If you have been told you may need a root canal, one of the first questions you may ask is: what type of dentist performs root canals?
Quick Answer: Root canals are performed by two types of dentists, general dentists and endodontists. General dentists handle most routine root canals. Endodontists are specialists who treat complex cases, retreatments, and difficult-to-diagnose tooth pain. Your general dentist examines the tooth first and decides whether the case can be treated in-office or requires a specialist referral. Most patients are treated by a general dentist.
At Magnolia Dentistry, we help patients understand what is causing their tooth pain and whether root canal treatment is the right option. If your tooth can be saved, our goal is to treat the infection, protect your natural tooth, and help you avoid extraction whenever possible.
Table of Contents
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental treatment used to save a tooth when the soft tissue inside it, called the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When deep decay, cracks, trauma, or infection reaches this area, the tooth may become painful and require treatment.
During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, disinfects the canals, and seals them. After that, the tooth usually needs a filling or crown to protect it. A root canal does not remove the tooth, it saves the natural tooth by eliminating the infection inside it.
For a trusted patient explanation, read the MouthHealthy root canal treatment guide.
What Type of Dentist Performs Root Canals?
Root canals are usually performed by either a general dentist or an endodontist.
A general dentist can perform routine root canals when the tooth has a simpler structure and the infection is not too advanced. An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on root canal treatment, tooth pain diagnosis, and saving teeth with more complex internal problems.
So if you are asking “who performs root canals?” the answer depends on the case. Many patients can be treated by their general dentist. Some patients need an endodontist for more advanced or complex care.
What Is a Dentist That Does Root Canals Called?
A dentist who specializes in root canals is called an endodontist.
An endodontist is a dentist who completes extra training after dental school, specifically focused on the inside of the tooth, the pulp, root canals, infection, and pain that may be difficult to diagnose.
The American Association of Endodontists explains that endodontists complete additional training beyond dental school and focus on diagnosing tooth pain and performing root canal treatment.
Can a General Dentist Do a Root Canal?
Yes. Many general dentists perform root canal treatment, especially for routine cases.
A general dentist may treat the tooth when:
- The root canals are not too curved or narrow
- The infection is not severe or spreading
- The tooth has not had a root canal before
- The tooth is not badly cracked below the gumline
- The case looks clear on X-rays
- The tooth can be restored with a filling or crown after treatment
This is common for many front teeth, premolars, and some molars. If the case is more difficult, your general dentist will refer you to an endodontist.
Can a General Dentist Do a Root Canal and Crown?
Yes, in most cases, a general dentist can handle both the root canal treatment AND the final crown in the same dental practice. This is one of the advantages of working with a general dentist who offers comprehensive restorative care.
Typical workflow when your general dentist does both:
- Root canal treatment is completed over one or two visits
- A temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth while it heals
- After healing (usually 2-4 weeks), the dentist prepares the tooth for a crown
- A permanent crown is cemented, completing the restoration
When you might need two different providers: If your general dentist refers the root canal to an endodontist for complexity reasons, the endodontist typically completes the root canal only, then sends you back to your general dentist for the crown. This “split care” model is common and seamless when both providers communicate well.
Ask your dentist upfront: Before treatment begins, confirm whether your general dentist will handle the crown or whether you’ll need to coordinate with a restorative specialist afterward.
When Should You See an Endodontist?
You may need an endodontist when the tooth is more complex or when the infection is harder to treat. This does not mean something has gone wrong, it means the tooth may benefit from specialist-level care and tools.
A dentist may refer you to an endodontist when:
- The tooth has curved or narrow canals
- The tooth is a molar with complex root anatomy
- A previous root canal has failed and needs retreatment
- There is a hidden or extra canal
- The infection has spread around the root tip
- The source of tooth pain is hard to locate
- Swelling or abscess is present
- The tooth has experienced trauma
- The tooth may need root canal retreatment or endodontic surgery
An endodontist may also be recommended when the tooth has unusual anatomy or when saving it requires advanced tools such as operating microscopes or cone beam CT imaging.
For more background, see the MouthHealthy guide on endodontics.
General Dentist vs Endodontist: What Is the Difference?
A general dentist and an endodontist are both fully licensed dentists, but their focus differs significantly.
A general dentist provides wide-ranging dental care, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, extractions, cosmetic treatment, and routine root canals. They are the starting point for most dental concerns, including tooth pain.
An endodontist focuses almost entirely on diagnosing tooth pain and treating the inside of the tooth. They typically perform 25 or more root canal procedures per week compared to a general dentist who may do a few per month.
General dentist advantages: Same office handles everything from diagnosis to crown placement. Continuity of care. Often lower cost.
Endodontist advantages: Extra training and tools for complex anatomy, retreatment, and difficult-to-diagnose pain. Operating microscopes allow precision in small or curved canals.
The American Association of Endodontists patient guide explains why specialist referral is sometimes recommended.
Can an Emergency Dentist Perform Root Canals?
Yes, many emergency dentists can diagnose a root canal infection and start treatment. If you have severe tooth pain, swelling, or an abscess, an emergency dentist may relieve pressure, remove infected tissue, or begin the root canal process.
