When your are faced with choosing a specialist in Endodontics in Oak Park IL for your dental needs, there are many factors to consider. An endodontist will often be the preferred choice to handle root canal work that your general practice dentist is not as qualified to oversee. While the very words “root canal” strike fear in many people, understanding how a dentist trained in Endodontics works can help ease your fears! Ultimately, the dental profession has developed this branch of specialists in order to handle complex root canal tooth infections effectively.
The first sign that you may need to see an endodontist comes when you experience a pronounced toothache, exacerbated by hot or cold. Additionally, swelling around the painful tooth may be visible, even causing drainage in some cases. Toothaches of this variety are most likely the result of an infection in the “root canal” of the tooth. The first step will be to visit a regular dentist to have the tooth in question evaluated. Prolonging a visit to the dentist’s office will only allow the infection to become worse, risking further damage to your teeth!
If there is a root canal infection, your regular dentist will be able to diagnose it right away. The general course of action is a procedure that involves clearing out the infected area, disinfecting it, and sealing it again. This “endodontic therapy” which many call a root canal, can be performed under local anesthesia. But it’s important to note that the majority of general dentists are not trained in Endodontics in Oak Park IL.
A recent survey from the American Association of Endodontics showed that nearly two-thirds of endodontic procedures were still being handled in a general dentists office. Despite that, there are several reasons why electing to have your root canal procedure performed by an endodontist may be a smarter choice. A dentist trained in Endodontics in Oak Park IL is required to undergo two additional years of training beyond dental school that culminate in a comprehensive exam. This training uniquely qualifies endodontists to perform the highest quality repair work on root canal infections.
Two primary concerns arise for patients who get referred to an endodontist by their general dentist: The desire to stay with the dentist they know, and the worry over additional costs incurred from seeing a specialist. While familiarity is important, most of us would take a stranger if we knew they had higher qualifications to perform the work! In terms of cost, almost all insurances will quote the same price whether it’s performed by a general dentist or an endodontist. In the end, selecting the most qualified specialist in Endodontics in Oak Park IL is the best decision for addressing your root canal needs.
