A root canal procedure is an important endodontics treatment that can save your natural tooth from extraction. If your tooth has severe infection, our dentist or endodontist may conduct a root canal procedure to save the tooth. We recommend this treatment if an infection has reached the tooth’s root. Root canal treatments are one of the general dentistry services Bella Smiles provides to our new and existing patients. Dr. Lotardo, Dr. Pop, and Dr. Caesar perform root canals at Bella Smiles in Riverhead, Nesconset, and Roslyn, NY.
Tooth infections are usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Modern advances in both techniques and materials make the root canal procedure more comfortable and effective. Saving your natural tooth is much better for your oral health than losing it to decay and disease.
The treatment will keep your natural tooth in place and maintain the strength of your mouth and bite. Unfortunately, losing a tooth can create more complex dental problems. Replacing a tooth requires extensive dental treatment and is more expensive than root canal therapy.
What Is a Root Canal?
The actual root canal is a channel of pulp that runs through the roots of the tooth. The pulp contains all the things your teeth need to survive, like blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. However, a fully grown tooth no longer needs the pulp to stay healthy.
Sometimes damage to the tooth can infect the pulp. If this happens, our dentists can clean out the infected tooth pulp. Patients are often afraid that a root canal treatment will be painful. Actually, most patients are in so much pain before the surgery that the treatment brings instant relief.
Most of the time a root canal infection is the result of untreated tooth decay. Decay causes weak tooth enamel and pain. The damage will expose the pulp and make it susceptible to an infection from the bacteria. Dentists call this condition “pulpitis”.
An untreated tooth cavity, trauma to the tooth, or a crack in the tooth can cause pulpitis, which is an infection of the dental pulp within the tooth. You will know whether you have pulpitis from the painful symptoms.
Root canal therapy is necessary for some patients because bacteria and germs can easily move into the pulp of a damaged tooth. The bacteria will cause pain, and spread infection throughout your body.
The only way to get relief from the pain is to get a root canal procedure. If you are experiencing this type of pain, call our office as soon as possible for an appointment. We also provide emergency root canals. Our dentists at Bella Smiles can relieve tooth pain and infections with urgent dental care.
Pam S.
Root Canal Procedures: What to Expect
One of our dentists will complete the root canal treatment in a single visit to our local Bella Smiles dentist office. We promise to do all that we can to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Dr. Ceaser, Dr. Lotardo, or Dr. Pop will inject local anesthetic and dental sedation if you need it.
After numbing your mouth, our dentist will make a small hole in the back of the tooth. This will give them access to the inside of the tooth. Then they will use an endodontic file to remove all the infected dental pulp. Once this part is complete, you’ll likely feel instant relief.
Once the tooth is clear of infection, our dentist will thoroughly clean the inside of the tooth. He or she will then place a biocompatible compound called gutta-percha inside the tooth. Gutta-percha is a tooth-colored material that acts as a permanent filling for the root canal.
The final step is to seal the tooth with a dental filling. This will help protect the tooth from future decay. Our dentist will likely recommend a dental crown if needed. A dental crown will make the treated tooth stronger and protect it from future damage.
Root Canal FAQs
Do you want to learn more? We’re here to help. Read answers to common questions about root canals in Roslyn, Riverhead, and Nesconset, NY.
Is it better to get a tooth pulled or have a root canal procedure?
This is on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, it may be better to remove the tooth rather than undergo root canal treatment. However, a root canal treatment has higher success rates and is therefore the more common treatment of the two. A root canal has fewer ways to become an issue after the procedure than when getting a tooth extraction.
Is a root canal treatment painful?
The root canal treatment is no more painful than a dental filling. Modern technology makes root canal treatments much easier and much more comfortable. Dentists use local anesthesia to numb your tooth and the surrounding area. So, there is much less pain during the procedure.
What are the benefits of getting a root canal?
Getting a root canal can save your natural tooth and protect your oral health. Here are the main benefits of root canal treatment in our Long Island offices:
- Saves your natural tooth: A root canal removes the infected or damaged pulp while keeping your tooth in place. This helps preserve the tooth’s strength and structure. Keeping your natural tooth also prevents other teeth from shifting out of position, which can affect your bite and jaw alignment.
- Stops infection from spreading: The procedure removes the bacteria and infected tissue inside the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to nearby teeth, gums, or even the jawbone. Treating the tooth with a root canal helps protect the rest of your mouth and prevents more serious dental problems.
- Relieves pain: Infection and inflammation inside the tooth can cause sharp, throbbing, or constant pain. A root canal removes the source of the pain and often provides immediate relief. Many patients feel more comfortable and can return to normal eating and speaking after their procedure.
- Prevents future dental problems: Treating an infected tooth now reduces the risk of abscesses, bone loss, and further decay. Without treatment, these issues can become more complicated and costly to fix. A root canal helps keep your smile healthy and avoids the need for more invasive dental work later.
- Cost-effective: Saving your natural tooth is usually easier and less expensive than replacing it with an implant, bridge, or denture. Preserving the tooth helps maintain your natural bite and jaw function. Over time, avoiding tooth loss can save time and money while protecting your overall oral health.
Getting a root canal treatment in Nesconset, Riverhead, and Roslyn can relieve tooth pain and restore your teeth. Dr. Lotardo will recommend this treatment to avoid the need for extraction and tooth replacement.
Why do some root canal procedures take multiple visits?
Most of the time, root canal procedures take two visits. Our dentist will remove the infection during the first appointment. At the second appointment, our dentist will clean the tooth and fill the root canal with gutta-percha.
He or she will also begin the process of placing a dental crown to strengthen the tooth. This prevents complications after the operation.
What happens if you leave a tooth untreated that needs a root canal procedure?
An untreated tooth that needs a root canal treatment can cause these symptoms:
- Persistent discomfort
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Pain without any apparent trigger
If you don’t seek treatment for the infection, it can spread to other parts of your mouth and body. For example, it can lead to a dental abscess that requires immediate dental treatment. A dental abscess is when a bacterial infection creates a pocket of pus in your gums.
As the infection progresses, it can weaken the tooth’s structure. It can make the tooth more susceptible to fractures, breakage, and tooth loss. In such cases, we need to remove the tooth.
Should I take antibiotics before a root canal treatment?
Some dentists will recommend an antibiotic prior to a root canal treatment, but it’s not always necessary. Some patients with specific conditions or risks will benefit the most, but healthy patients will not need to take this step. Our dentist will only prescribe an antibiotic if he feels it is necessary.
Save Your Tooth
Don’t let your tooth pain take over your life! Bella Smiles offers affordable root canal treatments in all our Long Island dental offices to relieve your tooth pain. We’ll work with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage. Call our office today or schedule an appointment online. Serving Nesconset, Roslyn, and Riverhead.