If you are experiencing pain in your tooth, you will want to schedule an appointment with Forest Hills Dental to check the tooth out and diagnose the problem. Oftentimes, a pain in a tooth is simply a cavity. If the decay has progressed to the point in which it affects the root of the tooth, though, you likely have a root infection. In order to resolve this issue, you’ll need a root canal procedure.
Below is more information about root canals in Forest Hills NY and how Forest Hills Dental can stop the infection and save your tooth.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that involves the removal of the infected pulp of a tooth. This infection is caused by bacteria that has gotten into the root of a tooth. Most times, this is a result of a cavity that has not been treated.
During a root canal procedure, your dentist will numb the area, so you don’t feel pain or discomfort. A dental dam is then placed. Once the area is numb, your dentist will drill into your tooth, then clean and disinfect. After this, they remove the infected pulp. Once the pulp has been removed, the root is filled with a rubber material that seals the root of the tooth. Finally, a filling is placed.
If you have a back tooth that is infected, a crown may be recommended to ensure the strength and security of the tooth, as there is an increased risk of fracture.
If you have any questions about root canals in Forest Hills NY, reach out to Forest Hills Dental. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with more information about the root canal procedure.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
You may be wondering if you need a root canal and why a root canal is necessary, to begin with. There are a few reasons why you’ll want to get root canal treatment.
One reason is the pain that you will experience if you don’t get treatment. The pain won’t get better, it will just become more severe. You never get used to a root canal infection. This pain and discomfort can also make it difficult to bite and chew food.
If the root canal infection isn’t addressed, the tooth will eventually become infected to the point where it can no longer be repaired. If this is the case, your tooth will need to be extracted to prevent further infection. From there, the tooth will need to be replaced, which can be costly.
The infection doesn’t stop at the pulp of the tooth. It can continue to the point where it gets into the jawbone and even the bloodstream. This makes an untreated root infection very dangerous.
Some of the reasons why Dr. Mark may suggest root canal treatment are in the cases of:
- An abscess at the root of your tooth
- Severe decay that reaches the nerve chamber
- A cracked tooth
While people often associate a root canal procedure with a cavity that has decayed to the point where the pulp gets infected, a cracked tooth can also cause the root to get infected. You also may have an abscessed tooth.
