If you’ve ever had a toothache, the prospect of a root canal might have crossed your mind. But how much do you know about this treatment, including what type of dentist does root canals?
We offer this procedure as one of our comprehensive suite of dental services, and we want our patients to be informed and active participants in their care. To help you make the best decisions for your teeth and gums, here’s a quick overview of root canals and the dentists who do them.
What Makes an Endodontist Different?
Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the tissues surrounding the roots and the nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels found inside your teeth, sometimes called the “pulp.” These dental professionals are experts in diagnosing and treating complex tooth issues, with years of extra training to their credit. They are also qualified to perform oral surgery.
Root canal surgery requires extreme precision, expertise, and delicate state-of-the-art technology. There are limits to what your general dentist can handle – endodontists are the ones you call when you need more advanced care. While it’s far from the only thing they do, the various types of root canal treatment are one of their most common procedures.
What is a Root Canal Procedure?
So, what do they do in a root canal? Is there a limit to how many root canals you can have?
Fortunately for all of us, anesthesia has improved dramatically since root canals were first used as the default “painful dental treatment” in pop culture. These days, it is a routine treatment and is actually considered to have one of the quicker recovery periods.
The purpose of the procedure is to remove infected or damaged tooth pulp or roots. Unless there is serious damage or the condition has been left untreated for too long, the goal is usually to save the natural tooth. Removing the damaged pulp and cleaning the area also prevent infection from spreading to the surrounding teeth and gums.
In theory, you can have as many root canals as you need, although that isn’t a license to neglect your oral health – you shouldn’t have more than one or two. Oral surgeons and endodontists will generally only perform one at a time.
If you have a cracked tooth or are experiencing pain, sensitivity, or swelling, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with your dentist. If necessary, they will refer you to an endodontist. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can be on the road to recovery.
Your Path to a Pain-Free Smile Starts at Advanced Dental Arts NYC
Now that you know what type of dentist does root canals and know more about this procedure, hopefully it will help ease some of the anxiety. Of course, we would prefer to ensure that you never need this procedure and can maintain excellent oral health throughout your life.
We understand that this isn’t always possible, so we have in-house specialists offering exceptional treatment to help you get your dental health back on track. If you’re experiencing discomfort or pain or just need a checkup, feel free to book an appointment with our team for professional dental care you can trust.
