If you have a throbbing, severe toothache, there is a strong chance that you have an infected tooth in need of root canal therapy. You should certainly seek professional care as soon as possible! But still, you might wonder if your regular oral health provider can help you. Can emergency dentists do root canals? In most cases, yes! This blog post explores how your dentist may be able to save your tooth and help you find lasting pain relief.
Who Is Qualified to Perform Root Canal Therapy?
It is important to note that all dentists learn how to perform root canal therapy while they are in dental school. They acquire an in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of teeth and the techniques used in root canal therapy.
After graduation, many dentists choose to pursue advanced education in root canals and similar treatments. This is especially common among practitioners who wish to provide emergency care; since infected teeth are one of the most common dental emergencies, it makes sense for dentists to offer treatment for them!
With that being said, some dentists choose not to offer this service once they finish dental school and start practicing. They may make this decision because they want to focus their business on other aspects of oral healthcare. If one of their patients requires root canal treatment, they may provide a referral to a specialist.
When Should You See a Specialist?
Some dentists choose to complete a few extra years of formal training after dental school. They may become endodontists, who specialize in procedures related to the innermost layer of the tooth, called its pulp. Root canal therapy is one of the most common procedures performed by endodontists.
A general dentist may refer you to an endodontist if your case is complex. For example, some dentists choose not to perform root canals on back teeth (molars) because they have more complex anatomy than front teeth. Many endodontists have specialized technology and training to deal with such cases.
The Bottom Line
The main point here is that if you suspect you have an infected tooth, go ahead and call your regular emergency dentist! In all likelihood, they can perform the treatment you need. If not, they can help you arrange for care from a specialist. Hopefully, you will soon reclaim a functional and pain-free smile
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, we are proud to offer emergency care for our community. Root canal therapy is among the many services we are able to provide. If you have a persistent toothache, call our Branford location at 203-439-6895. We will try to arrange our schedule to see you ASAP. Very often, we are able to accommodate emergency patients on a same-day basis.