When a tooth becomes infected or severely damaged, saving it is often the best option for maintaining your oral health. Endodontics focuses on treating the inside of the tooth, including the dental pulp and root canals.
The most common endodontic procedure is root canal therapy, a highly successful treatment that removes infection, relieves pain and allows you to keep your natural tooth.
Contrary to popular belief, modern root canal treatment is comfortable, efficient and generally no more uncomfortable than receiving a routine filling. Advanced techniques, digital imaging and effective local anesthesia help make treatment easier than many patients expect.
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected because of deep decay, repeated dental procedures, a crack, trauma or injury, bacteria can spread throughout the root canal system.
Without treatment, the infection may cause significant pain, damage surrounding bone and eventually lead to tooth loss. Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inside of the tooth, seals the canals and restores the tooth with a permanent filling or crown.
Not every infected tooth causes severe pain. Some problems are discovered during routine examinations before symptoms become obvious.
A toothache that does not improve or repeatedly returns should be evaluated.
Lingering discomfort after hot or cold foods may indicate pulp damage.
Pain when biting can signal infection, inflammation or a fracture.
Gum swelling, facial swelling or a darkened tooth requires prompt attention.
Root canal therapy is usually completed in one or two visits depending on the tooth, the anatomy of the canals and the severity of the infection.
We examine the tooth and take digital X-rays to evaluate the infection and surrounding bone.
The tooth and surrounding tissues are thoroughly numbed to keep you comfortable.
A small opening provides access so the infected or damaged pulp can be carefully removed.
The canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected to eliminate bacteria.
The cleaned canals are sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection.
A filling or crown restores strength, function and appearance while protecting the tooth from fracture.
One of the biggest misconceptions about root canal therapy is that the procedure is painful. In reality, treatment is designed to eliminate pain rather than cause it.
Modern anesthetics, advanced technology and improved techniques make root canal therapy remarkably comfortable. Most patients say the procedure feels similar to receiving a filling. Mild soreness after treatment is common, but it usually resolves within a few days.
When clinically possible, preserving your natural tooth is generally the healthiest and most cost-effective long-term solution.
Proper oral hygiene and a well-designed final restoration help support long-term success. A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can often last for many years and, in some cases, a lifetime.
Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until the permanent restoration has been completed. Contact our office if discomfort increases, swelling develops or the temporary restoration becomes loose.
Many root canal procedures can be completed in one appointment, although more complex infections or teeth with multiple canals may require a second visit.
Most back teeth and many significantly weakened teeth benefit from a crown because it helps prevent fracture and restores normal function.
An infected dental pulp does not usually heal on its own. Symptoms may temporarily improve, but the infection can remain and continue damaging surrounding tissues.
Severe tooth pain, facial swelling, fever, a cracked tooth or swelling that affects swallowing or breathing requires prompt professional evaluation.
A root canal is a highly effective treatment that relieves pain, removes infection and preserves your natural tooth. Briarcliff Smile Design provides gentle endodontic care for patients from Briarcliff Manor, Ossining and communities throughout Westchester County.