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Root Canal Therapy

root-canal-therapy

A root canal is required when the nerve of a tooth is infected by bacteria and decay. To save the tooth, the pulp, nerves, decay, and bacteria are excavated, and the resulting space is filled with gutta-percha, which restores the tooth and its function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the standard of care to keep a tooth that otherwise would get infected and would have to be removed. A lot of patients in Brooklyn think that extracting a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause bigger problems for surrounding teeth.

A Root canal is very successful and commonly lasts a lifetime, although, on occasion, a root-canaled tooth will have to be treated again due to recurring infections.

Signs indicating the need for root canal therapy:

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold.
  • A fistula (or bump) on the gums.
  • Sometimes no pain or symptoms.
  • Swelling and/or tenderness.
  • Excruciating toothache.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

  • An infection has developed at the root tip or inside the tooth.
  • Dental caries have penetrated the pulp of the tooth.
  • A necrotic tooth after getting braces.
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy entail?

A root canal requires one or two visits and can be done by a Brooklyn NY endodontist, a root canal specialist, or a dentist.

Once the tooth is anesthetized, a rubber dam (an isolating sheet of rubber) will be placed on the tooth to keep it clean and dry. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and different-sized root canal files are used to clean the root canals, one by one, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If there is tooth decay, it will also be excavated with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth root is completely cleaned, it will be covered with either a tooth filling or, if more steps are required, a temporary material will be applied.

At the next visit, usually, a week or two later, the roots of the tooth will be filled and sealed with a special filling called gutta-percha. A tooth filling will be placed to seal the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, any tooth that has had root canal treatment should have a dental crown (cap) placed. This will literally hug the tooth and prevent it from cracking under pressure, and restore its function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be tender, but this will diminish as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

At Brooklyn Dental Spa, you will be provided with post-operative instructions after each visit. Good oral hygiene habits and bi-annual dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

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hygiene-whisperer-11218

Does a root canal fix a fractured tooth?

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1 reply
washington-avenue-sealer-11230

@hygiene-whisperer-11218, yes and No. Root canals are performed to disinfect, fill, and seal the space once occupied by an infected pulp. Most fractures that involve the pulp will require a root canal, but if the fracture itself is too severe, it may not be possible to save the tooth. Every situation is different. Let your dentist assist you in deciding.

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family-brusher-510

Root canal treatment and root canal therapy, is it same?

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1 reply
brooklyn-heights-chaser-954

Yes, root canal treatment and root canal therapy denote the same procedure. At Nivea Dental Care, we excel in both, offering expert care to alleviate pain and preserve your natural teeth with advanced methods and compassionate service.

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atlantic-avenue-officer-11204

What are possible side effects of a root canal?

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1 reply
fort-hamilton-remover-679

@atlantic avenue officer 11204, the side effects of a root canal may include temporary discomfort or sensitivity, swelling, and minor bleeding. In rare instances, there can be complications such as infection or harm to nearby teeth. The potential side effects of a root canal procedure include: • Discomfort: Temporary sensitivity or discomfort is common after a root canal and can be controlled with medication. • Swelling: Mild swelling around the treated tooth may occur but generally diminishes with ice packs and appropriate care. • Bleeding: Minor bleeding from the tooth or gums is normal and usually ceases on its own. • Infection Risk: Rarely, there’s a chance of infection post-procedure, but swift treatment can manage it effectively. • Tooth Damage: Minimal risk of damage to nearby teeth exists, but precautions are observed during the procedure. Despite potential side effects, root canal therapy is highly effective in saving teeth and relieving pain, especially with proper post-treatment care. With proper post-treatment care and regular check-ups with your dentist, these side effects can be effectively managed, and the advantages of preserving your natural tooth far outweigh any possible risks.

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barclays-center-brusher-11225

Why are dental crowns recommended after a root canal?

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1 reply
union-street-chaser-11221

@barclays center brusher 11225, I can share from personal experience, I had a root canal done on a molar, tooth #3, and I opted for an amalgam filling because at the time I could not afford a crown. I had the root canal done when I was about 20 years old and knew little about dentistry. Well, fast forward 20 years and now I am working for a general dentist and notice that tooth is sore when I chew on it, and I developed a fistula right above the tooth on my gums. I realized I had an infection. Well, I delayed for about 2 weeks, and I bit down on something and fractured the tooth in half. It had to be extracted. The infection stemmed from a crack in the tooth. Why did it crack? Because after a root canal your tooth is very delicate, sometimes just a shell of the tooth is left depending on how large the access hole was made to reach the nerves. Had I crowned my tooth, I would not have fractured my tooth, and I would still have my upper right molar. So, if every dentist is recommending you to crown that tooth, I suggest you do so. You just may end up with a tooth that has to be extracted, like I did. Now as a dental assistant, I see this very same thing happen to patients all the time. It's cheaper to get a crown than an implant or bridge. Don’t be careless, get the crown.

