You may be forgiven for thinking that all dentists are the same when it comes to the qualifications they possess and the treatments they are able to offer; however, this is not always the case.
While most dentists are able to provide general dentistry services, from regular check ups to teeth cleaning and polishing and the performing of fillings, other treatments require expert knowledge and additional training. One example of a more specialised procedure is a root canal.
Finding a root canal specialist
Root canal treatment is one way of saving a tooth that may have developed an abscess or has become infected or damaged in some way. Performing such treatment is often preferred to simply having the affected tooth removed, and in the long run, this is far more cost effective and beneficial for the patient. Implants and dentures will never be as effective as the real thing.
However, your general dentist may not be able to perform such a treatment, and will have to refer you to a root canal specialist instead. This is because root canals involve more than just dealing with teeth, they also involve removing damaged or dead nerves and blood vessels that a general dentist may not have significant knowledge of.
A root canal specialist will have undertaken an additional two years of training to become qualified as an endodontist. This often means that not only do they have training above and beyond what your general dentist will have, but they will also have more experience in dealing with root canal treatments, making them better able to predict the need for a particular course of actions.
Root canal specialists will also have more specialised equipment on hand to help in the diagnosis of your condition. This can include the use of operating microscopes and scanning equipment which your day to day dentist may just not have access to.
If your dentist has advised you that you need root canal treatment they will be able to discuss with you whether or not they can provide the treatment for you. Alternatively they may advise you that it would be in your best interests to seek a second opinion from a specialist, and they can make this referral for you.
If you are referred to a specialist it is important to remember that this does not mean that your dentist is inferior in any way – it is exactly the same process as with your GP who may refer you to a specialist for further assessment if they think it is valid. Your dentist will always want you to have the best level of care possible, as this will have a positive effect on your general oral health in the long run.
Author Bio :
Jayden Willis writes blogs on general oral health, as well as information on root canal specialists. His articles on the subject inform readers of all aspects of dental health.
