Are Dentists Qualified to Do Root Canals? My Experience Choosing Between a General Dentist and an Endodontist

Table of Contents

1) The short answer: yes, with a key nuance

You can get a root canal done by a general dentist. They learn how to do this in school and by law they can do root canals. But I figured out there’s a catch. Some root canals are easy, and dentists do them all the time. But some are hard, and that’s when an endodontist—someone who only does root canals—can help.

So how do you know which one to pick? For me, it came down to three things: how tricky the tooth looks, how much practice the dentist has, and what kind of tools they have in the office. Once I looked at those things, the choice was less stressful.

2) What general dentists learn about root canals

I asked my own dentist to explain what they learned. Here’s what I found out.

• Dental school basics: Every dentist learns about root canals in school. They study tooth parts, what happens when the inside gets infected, how to read X-rays, and the basics of doing a root canal. DDS and DMD are the same thing—just different names, both are real dentists. Dental schools have to follow strict rules for teaching this stuff.
• License and what they can do: Dentists have to pass tests to get their license, and that means they can do a big range of dental jobs, including root canals. Even though endodontics is a special area, normal dentists are allowed to do root canals if they think they can do it well.
• Learning after school: What you learn in school is just a start. Dentists get better by taking more classes and seeing more patients. Many take classes on the newest tools and ways to clean and shape the canals during a root canal. More training means they get better at picking the right cases and doing a good job.
• Which cases they treat: Usually dentists treat straight-forward front teeth and some side teeth. Some will do back teeth (molars) if it doesn’t look too hard, but many will send those to a specialist. It’s different for everybody—ask your dentist how much practice they’ve had with your kind of tooth.

I think of regular dentists as the main doctor for your mouth. They can see the whole picture and will fix your tooth with a filling or crown after your root canal.

3) What endodontists do and why it matters

An endodontist is a dentist who went back for 2-3 more years of training after dental school just to focus on root canals and tooth pain. Their extra training covers tough cases, surgery tips, weird kinds of tooth pain, fixing roots that have been treated before, and fixing teeth after accidents.

Why does that count? I noticed two big things:

• Lots of practice: Endodontists do root canals all day, every day. They do way more than general dentists, and this makes them faster and better when things get tricky.
• Special tools: Endodontists have fancy gear like dental operating microscopes so they can see every part of the tooth. They use advanced X-rays (CBCT), tiny cleaning tools, and special machines to seal the tooth. All this stuff makes even hard root canals turn out better.

Endodontists really help when roots are twisted, blocked, there’s an extra canal, the tooth was already treated and hurts again, there’s a crack, you’ve had a tooth injury, or the problem just isn’t clear.

4) The biggest differences you’ll notice in real life

When I look back, these are the main things I noticed:

• Training: Dentists learn root canals in school and extra classes. Endodontists get special training for several more years. Both are real dentists—one just spent a lot more time on root canals.
• How many they do: Most dentists do easy root canals on front teeth. Endodontists do lots of root canals every week, including hard cases. More practice means they do it faster and usually get it right.
• Tools: Endodontists use better gear—like a microscope and 3D X-ray. Some dentists have these, but not all. It’s fine to ask about it before you start.
• What they focus on: Dentists do lots of things (cleanings, fillings, crowns, some root canals). Endodontists just do things related to root canals.

This doesn’t mean a dentist can’t do a good root canal. But for tough teeth, or when you’re not sure what’s going on, I think a specialist is the safer bet.

5) When I’d choose an endodontist: clear referral criteria

Here’s how I decide or tell friends to choose:

• The tooth looks tricky in the X-ray (curved roots, tiny or extra canals, funny shapes).
• The tooth already had a root canal, but the pain is back or there’s an infection.
• You had a tooth accident (broken or knocked out, or moved in its socket).
• The pain is hard to pin down, or the dentist can’t figure out what’s wrong.
• You’re really nervous, have a strong gag reflex, or medical problems that make a fast and easy visit better. Or you want to be sedated.
• Your dentist says to see an endodontist—trust this! It usually means they want what’s best for you.

6) Root canal success rates without the hype

Root canals mostly work well. Studies say as long as the dentist does a good job cleaning and closing up the tooth, and you get a strong filling or crown after, your tooth should last. The best chances are when the problem’s caught early, and everything is done right.

Here’s what stood out to me. For easy front teeth, both dentists and endodontists do a good job. For tough back teeth with weird roots, endodontists are often better at it because of their tools and experience. If you need a second root canal on the same tooth, a specialist is usually better.

The real question to ask isn’t “Is my dentist allowed to do this?” but “Does my tooth really need a specialist?” That helped me worry less.

7) The root canal procedure step by step

Knowing what would happen made me feel better. Here’s what they do:

• Figuring it out: The dentist looks at your tooth, asks about pain, does some tests (cold, tapping, X-rays). Sometimes a 3D scan is needed if they can’t see everything.
• Numbing up and keeping it clean: You’ll get numbed so it doesn’t hurt. A rubber sheet called a dental dam keeps things dry, clean, and safe.
• Getting access: The dentist drills a little hole to reach the inside of your tooth and find the canals (the tiny spaces inside). Endodontists use special microscopes to help with this.
• Cleaning and shaping: They scoop out the infected tooth pulp and clean all the canals using tiny files and rinsing solutions. Sometimes they use ultrasonic machines to help wash out everything.
• Closing it up: Once it’s clean, they fill the space with a soft, rubbery material and a glue to seal bacteria out.
• Fixing the top: The tooth needs a final filling or, usually for back teeth, a crown to keep it strong. Your dentist may use a lab to make a custom crown that fits your bite and looks like your other teeth. Ask about digital scanning—it can make crowns fit better and get done faster. If you want, learn more about how a digital dental lab works.
• How many visits: Some root canals are done in one day, sometimes two. Don’t feel rushed—ask which is best for your tooth.
• After and check-ups: Your tooth might be sore for a day or two. Don’t chew on it hard until the crown is on. Your dentist may take another X-ray later to make sure it healed well.

