While some dentists are qualified to perform root canals, they are not typically a commonly performed procedure at a dentist’s office. However, endodontists perform root canals every day, often performing several hundred procedures every year. Therefore, endodontists are the most qualified professionals to handle root canal treatment. In minor cases, a qualified dentist can perform a root canal, but for serious or complicated scenarios, one should always go to an endodontist for treatment.

There is a great stigma surrounding root canals, reinforcing the idea that they are painful, scary procedures. This can make the idea of having a root canal cause great amounts of anxiety. In reality, root canals are no more stressful than a standard filling for the majority of patients. With the technological advancements in the field of endodontics, most patients are amazed by how fast and easy the procedure is. And even more importantly, they realize that the procedure was not painful at all, both during and afterward. Although it can be nerve-racking to watch someone use powered tools in your mouth, it is very likely that the fear around having a root canal is more related to the pain in the tooth that requires one in the first place. In the majority of cases, the symptom that points to a root canal is a painful toothache.

An infected or abscessed tooth will have excruciating pain when bitten down. So the thought of a dentist drilling the tooth conjures feelings of suffering and agony. In reality, infections are typically handled with antibiotics before the root canal, and with anesthetics, the procedure is virtually pain-free. In fact, root canals will relieve tooth pain and can improve one’s quality of life by fixing the root of the problem, rather than applying a temporary solution. Therefore, root canals actually relieve more pain than they cause, which, when understood by patients, removes the stigma around root canals and the misplaced fear that comes with it.

Common indications that you may require a root canal include:

• Severe tooth pain
• Broken tooth
• Tooth sensitivity
• Swollen gums
• Tooth discoloration

The average root canal treatment can take anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes. More complex cases, such as those involving multiple roots or teeth, may take around 90 minutes. A root canal may require more than one appointment to complete.

If you or someone you know has a damaged or infected tooth and requires a root canal, come to Ideal Endodontics today! Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in performing root canals and can help restore your teeth to good health! For more information about our root canal treatments, visit our website or call our clinic today. To book an appointment for a root canal, you can schedule one online or over the phone.