What To Know About Root Canal Therapy
Are you experiencing frequent tooth discomfort that won’t go away? Or are you feeling frequent tooth sensitivity in one tooth in particular? If you answered yes to either question, you may be in need of a common dental treatment. At NYC Smile Spa, our goal is to save our patient’s natural teeth when possible and restore the function of their teeth. One way we do this when an infection has reached the tooth root is through root canal therapy. Unfortunately, largely due to television and movies, root canal therapy has gotten a bad reputation. We are here to tell you that this tooth saving treatment is nothing to fear.
What is a Root Canal?
Each tooth is composed of various layers. The outer layer, also known as the enamel, can become damaged or begin to decay. When treatment is not performed in a timely fashion, the issue with the enamel will continue to spread to the innermost layer of the tooth, also known as the pulp. When infection spreads to the pulp it must be removed or the entire tooth structure including the root will need to be extracted. A root canal is the process of removing the infected pulp, cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the tooth, filling in the space, and sealing it. Most root canal patients will need a tooth structure replacement, such as a dental crown.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
We recommend routine oral hygiene examinations so that we can detect decay and complete treatment in a timely fashion. However, if it has been some time since your last exam and you notice any of the following symptoms, you may need a root canal:
- Severe discomfort while chewing
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Swollen or tender gums
- Lingering sensitivity to cold and hot
- Discomfort in a tooth that already has a filling or a dental crown
If you are experiencing tooth discomfort, please don’t postpone treatment. If an infected tooth is left untreated, it will not heal on its own and will cause more damage to your jaw and body over time. If you have not visited our office located in the Upper East Side recently or are feeling any tooth discomfort, please call us today to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Your Friends at NYC Smile Spa