Your dental professional suggests a root canal treatment when a tooth shows signs of infection or decay. This treatment involves the removal of the soft center of the tooth, also known as pulp. Pulp consists of connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. After the pulp is taken out, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and filled with a sealant. Root canals are usually performed under local anesthesia.
Why Are Root Canals Necessary?
Root canals need to be done when a tooth has been exposed to infection or the pulp is damaged. Bacteria and particles of decay multiply within the chamber of the tooth. This could lead to an abscess, which is a collection of pus formed at the root of the tooth. An abscess develops when an infection spreads past the ends of the tooth’s roots. Any infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:
- Drainage: A hole can form at the side of the tooth draining to the gums. A hole can also form on the cheek and drain into the skin.
- Loss of bone around the root of the tooth
- Swelling around the head, neck, and face
Some symptoms of a root canal being necessary:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Tooth decay
- Injury/trauma to the mouth
- Tooth sensitivity to temperature (hot or cold)
- Repeated dental work in the same area
Root Canal Procedure
When administering this treatment, your dental profession will first take an X-ray to examine the inside of the tooth. This allows them to see the shape of the canals as well as any signs of potential infection. Then local anesthesia will be used to numb the area surrounding the tooth. Following this, the tooth is drilled into to access the debris that needs to be removed. Pulp and decayed matter is cleaned out using an endodontic file. The root canals of the tooth are scrubbed, and water or sodium hypochlorite is then used to flush away any remaining particles. To prevent any recurring infection, the dentist may use a topical medication on the area. After this, the tooth is sealed. Depending on the circumstances, your dentist may seal the tooth the same day or may wait around a week.
Root Canal Prevention
Root canals are preventable if you take proper care of your teeth. Decay is usually a primary cause of a root canal being necessary, so make sure you brush your teeth twice a day. Aim to floss at least once a day. If you play sports, use a mouth guard to protect yourself from injuries. Ensure that you visit your dentist regularly. Stop by one of our Dental Made Easy offices to see a dentist for your checkups or if you think you need to have a root canal!
Your Dental Health
When it comes to your health, trust in the dentists at Dental Made Easy. Dental Made Easy has the best dental practices in New York City and we are open on Sundays as well as late evenings. All of our dental offices are open and accepting new patients at this time. We are rated among the top dental practices in New York, NY with numerous 5-star reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. For a teeth cleaning or exam, we recommend calling or booking an appointment online with one of our talented dental professionals. All new patients may also take advantage of our $149 Cleaning Special that includes an exam and x-rays of our Free Dental Implant Consultation Special.
To set up your appointment give us a call at (844) 979-EASY (3279). We have offices in Forest Hills, Queens, Little Caribbean, Brooklyn and Garden City, Long Island. Walk-ins welcomed, we take emergencies and we are open on late nights to accommodate patients with a busy schedule. We hope to see you soon!
