Despite the common belief that root canals are unpleasant and painful, you may be surprised to learn that root canals are not as bad as you think. People are often wary of what they don’t understand, but learning some basic facts about root canals can help lessen those fears. New York dentist Dr. Sal Lotardo offers root canal treatment to relieve tooth pain and remove an infection from teeth.
A “root canal”, is necessary when the tissues inside your tooth, or the pulp, becomes infected. This usually happens as a result of bacteria entering through a cavity or a chip or crack in the surface of your tooth enamel. This infection in the pulp can spread down into the tissues of your gums and can become an abscess, which is a very severe and painful infection that can be dangerous to your overall health.
When Do I Need a Root Canal?
Signs that root canal treatment may be necessary include tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, sensitivity while chewing, and inflamed and sensitive gums around the tooth. Be sure you schedule a dental exam as soon as possible if you have these symptoms so that Dr. Lotardo can determine if a root canal is necessary and appropriate for your condition. He may refer you to an endodontist, a dental specialist that focuses on treating the interior of your teeth.
The Root Canal Procedure
To begin the procedure, your dentist will numb the area to be treated with a local anesthetic. Then, he will remove the infected pulp from inside the tooth and the root canals. Once the infected pulp has been removed, a biocompatible material is inserted to temporarily fill the interior of your tooth until restoration can begin. In some cases, a tiny metal rod may need to be placed in the root to secure the treated tooth. The dentist will create a dental crown to be placed over the treated tooth. Within several days, the swelling of the inflamed tissues will recede and the new tooth can be used just like your natural teeth.
Contact Our Office
To schedule a treatment with Dr. Lotardo and his dental team, you can call his Nesconset, NY office at (631) 228-8780, his Riverhead, NY office at (631) 574-3898, and his Roslyn, NY office at (516) 217-6668.