When your tooth has suffered so much decay that it has affected the tooth's root, or you have endured trauma to the mouth, you may need to undergo root canal treatment – a procedure that more than 15 million people must receive every single year in the United States. While it is true that you general dentist is more than capable of performing a root canal treatment, you may want to consider seeking the service of a particular type of dental specialist for the procedure: an endodontist. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Endodontists Are More Experienced.

According to the American Association of Endodontists, an endodontist will perform, on average, 25 root canals every week, but regular dentists will perform less than two a week. Not only that, but American endodontists must go to school for at least two to three years longer than a regular dentist in order to received specialized training.

2. Endodontists Can Get You in Faster.

It isn't fun dealing with a painful tooth. When you're dealing with extreme oral pain, you want to be seen immediately. However, it could take days, if not weeks or months, to be seen by your regular general dentist, who is often booked up in advance for various appointment types, such as X-rays, routine cleanings, extractions, etc. Luckily, an endodontist will more than likely be able to get you in much quicker than your general dentist. This is primarily because of the endodontist's focus on endodontic treatment.

3. Endodontists Tend to Utilize Top-of-the-Line Dental Equipment.

A general dentist must invest in various types of dental equipment for their practice because they perform a wide assortment of procedures. For endodontists, however, this isn't true. Since focus on one specific area of dentistry, they are more likely to be able to place more funds on the latest, state-of-the-art equipment necessary to perform root canal procedures quickly, precisely and efficiently. This includes everything from digital imaging equipment and fiber optics to microscopes and ultrasonic instruments. As a result, you will undergo a more positive experience while at the dentist and can be assured that your root canal is being performed by an oral health professional who has everything necessary to perform the dental procedure to the best of his or her ability.

When you're experiencing numbing pain and need to have a root canal performed, you may want to consider seeing a specialist. While he or she may be the best person on the planet when it comes to the majority of your oral health needs, you are more likely to experience a quick and painless root canal if you schedule an appointment with an dentist that does root canals, like Dr. Andres Maeso.