Root Canals Specialist

What are root canals?

A root canal is a restorative dental procedure to remove decay or infection from the inside of your tooth or its pulp. Your dentist fills the tooth with dental materials and seals it to strengthen and protect your tooth from future damage.

What are the benefits of root canals?

Some of the many benefits of root canals at Dentistry For Midtown include:

• No pain
• Little downtime
• Restored, stronger teeth 
• High success rates 
• Tooth loss prevention

Root canals can prevent permanent tooth loss in many cases, especially when you see the Dentistry For Midtown team at the first sign of pain or discoloration.

What are signs I might need a root canal?

When in doubt, see your dentist if you think you may need a root canal. Signs you might include:

• Tooth discoloration
• Tooth pain
• Facial pain or swelling
• Gum swelling
• Pus near the gum line
• Hot or cold sensitivity
• Visible hole in your tooth
• Large tooth crack

If you have minimal tooth decay, your provider might be able to treat it using a filling or crown rather than a root canal. If tooth decay or infection is very severe, however, you may need a tooth extraction. 

What should I expect during root canals?

When you arrive at Dentistry For Midtown for a root canal, you relax in a comfortable dental chair. Your specialist numbs the treatment area so you can avoid feeling discomfort. 

Your dentist makes a small hole in the top of your tooth before removing infected areas. Then, they eliminate diseased dental pulp, clean the empty pulp chamber, and fill it with sturdy dental materials before sealing your tooth closed. You might take antibiotics to prevent further infection.

After the procedure, your dentist uses a filling or crown to strengthen and protect your treated tooth. These restorations match the color of your surrounding natural teeth.

What happens after getting a root canal?

While getting a root canal isn’t typically painful, your treated tooth might feel a little tender for a few days. You can take over-the-counter medicines to maximize comfort while you heal. To protect your tooth from future decay or damage, brush your teeth after meals, floss daily, and don’t chew on ice or other hard objects. 

See the Dentistry For Midtown team every six months for dental cleanings and exams or if you experience new or unusual symptoms.

At the first sign of tooth pain or damage, call the Dentistry For Midtown office or schedule an appointment online today to find out if you’re a candidate for a root canal.