Root Canal Therapy in Park Slope
When most people think of a root canal, they imagine a painful and time-consuming dental procedure. In truth, the opposite is true. Root canal treatment is intended to relieve the pain of a seriously infected tooth, and the procedure doesn’t require much more time than what is needed for a filling.
To understand how a tooth can become infected, let’s examine the structure of a tooth. Look at your teeth and you see enamel, the hard outer layer that protects the tooth. The next layer is dentin, which is somewhat softer and more sensitive. Finally, at the center of the tooth is the pulp chamber, which contains a tooth’s blood, lymph and nerve tissue. A tooth becomes infected when bacteria access the pulp chamber and the attached root canals. In a healthy tooth, this chamber is well guarded by the outer layers of enamel and dentin. However, when a tooth is damaged by severe decay or a deep crack, bacteria can have an entry. Because the nerve of a tooth is here, the infection can be quite painful.
In addition to pain, the other signs that may indicate you have an infected tooth include:
- A tooth that is newly discolored
- A swelling around the tooth that may look like a blemish
- Signs of infection on an x-ray
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- swelling on the side of the face
- Pain when chewing or biting down
- A bitter taste in the mouth or consistent bad breath
A Root Canal in Park Slope
Once you are comfortable and the infected tooth and surrounding tissue are sufficiently anesthetized, an access hole to the pulp chamber is drilled. Using precise instruments, the infection, debris and the entire content of the pulp chamber and attached roots canals are removed. Fortunately, a tooth remains 100 percent functional without the blood, lymph and nerve tissue in the chamber. Once cleaned and disinfected, the chamber is filled with an inert material called gutta-percha. This substance expands to fill the chamber and prevent bacteria from re-entering and causing another infection. Finally, the access hole is sealed and the tooth is protected by a temporary crown.
After a root canal, some soreness is to be expected. Usually, an over-the-counter pain reliever is enough to overcome any discomfort. After a few weeks of healing, you’ll return to The Dental Spa of New York, so we can prepare the tooth for a permanent crown. A tooth that has had a root canal requires a crown to restore strength and function. Once your permanent crown is sent from our dental lab, Dr. Sapienza will carefully examine it for quality and fit. Then, your custom crafted crown will be cemented into place and you’ll have a healthy and beautiful tooth.
Complete Dental Care in Park Slope
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, then call Dr. Sapienza and the staff at The Dental Spa of New York. We will examine your tooth and take care of all the dental needs of you and your family. The dentist Park Slope trusts conveniently serves patients from the surrounding communities of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Prospect Heights and Carroll Gardens and other areas of Brooklyn and Queens.
Root Canal FAQs
Are Root Canals Painful?
When your grandparents were getting root canals, they might have had limited options for managing the pain. However, modern root canal procedures are relatively comfortable thanks to advancements in anesthetics and treatment techniques. Post-procedure discomfort, including soreness and sensitivity, usually fades within a few days with over-the-counter pain relief and cold compresses. If your pain persists or gets worse over time, reach out to Dr. Sapienza. While complications are rare, it never hurts to be safe, especially if your tooth requires attention.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Root canal treatments at The Dental Spa of New York typically only take one appointment to complete, lasting 30 to 90 minutes. The large time range is due to several factors that affect the complexity of the procedure. For example, the location and type of tooth being treated are very important. Larger teeth like molars have more roots, and a tooth near the back of the mouth is more difficult to reach.
Each area around an infected tooth must also be treated with antibiotics and anesthetics. So, depending on your resistance to those medications, it might take longer for the procedure to begin.
What Happens if You Wait Too Long to Get a Root Canal?
Dr. Sapienza uses a root canal to treat an infection in your tooth. Unlike other parts of your body that have built-in defenses against bacteria, your teeth rely on your oral hygiene habits to stay clean and healthy. Delaying the procedure can worsen the infection, leading to pain and potentially allowing it to spread to the gums or even your jawbone. The bacteria in your mouth could also travel to other parts of your body, causing illness. Waiting too long may also necessitate tooth extraction if the damage becomes too severe.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
There is no method that is 100 percent effective against oral infections. However, there are several ways to significantly reduce your risk of needing a root canal.
- Maintain good oral hygiene at home by brushing twice per day, flossing each night, and using antibacterial mouthwash.
- Come see Dr. Sapienza at least once every six months for a thorough cleaning and examination. He will check your mouth for signs of infection and have your teeth cleansed of built-up plaque or tartar.
- Eat a balanced and nutritious diet full of fresh fruit, leafy greens, lean proteins, and your favorite dairy products. Avoid overly sugary, sticky, or hard foods.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports and manage grinding teeth with a nightguard to also help prevent tooth damage and infections.