If you’re experiencing tooth infections or pulpal nerve damage, dentistry can provide relief. Your dentist may recommend a root canal if they identify signs of infection or nerve damage. This procedure can save your tooth and preserve your natural smile.
Untreated tooth infections can lead to severe consequences, including bone loss or the need for tooth extraction. In this article, you’ll learn about root canal procedures and the symptoms that indicate a need for one, so you can take control of your oral health.
What Exactly is a Root Canal?
Rather than removing a badly damaged or infected tooth, root canal treatment aims to save and repair it. Root canals are an excellent alternative, allowing you to retain important chewing teeth like molars.
The term “root canal” refers to the process of cleaning out the canals within a tooth’s root and removing the nerve endings to eliminate tooth pain. In the past, this procedure was painful, but advancements in modern dentistry and local anesthesia have made it virtually painless. Living with a decaying tooth is often more painful than undergoing a root canal.
Root canals can also be replaced with other options like dental implants, partial dentures, or bridges. Alternatively, if the pain is bearable, you can choose to leave the tooth untreated. However, getting a root canal can greatly improve your comfort and help you keep your natural teeth intact.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
Bacteria can invade the canal of a tooth, infecting the pulp and causing nerve pain. This necessitates a root canal. Additionally, an untreated cavity can progress to the point where the root becomes exposed, making it vulnerable to infection. A root canal may also be necessary for a cracked or damaged tooth resulting from trauma.
In some cases, there may be no noticeable signs that a root canal is needed at first. However, many individuals experience specific symptoms, such as:
Persistent tooth pain: Throbbing tooth pain that doesn’t subside can indicate various dental issues. If the pain radiates to other teeth, your jaw, or face, it may be a sign that you need a root canal.
Tooth sensitivity to touch: If you experience shooting pain or discomfort when brushing or eating, it could indicate that one of your teeth is sensitive. Sensitive teeth are a common sign that a root canal is necessary, as it can alleviate pain caused by sensitivity.
Sensitivity to hot or cold: Tooth sensitivity can extend beyond pain. Discomfort or pain while eating warm foods or ice cream may indicate the need for a root canal. If your teeth have become more sensitive to temperature, it’s time to visit a dentist to determine if an infected tooth is the cause.
Tender or swollen gums: An infected tooth can lead to pus collection and cause tender or swollen gums. This is a clear indicator that a root canal is needed.
Tooth damage: Cracked or broken teeth make the canals and pulp vulnerable to infection, resulting in pain, swelling, and discomfort. If your teeth are damaged, consult with a dentist about the possibility of a root canal to address the issue before it worsens.
Why Should You Get a Root Canal?
There are several compelling reasons to opt for a root canal if you have an infected tooth or suspect that one may be needed. These include:
Preventing the infection from spreading to surrounding teeth.
Alleviating symptoms associated with infected teeth, such as pain and discomfort.
Reducing the risk of jawbone damage.
Avoiding the need for a tooth extraction.
Undergoing a root canal allows you to save your teeth, maintain your natural smile, and continue enjoying your favorite foods. It can also minimize the need for ongoing dental work, which can be time-consuming, uncomfortable, and costly. When you have an infected tooth, a root canal is often the best choice. Identifying an infection early on is crucial in preventing further complications and the potential loss of teeth.
With advancements in the dental field, root canals have a long-term success rate of around 92%. This means you can be confident that a root canal will provide relief from tooth infections, alleviating the pain and discomfort that can disrupt your daily life.
Discover the Root Canal Process at Midtown Endodontist NYC
Are you experiencing tooth pain and discomfort? Don’t let it interfere with your daily life. Trust the professionals at Midtown Endodontist NYC to provide high-quality care and relief from your dental woes.
Our root canal process follows a proven and effective procedure that is the same across all dental offices. First, our experienced dentists will conduct X-rays to assess the extent of the damage and determine if root canal therapy is the best option for you.
Once the root canal process begins, here’s what you can expect:
Pain-free procedure: Anesthesia will be administered to numb your nerves and eliminate any pain you may experience. If you’re feeling anxious, we have medications to help you relax, which can be administered orally, through IV, or using nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.
Ensuring a dry environment: We use a rubber dam to isolate the affected tooth and keep it dry during treatment.
Accessing the pulp: A small opening will be created in your tooth’s crown to allow your dentist to access the pulp.
Removing the pulp: Using specialized dental tools, your dentist will carefully remove the nerves, tissue, and blood vessels from the tooth.
Cleaning and shaping the canals: The root canals and pulp chamber will be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to promote healing.
Filling the canals: The emptied canals will be filled with a flexible and durable material called gutta-percha.
Seal and temporary filling: A temporary filling will be placed to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from re-entering.
Final restoration: In most cases, a custom-made crown will be placed on the tooth to provide added protection and restore your bite. If needed, the crown can be positioned during your root canal appointment or scheduled for later placement.
At Midtown Endodontist NYC, we value the importance of patient education and comfort. We want you to feel informed and at ease throughout your root canal treatment.
Choose us for your root canal needs and take advantage of our free consultations. We offer flexible payment options to ensure you receive the best treatment at a price you can afford. Let us help you improve your oral health and eliminate pain and discomfort–trust the professionals at Midtown Endodontist NYC.
