A root canal is typically necessary when there is inflammation or infection in the roots of a tooth. Teeth cannot fight off an infection like the rest of our body because there is limited blood flow inside a tooth. Therefore, when a tooth’s nerve is infected or inflamed, the inside of the tooth must be disinfected. This disinfecting treatment is called “Endodontic Therapy” (Endo= inside, Dontic=tooth related) because it is treating the inside of the tooth. Root Canal treatment allows us to save your tooth from being extracted.
There are many possible symptoms of this type of infection including:
- pain when biting or chewing
- pain while eating or drinking hot or cold foods
- a loose tooth
- pus oozing from the affected tooth
- swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
- darkening of the tooth
- facial swelling
How is root canal treatment performed?
The first step includes the administration of local anesthesia via injection to numb the tooth and surrounding area to be treated. During the treatment, a hole is made in the top of the tooth, allowing access to the pulp chamber and root canals for treatment. Then the inflamed or infected pulp is removed. As soon as the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, it will be filled and sealed with a material called gutta-percha. A filling or crown will be used to restore the tooth and to help it function normally.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of a pulp infection, please do not hesitate to contact our office immediately. You can call us at (212) 645-2808. Our practice is located at 22 Renwick St., New York, NY 10013.