A root canal procedure is an important endodontics treatment that can save your natural tooth from extraction. If your tooth has severe infection, your dentist or endodontist may conduct a root canal procedure to save the tooth. We will 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.
Tooth infections are usually because of poor oral hygiene habits. 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 rather than loosing it to decay and disease.
Dr. Lotardo, Dr. Pop, and Dr. Caesar perform root canals at Bella Smiles in Riverhead, Nesconset, and Roslyn, NY. 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, and require extensive dental care. 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 needs 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 this 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. You will know if you have pulpitis or not because of the painful symptoms.
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. Root canal therapy is necessary 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.
Root Canal Procedures: What to Expect
Your dentist 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. Your dentist will inject local anesthetic and dental sedation if you need it.
After numbing your mouth, the dentist will make a small hole in the back of the tooth. This will give them access to the inside of the tooth where the infection is. Then they will use an endodontic file to remove all the infected dental pulp. Once this part is complete, you will likely feel instant relief.
Once the tooth is clear of infection, your dentist will thoroughly clean the inside of the tooth. They will then place a biocompatible compound inside the tooth. Gutta percha is essentially 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. Your dentist will likely recommend a dental crown as well. A dental crown will make the treated tooth stronger and protect it from future damage.
Root Canal FAQs
Is it better to get a tooth pulled or have a root canal procedure?
This is on a case-by-case basis. For some circumstances, it may be better to remove the tooth rather than to have a 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 versus when getting a tooth extraction.
Is a root canal treatment painful?
The root canal treatment is no more painful that getting 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.
Why do some root canal procedures take multiple visits?
Most of the time root canal procedures take two visits. Your dentist will remove the infection during the first appointment. At the second appointment, your dentist will clean the tooth and fill the root canal with gutta-percha.
They 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 persistent pain and discomfort. The infected pulp can result in throbbing pain, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. It can even cause spontaneous pain without any apparent trigger.
If you do not 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 will require immediate dental work. 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, extraction may be necessary instead of just performing a root canal procedure.
Should I take antibiotics before a root canal treatment?
Some dentists will recommend an antibiotic prior to a root canal treatment, however 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. Your dentist will only prescribe an antibiotic if he feels it is necessary.
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 will work with your dental insurance to maximize your coverage. Call our office today or schedule an appointment online.