What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment involves cleaning out the dead or dying nerve inside a tooth as well as any cavity or damage to that tooth. Then sterilizing and completely disinfecting the inside of that tooth so there's no more bacterial infection left. And then filling it back and sealing it properly so it doesn't get reinfected.
What are some signs that indicate I may need a root canal?
Common symptoms that someone may need a root canal include: pain on biting, sensitivity or pain to hot and cold foods or drinks, and sometimes, no sensitivity or symptoms at all. However, the absence of symptoms doesn't mean that you don't need a root canal. It's important to get regular dental check-ups to identify potential issues early.
Patients who have cracked teeth may often wonder, do I need a root canal? Will a root canal even help save my tooth?
Teeth that have cracks can often be saved with a root canal treatment, provided the crack isn't too large or extends below the bone supporting the tooth.
Is it ever too late for a root canal?
There are instances where a tooth is too damaged for a root canal to be effective. This can be due to excessive cavities or cracking, a large infection, or lack of gum and bone support.
What happens during a root canal appointment?
The process of a root canal involves testing to confirm the need for treatment, numbing the tooth, cleaning out the bacteria and decay, disinfecting the tooth, smoothing out the tooth's interior, and sealing the tooth using a stable and natural material.
How long will a root canal last for me?
With good oral hygiene, a root canal can last for decades.
Do I need a dental crown after a root canal?
Yes, dental crowns are highly recommended after a root canal as they significantly increase the success rate of the treatment.
What kind of anesthesia will I get for my root canal?
Local anesthesia is used for root canal treatments, numbing the tooth and a few surrounding teeth.
How safe is a root canal?
Root canal procedures are safe and effective in removing harmful infections from the body.
How do I prepare for a root canal?
No special preparation is required for a root canal. However, it's recommended that you come well-rested, fed, and hydrated.
How will I feel after a root canal?
Most patients experience no discomfort after a root canal. Some may have mild sensitivity, which can be addressed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Will my tooth be sensitive after a root canal?
After a root canal, the tooth should no longer be sensitive to hot or cold. There may be some discomfort due to inflammation, but this usually subsides with time.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
Most patients experience no recovery period after a root canal. Some may have mild discomfort, which can be alleviated with over-the-counter medication.
Root canal treatment versus dental implants. What are the pros and cons of each?
Root canals are often preferred as they allow you to keep your natural tooth. Dental implants are a great option when a tooth cannot be saved with a root canal.
Why are dental crowns recommended after a root canal?
Dental crowns are recommended after a root canal as they significantly increase the success rate of the treatment and protect the tooth from future damage.
How much does a root canal treatment cost?
The cost of a root canal treatment varies depending on the type of treatment and the tooth in question. It can range from $1,000 to $2,500.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure aimed at saving your tooth. This process involves cleaning out all the damaged, infected, dead, and decaying parts of the tooth, especially the nerve that goes all the way down into the roots, into the bone, and connects to the rest of your body. This helps protect, clean out, and maintain your natural teeth in your mouth for a long time.
What are possible signs that patients may need a root canal?
Signs that a tooth may need a root canal include pain when biting down, discomfort with hot liquids or foods, and severe sensitivity to cold. In some cases, a patient may need a root canal and not experience any symptoms at all.
What's the difference between a dentist and an endodontist?
An endodontist is a specialist dentist who has undergone additional years of specialized training on root canals after attending the same dental schools as a general dentist.
Is it okay to delay a root canal treatment?
It is not advisable to delay a root canal treatment that's been recommended. Waiting can often lead to a higher risk of complications.
How painful is a root canal?
A root canal treatment is not painful as we ensure that the teeth are completely numb before we start the root canal procedure.
What types of anesthesia is available during a root canal?
Local anesthesia is used during root canal treatments.
What is the process for a root canal?
The process for a root canal involves confirming the need for a root canal, numbing the tooth, making a small hole in the top of the tooth to clean out the dead or dying nerve, infection, decay, and bacteria. After thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the tooth, we seal it and close off the small hole.
How many dental visits does it take to complete a root canal?
The majority of root canals can be completed in just one visit.
What happens if you leave a root canal without a crown?
If a crown has been recommended after a root canal, it's crucial to get it done as soon as possible.
What are the alternative options for you?
The only alternative to getting a root canal done is to extract the tooth.
What is better, a root canal or an implant?
If the tooth can be saved with a root canal, it is generally better to opt for the root canal treatment.
What causes a gum boil after a root canal, and how do I treat it?
Gum boils can occur in some patients after a root canal due to the infection trying to find a way out, but this is quite rare.
What are the reasons for a root canal infection?
A root canal infection may occur when bacteria invade the living part of the tooth, which is unable to fight off these bacteria. As a result, the bacteria start to grow and spread, causing the living part of the tooth to die off.
How common is a tooth fracture after a root canal?
Teeth that have undergone a root canal may be weaker than natural teeth, as the process often involves treating a tooth that has already been cracked or has a large cavity.
Does bone grow back after a root canal?
