General Dentistry involves preventative care, root canal treatment, crown and bridge work, teeth removal, orthodontics (Invisalign), false teeth and treatment of gum disease.
Root Canal Treatment
The aim of root canal treatment (also called “endodontic” treatment) is to save a tooth that has been badly damaged due to decay, disease or injury. Many millions of teeth each year are saved from extraction by having root canal treatment. Most people prefer to save their tooth because generally it will function better than an artificial tooth. Your own tooth is usually stronger and more efficient for biting and chewing. Cleaning and maintenance of a natural tooth are much easier. However good an artificial tooth can be, it will never be more than just a substitute for a real tooth. Problems with biting, chewing and oral health are associated with losing a tooth.
For example, nearby teeth can move out of their normal position and tilt into the space left by a missing tooth. This can make chewing and biting difficult, and can lead to further decay and gum disease around the tilted teeth. Root canal treatment is successful in most cases. If you take good care of the treated tooth, it may last for many years and possibly for the rest of your life. Your tooth will not be treated unless the treatment is likely to succeed. Root canal treatment may not be appropriate in some cases, and extraction may be the best, or only, option. All general dental practitioners are trained to perform root canal treatment. Some patients may be referred by their dentist to a specialist dentist called an endodontist who has special training and qualifications in root canal treatment.