Root Canal Dentist in Manhasset
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is a procedure that falls under the specialization of endodontics. Endodontists specialize in working inside the tooth, where the root canal of the tooth is. The inside of a tooth is made up of soft pulp, or nerve tissue, and issues can arise when this tissue has become exposed or damaged. The term “root canal” actually refers to a place in the tooth that needs treatment and people have commonly referred to the procedures as “getting a root canal.” What’s actually happening is that the root canal inside the tooth is being relieved of pain and the client experiences much relief afterward.
Causes of Root Canal Problems
There are several causes of root canal problems including infection and inflammation that has developed in the pulp of the tooth. The pulp contains connective tissue and nerve cells, as well as blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. When there is a problem in the root canal of the tooth, it is attached directly to the nerve, which is why people experience so much pain associated with this kind of condition. While your pain may subside over time, the infection and inflammation may actually get worse. Failure to treat the problems associated with the root canal may lead to an abscess, which is exposed infection and can even contribute to other problems in the body because the infection may spread.
Signs and Symptoms of a Root Canal Problem
There are a number of signs and symptoms to watch out for when trying to determine if you have a root canal problem. These include very serious tooth pain associated with eating, or when you put any kind of pressure on your tooth, or the area surrounding the tooth. You may also experience sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and food that can cause long term pain, even after the food or drink has been finished or removed. Sometimes, a small, pimple-like bump may appear on the gum near the tooth that is being affected; this can signify infection. Your tooth may suddenly appear darker, which is caused by the lack of blood flow to the tooth and the tooth may be dying. Swelling, bleeding, and tenderness throughout the mouth is also a common indicator of root canal issues. You’ll want to speak to Dr. Benjamin Feintuch and his knowledgeable team as soon as possible to treat these issues.
What is Involved in a Root Canal?
Patients continue to be alarmed when they hear they need a root canal treatment. There is still a lot of fear and worry associated with needing to have a root canal because of decades of people saying they are horrible treatments. The truth is, having a root canal treatment is no different than having a filling place for a tooth that has decayed. The pain and discomfort are minimal, if present at all, and afterward, clients are surprised to see that they can manage the discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen. This is what is involved in a root canal treatment:
Dr. Benjamin Feintuch (located in Manhasset, Long Island) will administer a numbing agent at the site of the root canal. Then, he will make a small opening in the surface of the tooth to allow access to the inside of the tooth, called the pulp chamber and to the root canals themselves. There are several tiny instruments that are used to clean out the dead and dying pulp inside the tooth. Dr. Feintuch may also use a microscope to be able to see inside the tooth better. Once the tooth has been “cleaned out,” your tooth will be disinfected, and then a proper filling will be applied to the hole that was initially made. The filling is made from biocompatible material, so it will blend in with your tooth, and then adhesive cement is used to fill the opening so that no further infection can get inside the tooth.
If your tooth has become discolored as a result of needing a root canal, Dr. Feintuch may offer you whitening treatment. This may need to be done regularly as the tooth may continue to discolor over time from lack of blood flow inside the tooth. Don’t trust home whitening kits that you can buy at the pharmacy – if you prefer a home whitening kit, our office can provide you with a professional grade system.
Typically, it is less expensive to have a root canal procedure done than it is to actually have the tooth that is infected pulled out. Dentists would rather try to save a tooth than create a gap in the gums of a client because that can lead to more problems down the road. Preserving original teeth is always the first priority. Removal may be recommended if the tooth cannot be saved, but a root canal procedure will determine if the tooth can be saved before trying to remove it later. It’s also less invasive and less uncomfortable than having a tooth removed. Speak to Dr. Feintuch today about your options for root canal treatments.
After your procedures, you’ll be invited back for a follow up check up. This is to see if the tooth has responded well to the treatment, to check on the level of pain or discomfort that may be present, and to see if the infection, swelling, and tenderness has dissipated.
Contact Us
The important thing to remember is that getting a root canal is not scary. Don’t let the fear of having the procedure done stop you from getting the treatment you need to live pain-free, infection free and to improve your overall oral health. Root canals are very routine and are performed regularly by the professional and highly skilled staff at Manhasset Miracle Smile in Long Island. Make an appointment to talk to us about your oral health today. We’ll help you keep your teeth bright, white and healthy for years to come.
