Root Canal
What is a root canal?
A root canal has a less-than-stellar reputation, but it’s a procedure that actually helps save an infected tooth and reduce pain. During a root canal, your dentist preps your tooth, cleans out the infection, and restores the tooth’s form and function.
Following a root canal, the dentists at Dental House place a crown over the treated tooth to complete your procedure. This strengthens and protects the tooth and helps prevent further infection in your area of treatment.
Why would I need a root canal?
Inside your teeth is soft tissue known as the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When your tooth develops, this pulp nourishes its growth. However, once a tooth is fully formed, the pulp isn’t necessary to the tooth’s survival.
If your pulp gets infected, however, you can experience unpleasant symptoms, including:
- A painful toothache
- Gum swelling or tenderness
- Major sensitivity to cold or heat when eating or drinking
- Tooth discoloration
Worse, ignoring these symptoms can increase their long-term impact on your oral health and lead to an abscess (ouch!) or tooth loss. Saving your tooth keeps your chewing efficient, helps you maintain a natural appearance, and protects your other teeth from excessive wear and tear.
So if you have any of these symptoms, the best next step you can take is contacting Dental House to clear the air about root canal therapy.
Does a root canal hurt?
A root canal can actually alleviate pain caused by the infection at the pulp of your tooth.
The doctors at Dental House assure your comfort with anesthesia throughout the procedure – both local and nitrous oxide (laughing gas), if you’re anxious.
Many root canals can be completed in one or two convenient appointments. This depends on the health of your tooth and the level of infection. You’ll depart with full instructions on caring for your treated tooth at home.
Contact your Greenwich Village dentist, Dental House, about your tooth pain or gum swelling. Schedule a consultation by calling or booking online to get more information about how a root canal can restore your tooth and health.
