Can a General Dentistry Perform a Root Canal?

A root canal is a common dental procedure that can often be done in a general dentistry office. While it can seem intimidating, a root canal is often not overly painful or uncomfortable. Learning more about getting a root canal from a general dentist can help ease your mind about getting the treatment you need.

General dentistry qualifications

A general dentist is meant to be the first step in almost any kind of dental care. They help catch problems that are developing in the mouth and can perform many types of treatment, including root canals, in-house.

Root canals are a standard dental procedure that many people need to have in their lifetime. Any experienced dentist should be familiar with the ins and outs of the procedure. If you are concerned, do not be afraid to ask questions about the process. Your dentist should be more than happy to discuss it with you.

What to expect during treatment

A dentist will recommend a root canal if the inner part of a tooth, called the pulp, has been damaged and infected. You will likely have experienced pain with the tooth in question, and the infection will become worse if not treated. A root canal can save an infected tooth by removing the infected interior and filling it in, leaving the outer layer intact.

A root canal procedure in a general dentistry office should not cause too much pain. It is important to communicate with the dentist if you start feeling overly uncomfortable during the appointment. This type of appointment takes longer than a general checkup and can last around three hours in some cases. You should set aside the rest of your day for rest and recovery.

Caring for the teeth after the procedure

You will likely notice soreness and swelling in the hours following the procedure. It is a good idea to eat soft foods and give yourself time to heal. You should start to feel much better by the next day and should be back to normal within a few days. If you notice the pain is getting worse or the swelling is increasing, contact your dentist about it.

A root canal often involves two steps, the first of which is the longer portion, which involves removing the infected pulp from the tooth. After you have had some time to recover, you may need to return to your general dentistry for a permanent filling to finish out the process.