What is a Root Canal Treatment in New York?
When the soft tissue inside your tooth—known as dental pulp—becomes infected, it can cause significant pain and lead to serious oral health issues. Unlike other parts of the body, teeth lack infection-fighting properties, which makes professional treatment essential. At West Soho Dentistry, we offer root canal treatments to remove the infected tissue and prevent further complications, serving patients in West Soho, Hudson Square, West Village, Tribeca, and surrounding areas.
Why Would You Need a Root Canal?
Dental pulp is a soft tissue located inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. If the pulp becomes infected, it can cause bacteria to multiply within the tooth chamber, potentially spreading to surrounding areas or even traveling through the bloodstream. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including:
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold
- Loose tooth
- Swelling of the face, neck, or gums
- Darkening of the tooth
- Bone loss at the tip of the tooth root
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a multi-step procedure designed to remove infected tissue and save the tooth from extraction. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
1. Initial X-rays
Before starting the procedure, an X-ray will be taken to determine the extent of the infection and whether it has spread to the surrounding bone.
2. Local Anesthesia
To ensure a painless experience, local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected area. This keeps the patient comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure.
3. Placing a Rubber Dam
A rubber dam—a small sheet of rubber—is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva during the treatment.
4. Accessing the Pulp Chamber
The dentist creates a small opening at the top of the tooth to access the infected pulp and root canals. Specialized instruments called root canal files are then used to remove the infected tissue, decayed nerve tissues, and bacteria.
5. Cleaning and Disinfection
The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and prevent future infections.
6. Filling and Sealing
Once cleaned, the empty root canals are filled with a material called gutta-percha, which seals the tooth to prevent reinfection.
7. Placing a Crown
To restore the tooth’s strength and function, a dental crown is placed over the treated tooth. This protects it from further damage and ensures normal functionality.
Save Your Tooth with Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment not only relieves pain but also saves your natural tooth from extraction, maintaining your smile’s function and appearance. At West Soho Dentistry, our experienced team uses advanced techniques to perform root canals safely and effectively.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an infected tooth, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with us for root canal treatment in New York. Visit us at 22 Renwick St., New York, NY 10013, and let us help you preserve your dental health!