When a General Dentist May Recommend Root Canal Therapy

Did your general dentist recommend root canal therapy? You may need a root canal, which is a technical dental procedure that is done to correct and restore oral health. In this article, we will take a look at what root canals are and why your dentist may have recommended one.

What is a root canal?

A root canal may be necessary when treating bad infections in teeth. Treatment of infected teeth should be done immediately, and if the treatment is not done, the pulp and the nerves of that tooth will become compromised. 

The infected pulp in the tooth will need to be removed to salvage the tooth. Root canals are designed as an option to restore oral health when other methods are not sufficient, such as fillings or crowns.

Signs a root canal is necessary

Issues with your teeth can be very bothersome and have a detrimental effect on your day-to-day life. Your ability to eat and talk may be impaired due to the pain associated with the infected tooth. Dental pain is hard to miss, and there are a few telltale signs that root canal therapy may be necessary. 

Some of these signs include:

• Sensitivity of the tooth
• Chipped or cracked tooth
• Pain while eating
• Gum swelling
• Darkened tooth
• Deep decay

If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is imperative that you seek the assistance of an experienced dentist immediately. If left untreated, the tooth or teeth may require an emergency root canal. The pain may become unbearable, and the only option will be to undergo the emergency procedure. 

What should you expect from a root canal?

Teeth that are causing crippling pain may be needing root canal therapy. If your dentist has deemed this treatment necessary, the procedure should be completed as soon as possible. 

During a root canal, the dentist or endodontist will carefully remove the infected pulp of the tooth. They will then clean and shape the interior of the root canal. Next, they will fill and seal the space. Following this portion of the procedure, you will be sent back to your dentist if you had the procedure done by an endodontist. 

Your dentist will place a crown over the tooth to protect it and help it return to a fully functional state. The majority of patients report that they do not feel pain during the procedure, given the modernized techniques and anesthetics. 

Do general dentists perform root canal therapy?

While general dentists can pinpoint the need for root canal therapy, you may sometimes be referred to an endodontist. An endodontist is a dental specialist who is trained specifically on root canals and other parts of the tooth root. 

Many general dentists can perform root canal therapy, but if they are unable to complete the procedure, they may refer you to a specialist. Extensive dental training is required to properly treat root canals, and general dentists do complete this training. Your dentist may not have the equipment needed to complete a root canal, so they would likely refer you. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofsantamonica.com or call Cosmetic Dental Care of Santa Monica at (310) 570-2011 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.

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