Unleashing Smiles: Meet The Dentist Who Does Root Canals

A certain unease often accompanies the phrase “root canal,” isn’t there? The unknown, the anticipation, the dreaded discomfort. But imagine, if you will, a dentist who not only specializes in root canals but does so with such skill and ease that you might just forget your fears. Allow us to introduce you to that very individual—the dentist who does root canals like an artist crafting a masterpiece, making a procedure often associated with anxiety into an experience as seamless and pain-free as possible. This dentist is on a mission to revolutionize how we perceive root canal treatments, one tooth at a time.

What is a Root Canal treatment?

A root canal is a dental procedure to treat infection or inflammation in the root of a tooth. Inside each tooth, beneath the hard white enamel and a softer layer called dentin, is a hollow space called the “pulp chamber.” This contains the tooth’s pulp, a soft tissue of nerves and blood vessels that help the tooth grow and develop.

When a tooth’s pulp is damaged or infected due to severe decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma, it can cause pain and swelling. If left untreated, the infection can result in an abscess or even more serious health complications.

Why and When Do I Need a Root Canal?

A root canal is needed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can occur due to several reasons:

dentist who does root canals with symptoms

Deep Decay: When tooth decay is left untreated, it can extend deep into the tooth, reaching the pulp and causing it to become infected.
Repeated Dental Procedures: Frequent procedures on the same tooth can cause damage and stress to the dental pulp, resulting in inflammation and infection.
Crack or Chip in Tooth: Any form of trauma to the tooth, like a crack or chip, can expose the pulp to bacteria, leading to inflammation or infection.
Trauma: Even if a tooth doesn’t show any visible chips or cracks, a trauma (like a hard blow to the face) can damage the pulp.

Symptoms that might indicate the need for root canal therapy include:

Severe toothache, especially when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth.
Prolonged sensitivity or pain in response to hot or cold temperatures.
Darkening or discoloration of the tooth.
Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums.
A recurring or persistent pimple on the gums is often called a dental abscess.

However, in some cases, there may not be any symptoms, which is why regular dental checkups are essential to catch and treat problems early.

Your dentist will diagnose the need for a root canal based on your symptoms and after performing tests like an X-ray or a temperature sensitivity test. If the pulp is damaged to a point where it cannot heal on its own, a root canal procedure is recommended to save the tooth.

What is an endodontist?

An endodontist is a type of dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of issues related to the inside of the tooth, particularly the dental pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. The term comes from “endo,” which means “inside,” and “odont,” which means “tooth.”

Specialization: An endodontist is a type of dentist specializing in diagnosing tooth pain and treating issues related to the inside of the tooth, especially the dental pulp.
Training: To become an endodontist, a dentist must complete an additional two to three years of specialized training after dental school.
Procedures: Endodontists are skilled in performing procedures like root canals, treating dental trauma, dental abscesses, and complex root canal cases.
Equipment: They use specialized equipment and technologies, such as dental operating microscopes, digital imaging, ultrasonic instrumentation, and fiber optics, to perform procedures with precision and comfort.
Complex Cases: While general dentists can treat tooth pain with tooth extraction, endodontists are often sought for more complex cases or when a root canal treatment has failed and needs to be redone.
Pain Management: A root canal specialist is proficient in pain management and uses advanced anesthesia techniques to ensure their patients are comfortable during procedures.
Saving Natural Teeth: Their main goal is to save natural teeth by diagnosing and treating tooth pain and conducting root canal treatments or surgeries as needed.

How to Find a Qualified Dentist Who Specializes in Root Canals

Finding a qualified dentist specializing in root canals and dental implant surgery, also known as an endodontist, requires some research. Still, the following steps can guide you through the process:

Ask for Recommendations: Start with your general dentist. They are often the best source of recommendations since they are familiar with your dental history and needs. You can also ask family, friends, or other healthcare providers for recommendations.
Check their Credentials: When you have a few names, look up their credentials. Find out where they received their dental training and whether they are board-certified. A board-certified endodontist has undergone additional training and passed rigorous examinations in their field.
Experience Matters: Ask how dentists perform root canal treatment and how many. Experienced endodontists are more likely to be up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies and more adept at handling complex cases or complications.
Consider the Clinic’s Technology: Modern technology can make dentists perform root canals more efficiently and comfortably. Some endodontists use advanced technologies like digital X-rays, dental microscopes, or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for more precise imaging and treatment.
Check Reviews and Ratings: Look at reviews and ratings online to understand the dentist’s practice. You can often find information about the dentist’s skills, bedside manner, office environment, staff friendliness, and wait times.
Consultation: Once you’ve narrowed down your options, schedule a consultation. Use this time to ask questions about the endodontic procedures, potential risks, aftercare, and costs. A good dental professional will answer your queries patiently and in a way you can understand.