Saving Your Natural Tooth
If you’re experiencing intense tooth pain, you may be nervous about potentially losing a tooth. Though root canal therapy has an intimidating reputation, this procedure can save your natural tooth.
Using local anesthetic and our advanced technology, root canal therapy is easier than ever. Most patients say that getting root canal therapy feels similar to a tooth filling.
What Is Root Canal Retreatment?
Root canal therapy is a common procedure to treat teeth that have been infected by bacteria. Your teeth consist of three layers:
- Enamel: The hard outermost layer of the teeth.
- Dentin: The layer of tissue beneath the enamel that makes up the majority of the tooth’s structure.
- Dental Pulp– The innermost layer composed of soft tissues housed inside hollow spaces called root canals.
When teeth become infected, it can quickly spread to the roots of your tooth. When this happens, your Staten Island dentist needs to clear out the infection from the pulp and fill it in to restore your oral health and prevent further risk of infection.
How Do Teeth Become Infected?
Infection occurs when cracks or holes in your teeth allow bacteria to penetrate the enamel and work their way into the dental pulp. If the infection is allowed to remain untreated for too long, it can render the tooth untreatable even and spread to other parts of your body. This can lead to serious health complications and require more expensive intervention.
The Effects of Tooth Decay
When decay makes a small hole in the tooth, we call that a cavity. If a cavity is left untreated, decay can spread until it makes its way to the innermost part of the tooth, known as the root canal.
Inside the root canal, the tooth’s most sensitive tissues, called the pulp, are stored. When the pulp becomes infected, you may experience intense pain. Once the pulp is infected, it can’t recover and must be removed.
Signs and Symptoms
You may need root canal therapy if you experience:
- Severe pain while chewing or biting
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Sensitivity to hot and cold around the area
- Swollen or tender gums
- Darkening of the gums
The Root Canal Procedure
When you come to our office, your teeth and mouth will be examined to assess the state of your oral health. You may have X-rays or scans taken so we can see the extent of decay prior to the procedure.
Before we start, you’ll be given a local anesthetic so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. We’ll then begin by drilling a small hole into your tooth for access to the root canal. The infected tissue will be scooped out little by little until it’s completely removed.
If your tooth isn’t strong enough once the root canal procedure is finished, we can put a dental crown on it. Crowns strengthen and protect teeth while looking natural.
Once your procedure is done, you’ll be given aftercare instructions to ensure your recovery is as quick and uncomplicated as possible.
Tooth Extractions
We try our very best to save your tooth, but in some cases, an extraction is necessary for the benefit of your overall health. In this case, we’ll work with you so you know your options after your tooth is extracted.
If your tooth must be removed, we offer natural-looking dental implants so you can restore your smile.
Don’t Wait to Treat the Infection
Infected teeth can become a serious risk to your health if left untreated. If you have pain and believe you need root canal therapy, our Staten Island dental office will be happy to help your smile. We also treat patients from surrounding areas including New Springville, Arden Heights, Atlantic Village, and more. If you want to schedule an appointment, call us at (718) 948-5111 or fill out our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my tooth hurt a week after the procedure?
If your tooth hurts a week after a procedure, it is best to consult your dentist as soon as possible. Excessive pain after an operation can indicate a problem, such as an infection, that needs to be addressed. Your dentist can examine the tooth, take an X-ray, and determine the cause of the pain. They may need to adjust the filling or crown or perform the additional treatment to alleviate the discomfort.
What is a hot tooth?
A “hot” tooth refers to a tooth that is sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. This sensitivity can be caused by a variety of factors, including tooth decay, infection, a crack or chip in the tooth, or gum recession that exposes the root of the tooth. In some cases, hot sensitivity can be temporary and resolve on its own, but in other cases, it may require treatment by a dentist.
How can you tell if a tooth is dead?
You can tell a tooth is dead if it becomes discolored, or if it no longer responds to hot or cold stimuli. A dead tooth may also be painful and have a noticeable change in texture. A dentist can diagnose a dead tooth by examining the tooth, taking an X-ray, or performing a thermal test to see if the tooth responds to changes in temperature.
Can root canal therapy cause headaches?
Root canal therapy can cause headaches if the procedure is not performed correctly or if there is an underlying issue such as sinusitis. In some cases, headaches may be related to using local anesthesia during the procedure or to tension and stress. However, if the headache persists or is severe, it’s best to consult your dentist or doctor to rule out any other causes.
Do I Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
After a root canal, a crown may be needed to protect the tooth from further damage and restore its function. A root canal removes the infected or damaged pulp from the inside of the tooth, weakening the tooth structure and more prone to fracture.
A crown fits over the remaining tooth structure and provides a protective cover, helping to prevent further damage and restore the strength and function of the tooth. Your dentist can give you the best advice based on your specific situation and the health of your tooth after the root canal.
Insurance
We accept many insurances. Please contact one of our Insurance Coordinators to discuss your dental coverage plan.
(718) 948 5111
appointments@sidental.com
Open 7 days a week
Reviews
The dentists are absolutely excellent…
“I have been going here for years. The dentists are absolutely excellent and they always have an appointment available that fits into a busy schedule. I also completed invisilgn and my teeth are perfectly straight now. They also practice preventive medicine and just went in for my 6 month cleaning. Every time feel like I have a new set of choppers and best yet the check up noted no cavities!.”
— J.R
Pleasant visit
“As usual, it was a pleasant visit thanks to Dr. Nasso and her great staff..”
— C.M.
Always treated with courtesy and respect.
“Always treated with courtesy and respect. All of my questions were answered regarding upcoming treatments..”
— J.C.
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