When a General Dentist May Recommend Root Canal Therapy

General Dentist Austin, TX

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.mycaredentals.com or call My Care Dental at (512) 590-6634 for an appointment in our Austin office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Austin, TX.

Recent Posts

Reasons You Might See A General Dentist Vs. A Dental Specialist

Wondering when you may make a general dentist office visit? There are many different types of dentists that people can choose from nowadays; their choice simply depends on their dental needs.Considering seeing a general dentist in Austin? According to WebMD, a general dentist diagnoses, treats and manages overall oral health care needs, which includes gum…

Visit A General Dentist To Treat A Chipped Tooth

Understanding the different types of dentistry services a general dentist can provide for their patients is important. While many people think that general dentists only offer general dentistry services, many also offer cosmetic dentistry services. Fixing a chipped tooth is both a general and cosmetic service.A general dentist is a very versatile type of dental…

A Dentist Explains Why You Should Stop Chewing Ice

When you visit the dentist, you will probably get suggestions on which habits to adopt or avoid. Chewing ice is one of those habits we cultivate unintentionally. Everyone has perhaps crunched through an ice cube or two while downing their favorite cold beverage, but not everyone gets addicted to this practice. If you have an…

General Dentist Information: How Osteoporosis Can Affect The Health Of Your Teeth

A general dentist has a wealth of knowledge, not only about oral health but also about health issues that may affect or threaten oral health. Osteoporosis, for example, is a condition that weakens bones in the body. The health of our teeth depends on a variety of factors, including dental hygiene, hereditary tooth structure and…

Recent Posts

Preventive Dentistry: Choosing The Right Toothbrush

Preventive Dentistry: Choosing The Right Toothbrush

Using the right toothbrush is part of preventive dentistry. Your dental health is more secure if you have the right tool for cleaning your teeth and gums. An effective toothbrush can help you reach your dental health goals. If you want to know the basics of choosing the right toothbrush as part of preventive dentistry,…

Ask A Dentist: How Do I Prepare For A Dental Bridges Procedure?

Ask A Dentist: How Do I Prepare For A Dental Bridges Procedure?

When you need dental bridges, your dentist will work with an oral surgeon to find the best solution for your problem. There are a few things that you can do in preparation for this procedure. This blog post outlines some of the steps you should take before going in for dental bridges surgery.Make a list…