Root Canal Specialist in Manhattan's Upper East Side, NY

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canals are treatments for removing infected or otherwise damaged tooth pulp, cleaning the area, then filling the cavity with a polymer material. If the top structure of the tooth has also decayed, the root canal might be fitted with a crown. The dentist recommends root canals for later-stage periodontal disease (gum disease) when they decide it's irreversible. If the pulp infection can't be fully healed, the nerve could also die, and with it, the entire tooth. Such an infection could then spread to the jaw, resulting in much more serious issues.

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Benefits of a Root Canal Treatment

Appropriately diagnosed, a pulp or nerve infection deemed impossible to reverse could benefit from a root canal. When necessary, root canals provide several benefits:

• Stopping and removing the tooth's infected tissue

• Salvaging as much of the remaining tooth structure as possible

• Preventing the infection from progressing to the nerve and surrounding teeth

• Stopping the possibility of jawbone degeneration and other serious issues

• Reducing the pain of the infection

 

Endodontics Diagnosis and Treatment

If decided on, a root canal involves a step-by-step process involving an evaluation, cleaning, and then the root canal procedure and associated aftercare. The root canal procedure is as follows:

• Initial exam. After a visual inspection, a radiograph of the tooth will reveal the extent of the pulp damage and any related infection.

• Diagnosis. Next, your dentist will diagnose the damage and a suspected prognosis if nothing is done. They may present other options, as there are other endodontic methods for addressing pulp damage. If a root canal is decided, you'll undergo the treatment planning phase and schedule the actual root canal procedure.

• Root canal. Being a form of dental surgery, root canals require the patient to receive a local anesthetic. The dentist will remove the infected material, clean the remaining area (with antibiotics and/or ozone), and fill the cavity before sealing it. It's essential to ensure the cavity is perfectly free of infection before sealing it, and it helps dramatically for the patient to exercise particularly good dental hygiene in the days leading up to the procedure.

• Aftercare. After the procedure, the patient undergoes a recovery process to let the sedative wear off. The dentist will ensure the procedure was successful, then provide instructions on caring for the post-treatment area.

The area will be thoroughly numbed beforehand, and most patients experience no pain during the procedure. If the nerve is removed, no pain will likely be felt after the root canal. If not, some mild discomfort may remain after the anesthetic wears off.

 

Preventing Root Canals

As with any oral disease, your first line of defense is to brush twice and floss once daily. Improving your diet, particularly with strict limits on sugar and carbohydrates, will also help dramatically. Further, the same things that could help reduce the pain and swelling of a gum infection (such as treating it with antibacterial home remedies, like tea tree oil, clove, coconut oil, fresh garlic, etc.) could be smart preventative moves. A water pic is also a good idea to irrigate the gum line of any bacteria that could build up and lead to infection.

 

Root Canal Treatment Cost at a New York

The costs could vary depending on the tooth, but the average cost is around $1,000 for anterior teeth, but premolars and molars are higher. Most dental insurance provides at least some, if not full, coverage for endodontic procedures. The best way to know is to consult your preferred dentist's office directly. They can help you determine how likely they are to cover a root canal in your case, then put forward the strongest claim on your behalf.

 

How To Find the Best Restorative Dentist Near Me?

For patients living in Manhattan’s Upper East Side of New York City, New York Dental Studio is a highly reputable source for restorative dental services, including endodontic treatments. If you're experiencing a gum infection, it's essential to have it checked out as soon as possible. Call today, or schedule an appointment through our online form. You'll be one step closer to learning if you can save your tooth pulp or if a root canal is appropriate.