Let’s take a quick look at root canal procedures and what patients can expect. We’ll start with a quick overview of root canals before jumping into the specifics. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn.
Folks today enjoy better oral health than ever before. From simple teeth cleanings to root canals and other procedures, modern dentistry is improving the overall well-being of millions upon millions. That said, it’s important to find dentists who put patients first, especially when handling more complex procedures, like root canals, which can save teeth, eliminate infections, and more. Fortunately, the dentists at Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn can perform comfortable root canal procedures that can dramatically improve health and reduce pain.
Once upon a time, root canal treatments ranked among the most unpleasant experiences someone can undergo. In the past, that was perhaps true, but these days, the average root canal procedure is a relatively quick and painless process. At Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn, we strive to offer the most reliable and comfortable root canal treatments in New York.
What is a Root Canal?
Technically, “root canal” refers to the space beneath a tooth, where the roots of the tooth are. Like trees in soil, your teeth are planted in your gums. Blood vessels course through the gums and deliver nutrients to the teeth, and specifically, the interior pulp of the tooth. Unfortunately, the interior pulp sometimes becomes infected, which can cause immense pain and tooth loss. If not properly treated, the infection may also spread and sepsis (blood poisoning) is a credible risk.
Fortunately, treatment options are available, including antibiotics and root canal treatment. Often, root canal procedures are simply referred to as root canals. However, keep in mind that “root canal” can also refer to a specific structure in your mouth. Further, many dentists often use the term “endodontic procedure” to refer to root canal treatments.
Let’s take a step-by-step look at root canal procedures and what a patient can expect.
A Close Look at the Root Canal Treatment Process in NY
First, when determining if an endodontic procedure is necessary, a dentist will closely examine a patient’s mouth to look for signs of infections and other problems. Your dentist will also likely ask questions and otherwise investigate. A dentist may order x-rays and other tests to get a better look at potential infections. Once the dentist has a grasp of the infection and the most effective approach for performing a root canal, it’s time to get to work.
Applying Anesthesia to the Root Canal
On the day of your procedure, anesthesia is applied. Often, patients will have an option between general anesthesia, meaning being put in a sleep-like state, or local anesthesia, which is when part of the mouth is numbed. It’s smart to explore the pros and cons of both with your dentist.
Using a Dental Dam
Next, the dental surgeon will create a work area in the mouth, using a dental dam to isolate the tooth or teeth being operated on. Proper isolation will keep saliva and the like out of the way, reducing the risk of complications. At Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn, we’re always focused on improving patient experience, and one of the things we emphasize is getting the details right, including properly placing dams to ensure as simple of a root canal procedure in New York as possible.
Breaching and Cleaning the Crown During the Endodontic Procedure
Next, the crown (top) of the infected tooth is opened up with precise instruments. This will leave the pulp exposed. Using tiny, highly-precise instruments, the pulp is completely removed. While the pulp is crucial for growing teeth, once a tooth is fully grown, the pulp can be removed without dramatically impacting the functioning of the tooth. By removing the pulp via an endodontic procedure in NY, it’s possible to eliminate or at least greatly reduce the risk of another infection.
Filling in the Tooth for a Strong, Healthy Smile in NY
When the pulp is removed, a hollow space is left behind, which is then filled in with a bio-compatible material, like gutta-percha, along with dental cement to ensure that the material stays in place. Once the tooth is filled in, it will be covered with a crown, although the initial crown is typically a temporary one.
After the main procedure is wrapped up, the patient is given time to recover from the anesthesia. At Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn, we work closely with all of our patients to encourage as quick of healing and recovery as possible. We’re also careful to explain the results of the procedure to our dental patients in New York.
Inspecting and Perfecting Root Canal Treatment
We also perform close follow-up inspections with our patients to ensure that the tooth is healing correctly, that the biocompatible filling material is itself laying down roots, and that there is no sign of an infection returning. With our patients, this is almost always the case, and when the time is right, a permanent crown will be put in place, thus sealing the tooth.
On rare occasions, complications emerge. This is especially common if a less-well-trained or established dental surgeon or dentist performed the initial root canal procedure. Root canals can be complicated, and attention to detail can be a difference maker. In some cases, especially when a procedure is performed by less skilled hands, complications may emerge, and endodontic “retreatment” is needed. During endodontic retreatment, the filling is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and then it’s refilled.
Want to enjoy expert endodontic treatment in NY with minimal risk of complications from the get-go? Contact Cosmopolitan Dental of Brooklyn and we’d be happy to provide insights.
Amanda
Dr. Orion, thank you for sharing your professional opinion on fluoride toothpaste. This post helped me a lot.
Daniel
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Dr. Orion
That’s great Amanda. Just remember that flossing is even more important!
Samantha
Very good article. From now on I’ll be using a soft toothbrush.