Thanks to root canals, it’s possible to treat tooth infections, deep cavities, and significant oral trauma without the need for an extraction. At Family Smile Dental in New York City, the expert team regularly conducts root canal therapy. Using specialized tools and years of experience, the team can minimize any pain and restore your smile to a vibrant, healthy condition. To make an appointment at either practice location, call the office in the Sheepshead Bay or Midwood neighborhoods of Brooklyn, or schedule online today.
What are root canals?
A root canal is an endodontic procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from the center of a tooth.
Pulp is a soft substance made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It provides nourishment to your teeth and makes it possible to feel temperature sensations like hot and cold, but it isn’t necessary for their long-term survival.
By removing the infected or damaged pulp, your Family Smile Dental provider can prevent further issues and preserve your permanent teeth.
When are root canals performed?
Family Smile Dental performs root canals when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed.
You might benefit from root canal therapy if you experience:
- Deep decay caused by an untreated cavity
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Significant oral trauma
- Multiple dental procedures on a single tooth
Pulp-related problems don’t always present symptoms right away. If you experience pain in your tooth, swelling, or a sensation of heat in your gums, contact Family Smile Dental right away.
What do root canals involve?
At Family Smile Dental, root canals take two appointments about a week apart.
First appointment
Before recommending a root canal, your Family Smile Dental provider conducts an oral exam and takes a series of X-rays. If they determine you have a cavity or severely damaged tooth, they administer a local anesthetic and move forward with treatment.
When the anesthesia sets in, your provider carefully removes the infected or damaged pulp from the center of your tooth. Afterward, they rinse it with an antiseptic solution and fill it with a material called gutta-percha. Once the gutta-percha dries, your provider takes impressions of your tooth and applies a temporary crown.
Then, they send your impressions to a dental laboratory that designs and manufactures a permanent crown.
Second appointment
When the laboratory completes your crown, you return to Family Smile Dental. Your provider administers a local anesthetic, removes your temporary crown, and replaces it with the permanent one. Then, they polish your teeth and provide care instructions.
What is recovery like following a root canal?
Following a root canal, many people experience increased tooth sensitivity and swelling. To minimize any discomfort, take over-the-counter pain medication or apply an ice pack to your cheek. For the first 24-48 hours eat only soft foods and avoid biting down on your temporary crown.
To explore the benefits of root canals, make an appointment at Family Smile Dental by calling the nearest office or scheduling online today.