New York City Root Canals
Preserving Your Natural Smile
When you think of the word "pulp," you might think about something that is soft and squishy, like an overripe fruit. It may be hard to imagine your teeth, which are clearly hard to the touch, as being remotely "pulp-like." However, in dentistry terms, the "pulp" of your tooth refers to the inner chamber of your tooth, surrounded by the harder dense materials that protect this internal room containing all of the nerves, blood vessels, and other connecting tissues.
The pulp was necessary when your teeth were developing in adolescence, enabling the roots to grow. However, when this pulp gets infected, it must be removed or its close proximity will greatly damage your tooth, your gums, and even your whole jawline. When you are looking for treatment for root canals in New York, know that City Endodontics PLLC is ready to offer you the highest quality of service available.
Call us today at (212) 725-2573 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our New York City root canals.
Symptoms of Tooth Infection
It is very important to try to identify the signs of a root canal early on, before the symptoms get more serious. The longer you wait, the worse the infection gets, and the more difficult it is to save your natural tooth. Some patients wait so long, in fear of the root canal treatment itself, that they end up losing their teeth. This tragedy could be avoided if they identified common symptoms and immediately called their dentist from the beginning.
How Do You Know If You Need A Root Canal?
The following symptoms may indicate that you need a root canal:
- Tooth pain, especially when chewing or biting
- Sensitivity or swelling in the gums around the area of the tooth
- Increased tooth sensitivity to very cold or very hot foods
- Tooth discoloration
- Throbbing toothache or piercing migraines
- Swollen lymph nodes on your throat or in your neck
- Swelling of your cheeks and face
- High fever temperatures
- Persistent bad breath
When you notice that you have these symptoms or even a combination of them, it is crucial to see a dentist as soon as possible, since your tooth has probably been jeopardized by an abscess.
The Root Canal Procedure
The way that a root canal works is that a tiny hole is carefully made within the root to allow any infectious material of bacteria-filled debris to be moved out. When all of the rotted material has been fully taken away, it's time to completely fill the inner chamber and the access hole with delicate material called "gutta-percha," a rubbery substance that keeps bacteria and infection from forming.
At this point, we can then put a dental crown which perfectly fits on the end of your root. Here at City Endodontics PLLC, we offer a tremendous variety of options for crowns, all so you can have a wide selection of shapes, sizes, colors, and even material types.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
The duration of a root canal procedure can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the tooth and the complexity of the case. On average, a root canal treatment typically takes one to two visits to the dentist, with each session lasting approximately 90 minutes to 3 hours. The time taken may be influenced by factors such as the location of the affected tooth, the number of roots involved, the severity of the infection, and the individual patient's anatomy. Schedule a consult with our New York City endodontist for a more accurate assessment and understanding of the expected time frame for your root canal procedure.
Steps a Patient Should Take After a Root Canal Procedure in NYC
After a root canal procedure in New York City, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist to ensure a successful recovery. Here are some general steps a patient should take after a root canal procedure:
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Rest and avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
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Take any prescribed pain medication as directed or use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.
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Avoid chewing or biting with the treated tooth until the crown or permanent filling has been placed, as the tooth may be weakened and more susceptible to fracture.
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Maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, to prevent infection and promote healing.
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Follow a temporary diet of soft foods while the tooth heals.
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Attend any follow-up appointments scheduled by your dentist to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing.
It is important to contact our New York City root canal specialist immediately if you experience severe pain, swelling, or other unusual symptoms after a root canal procedure.
Do You Get Put to Sleep For a Root Canal?
In most cases, patients are not put to sleep for a root canal procedure. Root canals are typically performed using local anesthesia, which numbs the area being treated and prevents pain during the procedure. Local anesthesia involves the injection of an anesthetic agent near the tooth, which effectively blocks the nerves in the area, ensuring that you do not feel any pain or discomfort during the root canal.
While you will be awake during the procedure, your dentist may offer additional forms of sedation to help you relax if you experience dental anxiety or if the procedure is complex and time-consuming. These sedation options can include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to induce a mild state of relaxation or oral sedation, which involves taking a prescribed medication prior to the appointment to help you feel more at ease. However, it's important to discuss your preferences and concerns with our New York City dentist so that they can determine the most appropriate approach for your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can a Root Canal Last?
With proper care, a root canal can last a lifetime. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are essential for maintaining the health of your treated tooth.
What is the recovery time after a root canal?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort after a root canal. Recovery time is typically short, and you can return to your normal activities within a few days.
Can I eat after a root canal?
For the first few days after the procedure, it's best to avoid chewing on the treated tooth. You can eat soft foods and drink liquids to avoid putting pressure on the tooth.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
In most cases, a dental crown is placed over the treated tooth to protect it from further damage and to restore its strength and function.
Can I prevent the need for a root canal?
While you can't always prevent the need for a root canal, practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups, can significantly reduce your risk.
Professional Care & Protection
There are many myths about root canals, as the misconception that root canals cause pain. In reality, our professional team is here to tell you that root canals will actually save you from experiencing that agonizing pain. For all your root canals in New York, trust City Endodontics PLLC to give you true protection.
Contact us now at (212) 725-2573 for the peace of mind that comes with having a superior root canal treatment in New York City.
Patient Testimonials
A Reason to Smile-
“Dr. Johnson was very patient in answering all my questions and the root canal procedure was painless. Totally painless. His staff (Lily, Kim, Maria) is exceptionally friendly and welcoming, resembling a family more than a dental office.”
- Hugues F. -
“Great experience, patient & extremely knowledgeable doctor, supportive staff. A priceless experience. I would recommend my family to City Endodontic all the time.”
- Philip S. -
“Dr. Marcus Johnson was kind, patient, and incredibly professional. I was so scared of this procedure, but he kept me calm and talked me through it. Since then, my regular dentist even said that it was a beautifully done root canal.”
- Sabra M.