Can Your General Dentist Perform a Root Canal? Understanding Their Role and When to See a Specialist

Have you ever sat in the dentist’s chair—nervous, maybe holding the armrest—when your dentist says, “I think you need a root canal”? Most people get a ton of questions running through their mind at that moment. Can my regular dentist actually do this? Should I go see a specialist? Is it safe? If you’ve ever wondered these things—or just want to know what a root canal is—you’re not the only one.

Let’s take a moment together. Getting a root canal isn’t as scary as it sounds. Let’s explain everything so you can feel relaxed and know what’s going on, whether you stay with your usual dentist or see someone else.

Before we start, here’s a simple guide so you know what we’ll talk about in this article.

In This Article

• What Is a Root Canal, and Why Would I Need One?
• Are General Dentists Qualified to Perform Root Canals?
• When Does a General Dentist Handle Root Canals?
• Why Might You Be Referred to an Endodontist?
• What Factors Influence the Choice?
• Root Canal Success Rates: General Dentist vs. Specialist
• What Will It Cost? (And Who Pays?)
• How to Decide: Questions to Ask Your Dentist
• Empowering Yourself: Key Takeaways

What Is a Root Canal, and Why Would I Need One?

Let’s start with the basics, because a lot of the worry comes from not knowing what happens. A root canal is a dental treatment that helps with swelling or infection inside the middle part (“pulp”) of your tooth. You can think of the pulp like the “heart” of your tooth: it’s where the nerves, blood, and soft stuff are, tucked safely in the middle under the hard layers.

If germs get into the pulp—maybe from a big cavity, a crack, or getting hit—the area can hurt, swell up, or even form a bump with pus (an abscess). If you don’t treat it, it can get worse or spread to other teeth.

A root canal removes the sick pulp, cleans out the tooth, and fills it up with a safe material. It’s the tooth’s way to get a second chance, and you get to keep your tooth instead of losing it and needing a fake one.

You might need a root canal if you have:

• Ongoing or really strong tooth pain
• Swollen or sore gums close to one tooth
• Your tooth hurts with hot or cold for a long time
• The tooth looks darker than the others
• A bump on the gums that looks like a pimple

If these things happen, see your dentist soon. Getting help early helps a lot.

Are General Dentists Qualified to Perform Root Canals?

Here’s the big question: Can your family dentist do a root canal, or is this always for a special dentist to do?

Short answer: Yes, most general dentists can do root canals.

But let’s talk about why, so you feel good about your care.

How General Dentists Learn Root Canals

General dentists go to dental school and get a DDS or DMD degree. They learn how to do basic root canals while in school. Think of it like everyone learns to drive a car—they get the basic skills first.

After dental school, some general dentists take extra classes or training in root canals to get even better. This might be at special courses, classes, or by practicing a lot.

If you picture root canal training like a scale, some general dentists do lots of them and feel really good about it, while some do a few simple ones.

What the Rules Say

In the U.S. (and most places), regular dentists are allowed to do root canals if they’re trained and feel comfortable with the case. The American Dental Association (ADA) has rules about what’s okay, and each dentist decides: “Can I do this well for this patient, or should I send them to someone else?”

The important part: It’s not just “can they”—it’s “should they, for your tooth?”

When Does a General Dentist Handle Root Canals?

Here’s where things get real. Not every root canal needs a specialist. Many are done by the general dentist you already see for cleanings and fillings.

Good Times for a General Dentist to Do It

General dentists will usually do root canals if:

• The tooth is simple: Front teeth or the pointy ones used for biting are usually single roots.
• Back teeth are not too tricky: If the back teeth don’t have weird shapes inside, a dentist might do them.
• The infection is small and caught early.
• It’s the first time having the root canal in that tooth.

Your general dentist might also do the root canal if:

• You know and trust them and feel calm in their office.
• You want to save time and just go to the same place.
• You’re worried about the cost: Having your main dentist do it can sometimes be cheaper.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

A general dentist usually does:

Most teeth fixed this way will need a crown, often made by a dental ceramics lab so it lasts and looks nice.

Why Sometimes It’s Better With Your Main Dentist

• Saves time: You don’t need another appointment somewhere else.
• You feel at home: They know you and your history.
• Less expensive: For easy cases, it can save you money.

Why Might You Be Referred to an Endodontist?

Some teeth are more difficult. Maybe the roots are twisty, the infection is deep, you had a root canal before and it failed, or the tooth is damaged some other way. That’s when your dentist might send you to a specialist.

An endodontist is a dentist who has 2-3 more years of special training and only does root canals and pain treatments.