In some cases the emergency dentist completes the full root canal. In others, they provide urgent pain relief first and schedule the remaining treatment or refer you to an endodontist.
Seek urgent care if you have:
- Severe tooth pain unresponsive to over-the-counter pain relief
- Pain that wakes you from sleep
- Swelling in the gum, cheek, or jaw
- A gum boil or visible abscess near a tooth
- Fever accompanying dental pain
- Bad taste or pus near the tooth
- Difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, read our guide on emergency root canal treatment to understand what same-day care involves.
Who Decides If You Need a Root Canal Specialist?
Your general dentist usually makes the first determination. They will examine the tooth, ask about your symptoms, take X-rays, and test how the tooth responds to pressure, cold, or heat.
If the case looks routine, your dentist may complete the root canal in-office. If the tooth looks complex or has a higher risk of complications, your dentist will refer you to an endodontist.
A referral does not mean the tooth cannot be saved. In many cases, the referral gives the tooth the best possible chance of successful treatment.
What Types of Root Canal Procedures Are There?
Not all root canal treatments are the same. Understanding the different types helps you know what to expect if your dentist recommends a specific procedure.
Standard root canal treatment: The most common type. Infected pulp is removed, canals are cleaned and shaped, and the tooth is sealed. Performed by general dentists and endodontists. Completed in 1-2 visits.
Root canal retreatment: When a previous root canal fails, due to missed canals, persistent infection, or restoration leakage, retreatment removes the old filling material and recleans the canals. Typically performed by an endodontist.
Apicoectomy (endodontic surgery): When conventional retreatment is not possible or hasn’t resolved the problem, an apicoectomy surgically removes the root tip and surrounding infected tissue. This is a last resort before extraction and is performed by an endodontist.
Pulpotomy: A partial pulp removal, most often used in children’s primary teeth or as an emergency measure to relieve pain before a full root canal can be scheduled.
Pulp capping: When the pulp is exposed but not yet infected, a protective material is placed directly on the pulp to encourage healing and potentially avoid a full root canal. This is used in specific, limited circumstances.
Your dentist or endodontist will explain which type of procedure is appropriate for your specific tooth after examination and imaging.
How to Find a Qualified Root Canal Dentist or Endodontist
If you need to find a dentist who can perform root canal treatment, or specifically an endodontist, here are the most reliable approaches:
Start with your general dentist: The simplest path for most patients. Your general dentist can assess whether they can treat the case in-office or provide a referral to a trusted endodontist they work with regularly.
Use the AAE’s endodontist locator: The American Association of Endodontists Find an Endodontist tool lets you search for board-certified endodontists by ZIP code.
Check for specific qualifications:
- Experience with the type of case you have (e.g., retreatment, molar root canals)
- Use of operating microscopes for precision
- Digital X-rays or cone beam CT for accurate imaging
- Clear communication about whether the case needs specialist-level care
Ask before committing: Any qualified dental office should be willing to take X-rays, explain whether your case is simple or complex, and discuss whether in-house treatment or specialist referral is the right approach.
At Magnolia Dentistry in Burbank, CA, we always want patients to understand why a treatment is recommended before moving forward.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
The root canal process starts with numbing the tooth. Once the area is fully numb, the dentist creates a small opening in the tooth to reach the infected pulp.
The infected or inflamed tissue is removed. The canals are cleaned, shaped, disinfected, and sealed with a biocompatible material. After that, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown depending on how much tooth structure remains.
A root canal may take one or two visits. The number depends on the tooth, the infection, and whether the tooth needs a crown afterward. For guidance on what to expect during recovery, see our guide on how long it takes for a tooth to tighten after root canal treatment.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Many people worry that a root canal will hurt. In reality, the treatment is done with local anesthesia. The goal of a root canal is to stop the pain caused by an infected or inflamed tooth nerve, not to create new pain.
You may feel pressure during the procedure, but you should not feel sharp pain. After treatment, mild soreness is common for a few days, especially when chewing. This usually improves as the tooth heals. If pain worsens after day 3, swelling appears, or the tooth feels too high when biting, contact your dentist.
How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal?
You may need a root canal if the nerve inside the tooth is infected or badly inflamed. Common signs include:
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts more than 30 seconds
- Throbbing or spontaneous tooth pain
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling near the tooth or in the jaw
- A pimple-like bump on the gum (dental fistula)
- Darkening of the tooth
- Pain spreading to the jaw, ear, or face
- A persistent bad taste near a painful tooth
Learn to recognize the signs of infection after root canal treatment to understand when symptoms require urgent evaluation.
Is a Root Canal Better Than Tooth Extraction?
If the tooth can be saved, a root canal is almost always the better option. Keeping your natural tooth maintains bite function, jaw support, and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting.
Tooth extraction may be necessary if the tooth is cracked below the gum line, badly broken, severely infected beyond treatment, or lacks enough healthy structure for restoration. For more on this decision, see our guide on the long-term side effects of tooth extraction.