8) Cost, insurance, and value

I used to worry about costs, but ended up thinking differently. Prices change a lot depending on where you live, which tooth it is, and if you go to a dentist or an endodontist. Dentists sometimes cost a bit less. Endodontists might charge more because their training and tools cost more. Insurance should pay some, but not always enough to cover everything.

The way I look at it, a well-done root canal and good crown can save your tooth for years. A bad one means you could need to do it again or lose the tooth. That costs more in the long run and wastes more time. For important back teeth, I don’t go looking for the cheapest option.

If the tooth can’t be saved, your other choice is taking it out and getting a dental implant. Implants work but they cost more and take longer. If you need to know more, check this page: dental implant.

9) Questions to ask before you say yes

I keep this list in my phone so I don’t forget:

• How many root canals like mine do you do each month?
• Is my tooth a front, side, or back tooth? Does that change your advice?
• Do you use a dental dam for every root canal?
• Will you use a microscope or magnifiers to find the canals?
• When do you send patients to the endodontist, and does my case fit that?
• Would a 3D scan help you see things better?
• What will the final fix be—filling or crown? If a crown, which kind and why?
• What are my chances of success with my tooth, based on what you see?
• What will the whole treatment cost—including the crown? Will my insurance help?
• If my tooth can’t be saved, what are my options?

10) Real-world scenarios from my own journey

These stories helped me make decisions:

• Simple front tooth with deep cavity: This was a front tooth with a straight root. My dentist showed the X-ray, it looked simple. He used a dental dam and good modern tools. It was quick and a filling was fine. Years later, it’s still fine.
• Tricky back tooth: My lower molar hurt when chewing. X-ray showed a curved root and maybe extra canals. Dentist said endodontist would do a better job. The endodontist found an extra canal and cleaned it out using a microscope. Tooth needed a crown, but everything worked out. The regular dentist worked with the lab so my crown fit perfectly. The team effort was great.
• Redo or pull it out: My friend had pain in a tooth that had a root canal years ago. The endodontist used a 3D scan, found a canal that was missed years ago. Retreatment worked. If not, she would have lost the tooth and needed an implant. This made me less worried about choosing retreatment first.

11) Myths and quick answers

I hear these all the time. Here’s what I say:

• Are dentists trained for root canals? Yes, they learn this in school and can keep learning more afterward.
• Are endodontists dentists? Yes, they are dentists then go back for more special training.
• Is it unsafe to have my dentist do it? Not if it’s a simple tooth and they are comfortable with it. The important thing is to match how hard the case is with the dentist’s skills.
• Who does the most root canals? Endodontists, especially hard molars and repeats. But regular dentists do a lot too, mostly easy ones.
• Pain after root canal? Soreness is normal, whoever does it. Bad pain or swelling after means you need to call the dentist.
• DDS vs DMD? They are the same. What matters is how much practice and training your dentist has, not the letters.

12) Post-treatment care, comfort, and follow-up

You’ll probably feel a little sore for a day or two but regular painkillers help. Listen to your dentist about what to eat, how to clean your teeth, and when you can chew on your new tooth. Don’t wait too long to get your crown if you need one—a temporary is not meant for chewing for more than a few days, or your tooth might break.

If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a night guard. A custom night guard made by a night guard dental lab can keep your new crown safe.

Call your dentist if you get more pain, swelling, fever, or a pimple near the tooth—these can be signs of trouble.

13) How to find a qualified provider you trust

Here’s what I do:

• Ask your dentist: How often do they treat teeth like yours? Do they refer if it’s too hard? Straight talk builds trust.
• Check their tools: Do they use a dental dam for every patient? Do they use magnifiers or microscopes? For hard cases, can they use a 3D scan?
• Think about a specialist: If your tooth is a difficult back tooth, has weird roots, or is a redo, specialists are usually best. Ask if the endodontist is board-certified.
• How will they fix the tooth in the end: The right crown matters. Many dentists work with a good crown and bridge lab to make a strong, good-looking crown.
• Think of the long view: Saving your real tooth is best if you can. Pulling it should be last. If that happens, implants are a good backup.

14) Final thoughts

Here’s my main lesson: General dentists can do root canals, and many do them well, especially on easy teeth in the front or side. Endodontists have extra training and do root canals every day, so for harder cases or redos, they’re the best bet.

Don’t stress over every detail. Ask simple questions, look at the X-rays, and talk about the plan, including if you’ll need a crown after. If your dentist says you should see a specialist, it’s a sign they want the best care for you.

I hope this helps make things clear. Your teeth are important—make choices with some info, not just by guessing. You’ll feel more at ease.

Professional note:

I made sure what I wrote here matches what dental schools teach and the main standards dentists follow. Using the right images, a dental dam, picking the right cases, and getting the tooth fixed soon after are all part of normal care. When I needed to check hard cases and root canal redos, I looked at what endodontist groups say.