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mouth-sealer-11230

Which one is better, root canal or a tooth extraction?

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1 reply
canine-follower-763

@mouth sealer 11230, with a highly skilled dentist, with ample experience in root canal surgery, I’d suggest that a root canal is preferable to tooth extraction. It is always better for a dental patient to preserve, when possible, rather than to extract the infected tooth.

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gold-tooth-saver-11205

What are some signs that indicate you need a root canal?

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1 reply
fracture-waiter-11225

@gold tooth saver 11205, there are many signs and symptoms that may suggest the need for a root canal, such as: • Severe and continuous pain. • Pain that doesn't respond well to painkillers. • Pain that disrupts your sleep. • Sensitivity to tapping (pain when you tap). • The presence of an abscess (bump on gums). • Finally, the presence of radiographic evidence of pulp involvement on X-ray images.

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bushwick-filter-11220

How painful is a root canal?

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1 reply
panoramic-energizer-314

@bushwick filter 11220, a root canal is a dental procedure designed to thoroughly clean the inside of your tooth to eliminate infections that could potentially spread and cause significant damage. A root canal is often essential for saving a tooth by addressing an infection that threatens to decay or destroy it. The pulp inside the tooth can become infected for various reasons, including: • Tooth abscess (pus formation) • Recent tooth crown placement • Poor dental hygiene • Cracked teeth or trauma • Teeth fillings Common symptoms include intense tooth pain, sensitivity to temperature, and soreness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to have a dental examination to determine if a root canal is needed. Here’s what you can expect during a root canal: • Initial X-ray: An X-ray will be taken to assess the extent of the damage. • Local Anesthesia: The dentist will administer local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. • Rubber Dam: A rubber guard will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva. • Accessing the Pulp: The dentist will drill a small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp, clean the inside, and remove the infection. • Filling the Tooth: The tooth is filled with a special material that strengthens it and reduces the risk of reinfection. • Placing a Crown: A crown (cap) is placed over the tooth to complete the restoration. After the root canal, follow your dentist’s advice and take any prescribed medication as needed. With proper care, your tooth should heal and return to normal function.

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bay-ridge-provider-11217

What is a root canal treatment?

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2 replies
sunset-park-teller-233

Root canal treatment, also known as RCT, is a dental procedure designed to address infections or damage within the tooth's pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, trauma, or other factors, a root canal treatment may be required to save the tooth and relieve pain. Root canal treatment is highly effective in saving teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted due to pulp infection or damage. With appropriate care and maintenance, a tooth that has undergone a root canal can serve its function for many years, helping patients maintain their natural smiles and oral health.

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sunset-park-teller-233

@bay ridge provider 11217, here’s how a root canal treatment is performed: 1. Diagnosis and Examination: The procedure begins with a comprehensive examination by a dentist or endodontist. This often includes X-rays to evaluate the extent of the damage and decide if a root canal is necessary. Symptoms that might indicate the need for a root canal include intense tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, gum swelling, or a pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth. 2. Anesthesia: To ensure comfort during the procedure, the dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. 3. Accessing the Pulp: With the tooth numb, the dentist creates a small opening in the top of the tooth, known as an access cavity, to reach the infected or inflamed pulp. This step allows for the removal of the diseased tissue and the cleaning of the root canals. 4. Cleaning and Shaping the Canals: The dentist uses specialized instruments to carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from the root canals. The canals are then cleaned and shaped to eliminate any remaining bacteria, debris, and infected tissue. Antimicrobial solutions are used to thoroughly disinfect the canals. 5. Filling the Canals: After cleaning and shaping, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material seals the canals to prevent recontamination and supports the tooth structure. 6. Sealing the Access Cavity: The access cavity is then sealed with either a temporary or permanent filling to prevent bacteria from re-entering and causing further infection. 7. Restoration: Depending on the case, additional restoration may be needed, such as placing a dental crown to protect and strengthen the tooth. A crown restores the tooth’s natural appearance and function.

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greenwood-cemetery-investor-174

How long after a root canal should you get a crown?

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1 reply
new-york-avenue-seller-503

@greenwood cemetery investor 174, it's generally unwise to delay a final restoration. A root canal treatment alleviates tooth pain by addressing the damaged nerve in a dying tooth, thereby preserving its structure. However, while the root canal saves the tooth's shell, the tooth can become fragile and prone to breaking, potentially leading to tooth loss. After the treatment, the tooth will be numb. To protect and strengthen the tooth, a crown is recommended, as it acts like a jacket. Occasionally, it's advised to wait a short period to ensure there are no additional complications, such as an undetected vertical fracture, but it's important not to use the tooth for chewing during this time. If the remaining tooth structure is insufficient due to significant decay or breakage, a crown lengthening procedure may be needed before placing the crown.

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BROOKLYN DENTAL SPA
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