental patients will have a dental crown placed over the treated tooth, dental inlays and dental inlays are another dental restoration option. If your dentist has ever referred you to a specialist for certain dental procedures (usually an oral surgeon or endodontist), this is because your dentist cares about the quality of work you receive and wants you to get the best possible treatment with the best possible prognosis and success rate. A general dentist or family dentist is who a person visits each year for regular dental checkups. General dentists can perform endodontic procedures in conjunction with other dental procedures, but they often refer patients who need endodontic treatment to a specialized office, which works in collaboration with their dentist.
So, should you bypass your general dentist for a root canal specialist? In most cases, it's best or even necessary to start treatment with your family's dentist. Robert Steinberger is one of the best dentists in New York with more than 29 years of experience in general, cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry services in the Bronx, New York.