If the infection inside the tooth is successfully cleaned out, the bone around the tooth will regrow as there's no infection present.
Are root canals covered by dental insurance?
Coverage for root canals by dental insurance varies from one insurance company to another. Some insurance companies cover it, some don't, while others may cover it for some teeth and not others. Coverage may also vary depending on the doctor and the patient.
What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is the process of removing the dead or dying and infected nerve from inside your tooth. When the nerve inside the tooth becomes infected by bacteria due to a big cavity, crack, or any other damage, we want to clean out that dead or dying nerve and completely disinfect the inside of the tooth so that you can keep that tooth in your mouth for a long time.
What are the signs that I might need to see a doctor for a potential root canal?
Common symptoms include pain on biting, discomfort or sensitivity to hot foods or drinks, and severe cold sensitivity. However, it's important to understand that you may need a root canal even if you don't feel any pain at all, as the nerve can die quickly without noticeable symptoms and an infection can grow without you realizing.
What can happen if I don't get a root canal?
If a root canal isn't performed when needed, the damage and infection can worsen, potentially leading to the tooth needing to be extracted. The infection can spread to the bone around the tooth and even to adjacent teeth.
What type of dentist performs root canals?
Both general dentists and specialist dentists can perform root canals. The decision depends on the type of root canal and what is best for each individual patient.
Do dentists prefer root canals or implants?
If a root canal is a viable option for your tooth, it is almost always the best choice. It's better to save your natural teeth whenever possible. Implants are a great option if your teeth are already missing or cannot be saved by a root canal.
Can a root canal treatment help save a tooth?
Root canal treatments are designed to save teeth. If the damage or infection hasn't spread too far, a root canal is often the last chance to save a tooth from being extracted.
What are the stages of root canal treatment?
The stages include identifying and confirming that a tooth needs a root canal, numbing the patient, making a small hole in the top of the tooth, cleaning out all the bacteria, germs, and infection from inside the tooth, disinfecting the tooth, smoothing out the inside of the tooth, sealing it, and covering up the little hole.
Is sedation available during a root canal appointment?
In our office, we have found that the risks associated with sedation are not worth it. We are confident in our ability to comfortably numb patients with just local anesthetic.
Are root canals dangerous?
Root canals are safe. The materials used in a root canal are safe and strong, and leaving an infection untreated is much more dangerous than the root canal process itself.
What are possible side effects of a root canal?
Most patients won't have any side effects. A few may feel a little bit of sensitivity, tenderness, or discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Should I get a crown or a permanent filling after a root canal?
The majority of root canal teeth need crowns afterwards. Teeth that get root canals and crowns have a much higher success rate and last longer in the mouth than those that don't get crowns.
What should be done after undergoing root canal treatment?
While you're still numb, avoid eating solid foods to prevent accidentally biting yourself. Once the numbness wears off, avoid eating anything hard on the side of the root canal and try to eat more on the other side to help the root canal tooth heal and be properly protected until a crown is placed on the tooth.
What if my teeth hurt after root canal treatment?
While not common, you may experience some discomfort, sensitivity, or tenderness. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
Can a root canal treatment be covered under insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance policy and company. Our insurance department will check for you. However, insurance approval or denial does not determine the need for a root canal. That decision is made by the dentist based on the health of the tooth.
Endodontics (Root Canals)
A Root Canal removes infections that cause toothaches.
Endodontics (root canals) (removes bacteria from inside ieeth) comes from the Greek words for inside (endo) and tooth (dontics). Our Flushing Queens NY endodontist performs comfortable root canal therapy to remove bacteria from inside the tooth, alleviating pain and preventing the need for extraction. Modern technology and comfort amenities allow our endodontist to complete root canal therapy in a single visit to our Flushing dental office.
Infected Teeth
The inside of the tooth can become infected due to injury (crack or break) or a large cavity or faulty filling. Although a root canal may not sound like fun, it will actually relieve the pain caused by the disease-ridden tooth. During a root canal, the endodontists cleans out the inside of the tooth and fills it with a biologically inert substance. If necessary, we may recommend topping the tooth with a crown for maximum strength and beauty.
Root Canals vs. Extractions
Some people think that extraction is a viable alternative to root canal treatment. If the tooth is extracted, it will have to be replaced with a prosthetic. Although we provide lifelike solutions to missing teeth, nothing compares to the real thing. Saving your natural tooth is always the best option. Ninety-five percent of root canalsare performed successfully, so there’s nothing to fear!
Call today to reserve your appointment and learn more about endodontics (root canals) (removes bacteria from inside teeth) and root canals.
Contact Preferred Dental Care today at (718) 445-7600 to hear more about Root Canals (Endodontics) and experience the difference a well-trained, caring dentist can make in your life. New Patients are always welcome and we work with many insurance plans. You'll never regret choosing us! Preferred Dental Care serves General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, and Emergency Dental Care in the following locations of Queens NY: Bayside, Little Neck, Fresh Meadows, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Woodhaven, College Point, and Whitestone with state-of-the-art amenities and top-quality dental treatments.