Root Canal

Inside of each of your teeth is a pulp chamber in which can be found the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that help the roots of your teeth grow during development. When the pulp in this chamber becomes infected – known as an abscess tooth – it becomes necessary to remove the infection in order to prevent tooth loss and other potentially serious consequences. The procedure to remove infection is known as root canal therapy or, more commonly, a root canal, and it is a safe, effective, and quick way to preserve the quality and appearance of your smile.

What Is a Root Canal?

The primary purpose of a root canal is to save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged tissue from within the tooth, known as the pulp. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels and can become infected due to deep decay, cracks, chips, or repeated dental procedures. Left untreated, this infection can cause severe pain and lead to an abscess.

Symptoms of Tooth Infection

Symptoms that indicate a root canal may be necessary include:

Throbbing toothache
Pain when chewing or biting
Heightened sensitivity to heat and cold
Persistent bad breath
Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck
Facial swelling
Fever

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you likely have an abscessed tooth. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the jaw and throughout the face, resulting in systemic infection. An untreated tooth abscess can also result in tooth loss, necessitating advanced restorative services to preserve the quality and function of the smile.

Dr. Elisa Mello and Dr. Ramin Tabib recommend you call our NYC dental office right away if you notice any of the above symptoms. We can perform an examination, determine if infection is present, and take appropriate action to protect your smile and your body from the dangers of untreated tooth infection.

The Root Canal Procedure

To perform a root canal, a small access hole will first need to be made. Through this hole, debris and infection can easily be removed. Once removed, the pulp chamber is filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The same material is used to seal the small access hole. When necessary, antibiotics may be injected into the tooth as well, but this is not needed for every root canal procedure.

After the tooth has been cleaned and sealed, a dental crown is used to protect it from further damage. The dental crowns offered at our New York City office are shaped, colored, and sized to fit perfectly into your smile, working to protect the weakened tooth without compromising aesthetics.

The Steps of a Root Canal

Diagnosis

The first step is a thorough examination, often including X-rays, to determine the extent of the infection.

Anesthesia

A local anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure.

Pulp Removal

An opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed, and the root canal system is cleaned and disinfected.

Filling the Canal

After cleaning, the canal is filled with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha, to seal it.

Restoration

Finally, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown for protection and to restore its natural function and appearance.

Schedule a Consultation

While conventional knowledge holds that a root canal is unpleasant, the treatment is no more uncomfortable than a traditional filling. Far from causing pain, root canal procedures relieve pain and prevent future discomforts as well. However, if you are nervous about having a root canal, we would be happy to discuss sedation dentistry options during your treatment consultation.

If you suspect you have an abscessed tooth, please call our NYC endodontists at 212-452-3344 or visit our website to schedule a root canal evaluation right away. We welcome patients from Manhattan and all surrounding areas of New York City.

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