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.
Diagnosing an Abscessed Tooth
While dental abscesses are often easy to notice (as they can be quite painful), they aren’t always. Because of this, some patients end up with dental abscesses and don’t notice. These abscesses may come and go, so patients sometimes think the issue has resolved itself.
If you notice pain or a dark area around your tooth root, make sure you set an appointment with Forest Hills Dental. We will perform an x-ray and check to see what the issue is. If we discover an abscess that has infected the root of the tooth, Dr. Mark will perform a root canal procedure to save the tooth and remove the infection.
Will My Root Canal in Forest Hills NY Hurt?
There are some misconceptions about root canals. One of the biggest misconceptions is that they hurt. While there may be pressure during the procedure, a numbing anesthetic will be used to avoid pain.
If the tooth has a severe abscess, this can lead to additional pain. In order to avoid this issue, Dr. Mark may prescribe an antibiotic before the procedure. This often helps the anesthetic to work better.
Once your root canal procedure has been completed, you should no longer experience pain or discomfort in your tooth.
Aftercare
It’s important to take proper care of your tooth after your root canal procedure. This includes brushing, flossing, and rinsing twice a day every day. If the reason for the root infection is due to a cavity and decay, it’s especially important that you pay attention to your oral healthcare routine.
Make sure you visit Dr. Mark every six months for a cleaning and checkup. If you do so, he’ll be able to diagnose and address any cavities before the decay leads to an infection. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in a tooth, set an appointment. Don’t wait until your next checkup.
After the procedure, avoid hard foods. While you will want to continue to brush, be careful when brushing the tooth and don’t be too aggressive. If Dr. Mark prescribes a pain reliever, take as prescribed.
You may notice swelling after the procedure. A little swelling is normal. If the swelling persists after a few days or seems to be getting worse, reach out to Forest Hills Dental for an appointment. The same goes for ongoing pain.
Dr. Mark will provide you with aftercare instructions. If you follow these instructions, you should heal perfectly after the procedure.
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Will I Need to See an Endodontist?
The answer is, “probably not.” Endodontists specialize in root canal treatment. With that said, you generally don’t need to see an endodontist for a standard root canal procedure. It is only if there is a complication that a specialist needs to address that you need an endodontist. If there are any particular issues that Dr. Mark does not specialize in, we will refer you to an endodontist. Otherwise, Dr. Mark will perform the root canal at Forest Hills Dental.
Are There Alternatives?
Generally, if the root of a tooth is infected, there aren’t any alternatives to a root canal procedure. With that said, it’s important to question why you may be seeking an alternative.
Many people avoid root canals because they are worried about them hurting. With modern medical treatments, this more than likely won’t be the case. Unless there is an extreme circumstance, you most likely won’t feel anything during your root canal procedure.
The only real alternative to a root canal procedure is the extraction of the tooth. This isn’t an option a dentist will consider unless the tooth is so infected that it is beyond saving. It’s far easier and cheaper to address the issue with the root than to extract the tooth completely and try to replace it.
If you have any questions or concerns about root canal therapy, please let us know. We’ll provide you with the information you need. There’s no reason to worry or avoid treatment!
Why Forest Hills Dental?
Forest Hills Dental specializes in top-quality dental services provided by experts in their fields. Dr. Gregory Mark has over 30 years of experience in the field of dentistry and is able to provide a variety of different services—including root canal treatment.
The team at Forest Hills Dental believes in treating our patients like family. We provide all of our patients with the customer service they deserve. It is our goal to see you smile!
When you are looking for the best dental office in Forest Hills NY, look no further than Forest Hills Dental! We look forward to helping you with your root infection or any other procedure you may need.
Reach Out to Forest Hills Dental Today!
If you are experiencing pain or any other issues with your tooth, reach out to Forest Hills Dental. Dr. Mark will take a look at the area and determine what the issue is. If it’s a root canal infection, we will schedule you for an appointment for root canal treatment. If you have any questions about the procedure, insurance, costs, or anything else let us know. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have.
If you are worried about costs, there’s no reason to be! We offer flexible, affordable pricing and payment plans—even if you don’t have insurance. We don’t want your income level to get in the way of you receiving the treatment you need and deserve. Our pricing is also transparent, and you’ll be provided with a quote before the procedure.
You don’t need to live your life in pain! Reach out to Forest Hills Dental today. We look forward to treating you!