Root Canals

Are you experiencing an enormous amount of dental pain while biting and chewing your food? Does this pain restrict you from consuming the necessary amount of food for your health? If so, it's crucial to consult a dentist and address the issue promptly. Often, we tend to overlook the importance of dental health for our overall well-being. Remember, maintaining the hygiene of your teeth is just as crucial as looking after the health of other parts of your body.

What is a Root Canal?

It is an endodontic procedure that deals with the interior of the tooth. A hollow core filled with pulp lies underneath the hard enamel of the tooth. This pulp is a mass of blood vessels, fine nerves, and connective tissue that feeds the tooth's hard structure during growth.

Sometimes the tooth's strong enamel cracks, exposing the pulp and triggering inflammation or infection of the root. It might be the result of an accident or ordinary dental decay that has gone untreated for an extended period of time, resulting in an abscess.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

• Pain Relief and Comfort: Root canal treatment aims to reduce the persistent pain and discomfort associated with tooth issues.
• Preservation of Natural Tooth: A Root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth in place, avoiding the need for extraction and potential replacement with implants or dentures.
• Affordability and Insurance Coverage: Root canal treatments are often covered by dental insurance, making them a financially viable option for many patients.
• Protecting Surrounding Teeth: Addressing root canal problems not only benefits the affected tooth but also contributes to the overall health of the adjacent teeth.
• Time-Efficient Procedure: Root canal treatments typically require only a few visits to the dental office.

What happens during a Root Canal Procedure?

• Your dentist will begin by numbing the region around the damaged tooth using local anesthesia.
• Following that is the draining of the infected tooth's pulp. If left untreated, this diseased mass of blood vessels and nerves can create an abscess or cavity. Mature teeth no longer require pulp since they are nourished by the surrounding live tissue. As a result, adults can safely have this pulp extracted.
• The tooth's hollow is then cleansed and sterilized to remove any infectious tissues. The pulp chamber is then shaped to prepare for a filling.
• To completely seal the root canal, a filling composed of gutta-percha, a biocompatible material that resembles rubber, is used along with an adhesive.
• Last but not least, a temporary crown is affixed to the top to safeguard the restoration site until a permanent crown can be made.
• Subsequently, your dentist at Dental Smile-Savers will proceed to affix a permanent crown to finalize the tooth restoration.

If you have a badly infected tooth, it's imperative to seek the expertise of a dentist, preferably an endodontist, for timely repair. For those in the Bronx, New York area, Dental Smile-Savers, led by Dr. Finlay and her team offer exceptional dental care. Don't delay in seeking treatment for any dental discomfort you may be experiencing. Your oral health is a vital part of your overall well-being.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is a root canal procedure?

A root canal is a dental procedure performed to treat an infected or damaged tooth by removing the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth) and cleaning, disinfecting, and sealing the tooth's interior to prevent further infection.

Why would I need a root canal?

Root canals are typically needed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma. Symptoms may include severe toothache, swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold, and tenderness of the surrounding gums.

Is a root canal painful?

Modern techniques and anesthesia make root canals relatively comfortable. While some patients may experience mild discomfort during recovery, the procedure itself is done under local anesthesia to ensure you're as comfortable as possible.

How long does a root canal take?

The duration of a root canal depends on the tooth's complexity and the extent of infection. In general, the procedure can be completed in one or two visits. Front teeth often require less time than molars, which have multiple roots.

What happens after a root canal?

After a root canal, the treated tooth may be sensitive for a few days. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. A crown is typically placed on the tooth to protect and restore its function, and patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.