Root Canal Dentist NYC
If you are suffering from disease or injury to the dental pulp of your teeth, you may need to see an endodontist, or a dentist specializing in root canal procedures, for help. A root canal is a great alternative to the extraction of a tooth.
Having teeth pulled can create bigger issues within the mouth, including shifting of the teeth, which leads to problems with chewing, speaking, and cleaning your remaining teeth. Thankfully, dentists have developed a way to save infected teeth by performing root canals. Read on for more information about this innovative procedure.
The Basics of a Root Canal
A root canal can become necessary when the dental pulp, or the tissue containing your blood vessels and nerves within the tooth, is injured or infected. The most common causes for this type of inflammation or bacteria formation are when a tooth is cracked or chipped or a cavity has embedded itself deeply within the pocket of your tooth.
Once it has been established that a root canal is the best option for your infected tooth, we will set up an appointment for your initial treatment. Here, we will begin by numbing the tooth in question and creating an opening in the tooth through which we can remove the diseased dental pulp. After the pulp is removed, we clean the root of your tooth and shape it for filling.
In some cases, we may also inject an antibiotic to help effectively clear the bacteria before filling the root canal with sealant. When we’ve been able to fill the root, we will place a crown to strengthen the tooth and give it a clean and finished look you can be proud to show off. These steps may need to be completed over the course of multiple appointments, depending on the severity of your injury or infection.
Signs That Your Teeth May Require Endodontic Treatment
Now that you know what a root canal is, you may be wondering how you’ll know that you need one. The signs and symptoms associated with treatment by an endodontist include:
- Discoloration of the teeth
- Gum sensitivity to heat or cold
- Tenderness or draining of the lymph nodes
- Draining or tenderness in the bones or tissues of your mouth
- Tenderness when chewing or touching your gums
- Swelling in the mouth
In some cases, there are no signs or symptoms that you may notice on your own. For this reason, and to maintain your teeth and gums as a whole, you should floss regularly, brush your teeth twice each day, and see a dentist for routine teeth cleanings every six months. These exams can help diagnose the need for a root canal where applicable.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
With proper care and maintenance of your restored tooth, a root canal can last for a significant period of time. As mentioned, this includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing, as well as making regular dental exams a priority. We usually recommend a teeth cleaning every six months or so.
The total cost of having a root canal will vary based on which tooth needs to undergo the procedure. Bicuspids and molars tend to cost patients a little more, while front teeth are the least expensive. Whether your dentist feels a filling or a crown is more appropriate to cover the root canal itself is also a deciding factor in the cost.
Out-of-pocket expenses can range anywhere from $300 to $2,500, though it’s important to note that this amount can be totally or partially covered by your dental insurance policy. You can speak with your insurance provider or our office to determine what the cost of a root canal would be in your situation.
Root Canal Dentist FAQ
For individuals who have never had a root canal before, there are probably many questions you have that haven’t yet been answered in this page. The internet often has conflicting information regarding dental care and procedures, which is why we’ve included some of the questions our patients most commonly ask in regard to their upcoming root canal.
Are root canals painful?
Chances are, if you are in need of a root canal, your teeth are already in pain. During the procedure, you can expect your dentist to either sedate you or anesthetize you, and afterward, you’ll be given a pain management prescription should you feel any pain in your mouth.
If you needed a root canal due to an infected tooth or pulp inflammation, it is more likely that you’ll feel tenderness or pressure in the few days following the procedure.
What happens after I get an endodontic procedure?
After your root canal, you’ll need to be careful not to chew with the tooth that has been treated until your tooth has been restored. Failure to do so can result in the fracture of your treated tooth.
There is a risk, in some cases, that your treated tooth can become painful, infected, or diseased again in the months or years after the procedure. For this reason, you’ll need to practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice per day, flossing every day, and visiting your dentist for cleanings every six months or so.
Doesn’t having a root canal make me more susceptible to other diseases?
There have been rumors that having a root canal can cause you to suffer from other types of diseases. Fortunately, these are just myths and have been debunked long ago by thorough scientific research.
You can rest assured that there is no likelihood of developing another condition, nor is there any scientific evidence linking a root canal procedure to the development of other diseases.
Call a Root Canal Dentist in NYC
If you’ve been having pain in your teeth or have endured a cracked or chipped tooth, contact New York Dentist today to determine whether or not a root canal could be an option for you. You can schedule an appointment by filling out our convenient appointment request form or by giving us a call at 555-555-5555.