The American Association of Endodontists explains why saving your natural tooth is preferred when the clinical situation allows it.
What Happens After a Root Canal?
After a root canal, the tooth may feel tender for a few days. Avoid hard chewing on that side until the final restoration is placed. In most cases, a crown is recommended after root canal treatment, especially for molars and premolars, to protect the treated tooth from cracking.
Your dentist will explain whether you need a filling or a crown based on the tooth’s condition and how much structure remains.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
Root canal cost depends on the tooth location, number of canals, infection severity, whether a specialist is involved, and whether a crown is needed afterward.
- Front teeth (incisors, canines): $700–$1,200 (fewer canals, simpler anatomy)
- Premolars: $900–$1,400
- Molars: $1,200–$1,800 (most canals, most complex)
- Endodontist fees are typically higher than general dentist fees for the same procedure
Additional costs to factor in: the final crown ($1,000–$1,800), X-rays, and any emergency visit fees. Dental insurance typically covers 50-80% of root canal costs after your deductible.
Can a Root Canal Fail?
A root canal can fail in some cases, though many root canals last decades with proper care. Failure may occur if bacteria remain in the canal, a hidden canal was missed, the tooth cracks, or the final restoration leaks and allows reinfection.
Signs of a possible failed root canal:
- Pain returning after treatment
- Swelling near the tooth
- A gum boil appearing weeks or months after treatment
- Pain when biting
- Persistent bad taste or drainage
If failure occurs, the tooth may need retreatment, endodontic surgery, or extraction depending on the situation. Read our guide on signs of infection after root canal treatment to understand when to seek follow-up care.
Conclusion
Root canals can be performed by general dentists and endodontists. A general dentist can handle many routine root canals, and in most practices, the same dentist will also place the crown afterward. An endodontist is the specialist for complex cases, retreatment, severe infection, curved canals, or difficult tooth pain diagnosis.
The best first step is to see a dentist for an examination and X-ray. From there, your dentist can explain whether your case can be treated in-office or whether a specialist referral is the better path.
If you have tooth pain, swelling, lingering sensitivity, or symptoms of infection, Magnolia Dentistry can help you understand your options and protect your natural tooth whenever possible. Schedule a visit with our dentist in Burbank, CA for a careful evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a regular dentist do a root canal?
Yes. A regular general dentist can perform many routine root canals. If the tooth has simple root anatomy and the infection is not too advanced, a general dentist can complete the treatment. Complex cases, retreatments, or unusual anatomy are typically referred to an endodontist.
Can a general dentist do a root canal and crown?
Yes, in most cases your general dentist can perform both the root canal and place the final crown in the same practice. This is convenient because one office manages your full course of treatment. If the root canal requires specialist referral to an endodontist, the endodontist handles only the root canal, then sends you back to your general dentist for the crown.
What type of dentist does root canals?
Root canals are performed by general dentists and endodontists. Endodontists are dental specialists who have completed additional training focused specifically on root canal treatment, tooth pain diagnosis, and saving teeth with complex internal problems.
What is a dentist who does root canals called?
A dentist who specializes in root canals is called an endodontist. All endodontists are dentists, but they complete extra post-dental-school training focused on the pulp, root canals, infection, and pain management.
Do all dentists do root canals?
Not all dentists perform root canals regularly. Some general dentists offer root canal treatment as part of their services; others refer most cases to endodontists. Whether a specific dentist performs root canals depends on their training, equipment, and comfort level with different case types.
What types of root canal procedures exist?
The main types are: (1) standard root canal treatment for first-time infection, (2) root canal retreatment when a previous procedure fails, (3) apicoectomy, surgical removal of the root tip for cases that can’t be treated conventionally, (4) pulpotomy, partial pulp removal, often used in children or as emergency relief, and (5) pulp capping, protective coverage of an exposed but uninfected pulp.
How do I find a qualified root canal dentist?
Start with your general dentist, they can treat most routine cases or refer you to a trusted endodontist. For specialist searches, use the American Association of Endodontists’ online locator at aae.org to find board-certified endodontists by ZIP code.
Can an emergency dentist do a root canal?
Yes, many emergency dentists can diagnose the problem and start root canal treatment. If the case is straightforward, they may complete the full procedure. For complex cases, they often provide urgent pain relief first, then refer you for completion.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are completed in one or two visits. A single-visit root canal on a straightforward tooth may take 60-90 minutes. Complex molars or teeth requiring retreatment may need two separate appointments totaling 2-3 hours.
Is a root canal better than pulling the tooth?
If the tooth can be saved, a root canal is almost always the better long-term option. It keeps your natural tooth in place, maintains proper bite, and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting. Extraction may be necessary only when the tooth is too damaged or infected to restore safely.
What happens if I wait too long for a root canal?
Waiting allows the infection to spread, intensifies pain, causes increasing swelling, risks spreading to the jaw or neck, and reduces the chance of saving the tooth. Dental infections can become serious if untreated — scheduling an exam promptly after symptoms appear gives the tooth the best chance of recovery.
