Brooklyn, NY Root Canal
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that removes the soft center of your tooth to save it from serious decay and imminent tooth loss. This soft center, called the pulp, contains all of the nerves, blood vessels, and tissues that keep your tooth alive. If it’s damaged or inflamed, it can be extremely painful and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
What happens during a root canal therapy appointment?
Next, Dr. Neuman coats your tooth and gums with an antibiotic to prevent infection. Then, he fills and seals the tooth with a soft material to temporarily protect it from further damage. You’ll need to come back in for a follow-up appointment a few days after the root canal therapy. Dr. Neuman X-rays your tooth to check for any infection and replaces the temporary filling with a permanent one.
Do I need root canal therapy?
A root canal is necessary if the pulp inside your tooth is damaged, decayed, or severely inflamed. Common causes of such damage are:
- Untreated cavities
- Too many dental procedures on one tooth
- A chip or crack in your tooth
- An injury that damaged the inside of the tooth
There are a few signs and symptoms to watch for that can indicate your need for root canal therapy. Call Dr. Neuman to make an appointment if your teeth or gums are:
- Painful
- Inflamed
- Discolored
- Warm or hot
These are symptoms of damage to the pulp in your teeth. Getting a root canal alleviates the pain or pressure that you feel from inflammation.
Are root canals painful?
Since your mouth is numb during the root canal procedure, you won’t feel it happening. Once the anesthetic wears off, your mouth might feel sore for a few days and your gums may swell a bit. This can be treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Ultimately, your root canal alleviates more pain than it causes.
