Why General Dentists Do Root Canals: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that one in four Americans will have to have a root canal at some point in their life? This is a very common procedure and, contrary to popular belief, not as excruciating as it once might have been. In some cases, you may even be able to get a root canal right in your normal dentist’s office.

But you may be wondering why your dentist in Friendswood would do your root canal and whether this is an option for you. Read on to learn more about root canals and the circumstances under which general dentists perform them.

What Is a Root Canal?

Before we dive into why general dentists in Friendswood, AZ, do root canals, let’s talk some about what they are. A root canal is a procedure that removes infected and decaying tissue from the inside of your tooth. If you let tooth decay go untreated for too long, it can spread down to the soft center of your tooth, causing it to get infected.

During a root canal, your dentist in Friendswood, AZ, will give you local anesthetic at the infected tooth and then will scrape out any infected tissue there. They then fill the cavity in your tooth with a material that will keep it from getting infected again. They may need to do some additional work on the tooth in future visits to restore it to full health and function.

Can General Dentists Perform Root Canals?

You may be reading that description of a root canal and thinking it sounds a lot like a job for an oral surgeon. And it is true that in some cases, specialists called endodontists handle root canals. Endodontists usually go through an additional two years of training to learn about inner tooth operations like this.

However, as we’ll discuss more in a moment, general dentists can sometimes handle the procedure themselves. Whether or not they choose to do this will depend on their level of comfort with root canals, your specific health situation, and some other factors. But handling the procedure in their office can be beneficial for you in a number of ways.

When They Choose to Do the Procedure

In most cases, general dentists will choose only to do simpler root canal procedures themselves. They’re most likely to choose this route if the infected tooth is an incisor, canine, or lower premolar. This is because these teeth only have one large root and so require less precision and careful maneuvering.

Your general dentist in AZ may also choose to do a root canal on teeth that don’t have a very deep infection. However, in the cases of molar infections, you’ll almost always need to see an endodontist. This is also the case with upper premolars, which usually have at least two separate roots and root canals.

Cost

One of the biggest benefits of getting your AZ dentist in Friendswood to handle your root canal is the cost. Most of the time, endodontists charge higher rates than general dentists do. Because they went through all that extra training and have the additional expertise, they can charge patients more for that level of specialized care.

Depending on where you live, it may also be hard to find an endodontist who’s in your insurance network. Going to an out-of-network provider can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses. If your AZ dentist can do the procedure for you, you know your insurance will cover their costs.

Convenience

Of course, it’s much more convenient for you to be able to see your general dentist in Friendswood, AZ, for a root canal than to go see a specialist. If you live in one of those more isolated areas, finding an endodontist to do your procedure may mean driving multiple hours one way. Combined with the time it takes to do the procedure, you could be looking at losing at least one full day of work for this appointment.

A general dentist’s office may also be a more convenient option for people who don’t have reliable access to a car. You may be able to get to your dentist’s office on public transportation or by getting a ride with a loved one. The same options may not exist for an endodontist, and so you may delay treatment if you have to turn to them for care.

Familiarity

According to studies, as many as 80 percent of the population has some anxiety around going to the dentist. Having a dentist with whom you have a trusting relationship perform your root canal can make the procedure much easier. You may not feel as much fear before and during the procedure as you would if you were visiting a new doctor for the first time.

No two mouths are made the same, and everyone has their own little dental quirks and oddities. Your dentist knows all these quirks and knows your dental history. They can make any adjustments you need for the procedure to be easier without you having to walk them through an exhaustive personal medical history.

Find Your Dentist in Friendswood

Although some root canals have to be handled by specialists, many can be managed by your general dentist in Friendswood. Not only can this save you money on the procedure, but it may be more convenient for you to get it done at your normal dentist’s office. Having the procedure done by a dentist you trust can also make it easier for everyone involved.

If you’d like to get dental care you can trust, check out the rest of our site at Dentistry 4 Children. We believe all children deserve a gentle introduction to dental health, especially special needs children. Schedule an appointment today and discover how we’re promoting smiles for all generations.

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A little girl is sitting in a dental chair being examined by a dentist.

