Do I Need an Endodontist or a Dentist?
Endodontists are specialists in root canals in the dental community, though the term is not always well known outside the industry. If you’re wondering whether to call a dentist or an endodontist, it helps to know what the parameters are of both professions.
Endodontists and Root Canals
By the time tooth damage has reached the canal, it’s generally fairly severe. Whether it’s sudden physical trauma or ongoing dental decay, an endodontist in Foley, AL can clean out the nerve and pulp of the tooth, so they can save the original tooth structure.
Your endodontist may:
- Diagnose and manage: You can visit an endodontist with a damaged tooth for an official diagnosis and, potentially, a root canal treatment.
- Root canals: All endodontists can perform standard root canals in Foley. If you need a surgical root canal, you may need to consult with a specialty team.
- Root canal retreatments: Root canals may fail, either suddenly or over time, depending on the quality of the original treatment. If the tooth is savable, an endodontist can redo the treatment to set their patient up for success.
Root canals can range from the simple to the complex. A good endodontist can handle the trickier cases, or refer you to someone who can.
When to See a Dentist?
A general dentist in Foley, AL can be seen for most other matters, including a crown after a root canal. At Sand Dollar Dental, we offer both general dentistry and specialty dentistry, including everything from root canals to Botox. This is more than just a convenience for our patients, it can streamline the communication between our team, putting everyone on the same page for the sake of better long-term outcomes.