When You Might Need a Specialist

You might get sent to an endodontist if:

• The roots of your tooth are curly, hard to find, or not normal
• The inside of the tooth is hard to reach or blocked
• You already had a root canal there and there’s a problem again
• You hurt the tooth (like cracking or breaking it)
• The tooth has extra roots/canals your regular dentist might not see
• Your health makes regular dental work harder

Endodontists use:

• Strong microscopes (to see tiny spaces)
• 3D x-rays like cone beam CT scans
• Special tools for cleaning tough teeth

So, they’ve got both the practice and the right tools for the hardest jobs.

When Do Dentists Usually Refer?

• The tooth is hard to fix
• A root canal there didn’t work before
• The treatment will take a lot more time or needs tools not in your main office

If your dentist tells you to see an endodontist, it means they care about you getting the best results.

What Factors Influence the Choice—General Dentist or Endodontist?

It comes down to picking the right person for the tooth. Here’s what matters:

1. Training and Confidence

Some dentists do root canals a lot. Others send tricky ones to someone else. You can ask things like:

• “How many root canals do you do in a year?”
• “Do you feel good about fixing my tooth?”

2. Tools in the Office

Does your dentist have:

• A microscope? (helps to see small spaces)
• Digital x-rays or fancy 3D ones?
• Modern root canal tools?

A dentist with more technology can often handle more kinds of teeth. If they don’t have these tools, they might send you out.

3. How They Work

Some dental offices like to do as much as possible themselves, while others team up with specialists if needed.

4. What You Want

• Would you rather stay with your usual dentist for comfort?
• Do you mind making trips for the best result on a tricky tooth?

Your questions are important. Dentists like to hear them!

Root Canal Success Rates: General Dentist vs. Specialist

Most people want to know, “Will my root canal last? Is it better with a specialist?”

Here are the facts.

General Dentists

• Success for simple cases: 85–95%
• For front teeth or easy shapes, this is common
• Most dentists track what works and what doesn’t to help their patients

Endodontists

• Success overall (including hard teeth): 90–98%
• If the tooth is difficult or needs a second try, the extra training can make a big difference

What affects the chance it works?

• A good look at the tooth and roots before starting
• Making sure it gets fully cleaned and no germs hide anywhere
• Covering your tooth with a strong crown at the end

Rare problems can be:

• Missed canals, infection stays
• Tiny tool breaking inside the tooth
• Tooth breaking later (if not protected with a crown)

The more a dentist does root canals, the smoother things usually go.

What Will It Cost? (And Who Pays?)

Nobody loves talking about money at the dentist, but it’s important to plan ahead.

Root Canal Prices by Dentist Type

• General dentist: Often cheaper for easy teeth. Prices change a lot depending on where you live, tooth type, and if you need extra fixes after.
• Specialist (Endodontist): Usually costs a bit more because they have extra training and high-tech tools.

Rough estimates (but can change!):

• Front teeth: $600–$1,100
• Premolars: $700–$1,300
• Molars: $900–$1,800+

Fixing your tooth after (like a new crown) usually costs more. Many dentists work with a china dental lab for strong crowns.

Dental Insurance

Most insurance helps pay for root canals at both regular dentists and specialists. What you pay depends on:

• Your plan and any costs you must pay first (deductible)
• If the tooth needs to be done for health reasons (not just to look better)
• If your dentist or specialist is in-network

Smart tip: Ask for a price quote before you start. The office staff deals with insurance all the time and can explain what you’ll owe.

How to Decide: Questions to Ask Your Dentist

Your dentist is there to help you. Here are some good questions to make things clear:

• “Do you do root canals often? How many this year?”
• “What kind of tools do you use for root canals?”
• “Do you think you should do my case, or should I see a specialist?”
• “What could go wrong, and how often do you see that?”
• “If things don’t go as planned, what will you do?”

Good dentists like your questions. If the team doesn’t want to talk or answer, you can always ask another dentist.

Empowering Yourself: Key Takeaways

Here’s the stuff you should remember:

• General dentists can do root canals, especially the simple ones.
• Endodontists are specialists if the tooth is tough, needs a redo, or has tricky roots.
• Both can do a good job if you have the right person for your tooth.
• How well it works depends on the dentist’s practice, tools, and picking the right cases.
• Costs can be close, but always get a price before you start.
• Always ask questions until you feel good about the plan.

Remember: the best dental care works when you and your dental team talk openly and trust each other.

If you want to read more about getting a crown made after a root canal, see our easy guide to crowns from a professional crown and bridge lab. And if you’re curious about how top dental labs make your crown fit just right, check out what a modern digital dental lab does to help your tooth feel natural.

What to Do Next

If you need a root canal—or think you do—get ready to talk it over. Make an appointment, bring your questions, and don’t worry about asking for clear answers. It’s your mouth, and you should feel comfortable every step of the way.

References:

• American Dental Association (ADA), Root Canal Therapy
• American Association of Endodontists (AAE), General Dentist vs Endodontist
• Dental Economics, Endodontic Success Rates (various studies summarized)

This article is reviewed by a licensed dental professional. Always talk to your own dentist before making decisions about your treatment.