First Aid for Dental Injuries in Kids

By Dentistry 4 Children • March 17, 2025

According to Child Stats, it is estimated that three million kids go to the emergency room for injuries yearly. Dental injuries, in particular, are common in children, especially those who are active in sports, playground activities, or simply exploring their surroundings. Knowing what to do and how to respond to a dental emergency can be hectic if you do not know what to do. But if you act fast and have a plan, you can prevent complications, minimize pain, and even save a tooth. Understanding first aid for dental injuries can help parents and your local family dentist provide immediate care before seeking professional treatment at a trusted pediatric dentist in Pearland . Common Types of Dental Injuries in Kids Children can experience various dental injuries, ranging from minor chips to severe trauma that requires emergency dental care. One of the most frequent injuries is a chipped or broken tooth. This is often caused by falls but can also be due to bike accidents or biting into hard objects. While minor chips may not cause immediate pain, more extensive fractures can expose nerves and lead to significant discomfort. Another serious dental injury is a knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth. When a permanent tooth is completely dislodged from the mouth, immediate action is crucial to improve the chances of saving it. In contrast, if a baby tooth is knocked out prematurely, attempting to reinsert it can cause damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath. A loose or displaced tooth is another common issue that can occur due to blunt force trauma. While some cases resolve independently, others require professional dental evaluation to ensure the surrounding structures remain intact. If your child experiences a dental emergency, learning about common pediatric dental emergencies can help you take the proper steps. Tooth intrusion occurs when a tooth is pushed further into the gums due to an impact. This type of injury is more common in younger children whose jawbones are still developing. Tooth intrusion can lead to complications, such as damage to the underlying permanent teeth, making it essential to visit an emergency pediatric dentist in Friendswood for proper assessment. Lastly, injuries to the lips, tongue, or gums often accompany dental trauma. These soft tissue injuries can cause significant bleeding and pain, increasing the risk of infection if not properly treated. Immediate First Aid Steps for Dental Injuries Providing immediate comprehensive oral care for dental injuries can significantly improve the outcome. For a chipped or broken tooth, it is essential to rinse the child's mouth with warm water to remove debris. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. If possible, collect any broken fragments and bring them to a dentist. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, locate it and handle it only by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and have the child bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If reinsertion is not feasible, store the tooth in milk or the child's saliva and seek emergency dental care immediately. For a step-by-step guide on managing a knocked-out tooth, check out this helpful resource on handling pediatric dental emergencies . Stabilizing a loose or displaced tooth by having the child bite down gently on a piece of gauze is essential. Avoid repositioning the tooth forcefully, as this could cause additional damage. A child-friendly dentist should assess the injury as soon as possible. Tooth intrusion should be treated with caution. Attempting to reposition the tooth at home is not recommended. Instead, apply a cold compress if the tooth is swelling and schedule an emergency dental visit. Seeking care from a pediatric emergency dentist in Friendswood can ensure the injury is managed appropriately. For soft tissue injuries, such as cuts to the lips, tongue, or gums, applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze can help control bleeding. A cold compress can reduce swelling, and rinsing with salt water may help prevent infection. When to Seek Professional Dental Care While minor dental injuries may not require immediate attention from a family dentistry practice, certain signs indicate the need for urgent dental care. Severe pain, swelling, excessive bleeding, or a knocked-out permanent tooth warrant an emergency visit to a dentist. Additionally, any signs of infection, such as: Pus Fever Red streaks near the injury site These should not be ignored. Understanding when to seek professional care can help prevent long-term complications. Parents can find more information on common pediatric dental emergencies . Prevention Tips to Reduce Dental Injuries While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, certain precautions can help minimize the risk of dental injuries in children. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard during sports and recreational activities provides essential protection against impacts. Childproofing the home by securing furniture edges and installing safety gates can prevent falls that lead to dental trauma. Encouraging children to avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candy can also reduce the likelihood of chipped or broken teeth. Teaching good dental hygiene habits , including brushing and flossing regularly, strengthens teeth and enhances their resilience against injury. Additionally, parents should be prepared for unexpected dental emergencies while traveling. Knowing where to find emergency dental care can be invaluable in an unfamiliar location. If your child experiences a dental emergency away from home, reviewing these tips for handling dental emergencies while traveling can be beneficial. Need a Local Family Dentist? Contact Dentistry 4 Children Understanding first aid for dental injuries in children can make a significant difference in preserving their oral health. By acting quickly and getting affordable dental services, parents and caregivers can reduce pain, prevent complications, and increase the chances of saving an injured tooth. Here at Dentistry 4 Children, we know how scary these accidents can be for children. That is why we do everything possible to provide a safe and supportive local family dentist environment. So contact us today to get your child the help they need.