Save a Tooth With Root Canal Therapy in Tuckahoe, NY

Think you’re suffering from a severe tooth infection? Contact us at 914-533-4200 to see if we can still save your tooth through root canal therapy.

Here at Metro Dental, we understand that oral hygiene lapses can and do happen to everyone. If you have a tooth that suffers from deep or severe infections, we might be able to save it. The primary purpose of our root canal therapy in Tuckahoe, NY, is to preserve a patient’s natural teeth and avoid invasive tooth extraction and replacement.

The Different Tooth Layers

We perform root canal therapy in Tuckahoe, NY, for those at risk of needing an extraction due to a deep infection. Here is some information about the different layers of your teeth to help you better understand the treatment.

Enamel: Outermost Layer

Enamel is the tough, shiny outer surface of your teeth. While it tends to wear down over years of use, we can strengthen it through fluoride treatments and special toothpaste. Think of this layer as the first line of defense against tooth decay.

Dentin: Middle Layer

Dentin is the middle layer that acts as the tooth’s structural support. It has a natural yellow color that may begin showing once your enamel wears off.

Pulp and Root: Innermost Layer

The inner layer of a tooth is called the pulp, which contains the tooth’s root. Unlike the enamel or dentin, which are mineral structures, the pulp is a biological substance, making it susceptible to infections. 

Signs You Need Root Canal

Knowing when you require a root canal can be challenging on your own, which is why we recommend regular visits to the dentist. Your tooth has a higher chance of being saved with a professional spotting and treating the issue quickly.

When tooth decay becomes advanced, you may begin to exhibit very noticeable symptoms. The most common ones include:

• Persistent oral pain
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Dark tooth discoloration
• Tooth sensitivity
• Inflamed gum area
• Halitosis (severe bad breath)

Know What To Expect During A Root Canal Procedure

Root canals are a fairly straightforward procedure. We generally follow the steps below but may include additional treatments depending on the patient’s dental care needs.

1. Anesthesia

We will inject the area with anesthesia to eliminate your discomfort. After sufficiently numbing the gums and tooth, we apply a dental dam in your mouth to isolate the affected tooth.

2. Affected Area Preparation

We drill the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canal. Our dentist then uses special tools to clear the chamber and canal of infected pulp. After scraping away every unsalvageable part, we apply antiseptic and antibacterial solutions to disinfect the area and eliminate the infection.

Then, we shape the canal using tiny instruments to ensure an even filling. Once shaped, we clean the canal for a second time.

3. Canal Filling

With the canal prepared, we fill it with gutta-percha, a rubbery material, and compress it to remove any air pockets. Then, we add adhesive cement to seal the canal further and keep bacteria out.

Our dentists will place a post in the canal to strengthen the tooth structure. This process is only necessary for severely damaged teeth that can’t support their own restoration.

4. Healing Period

With the procedure finished, we will send you home and prescribe you antibiotics. The medication eliminates the rest of the infection.

We will also provide you with post-op care tips to quicken your healing. It’s normal for patients to experience minor discomfort for a few days, but over-the-counter pain medications can help alleviate the pain.

5. Crown Placement

For teeth that suffered significant damage, we may need to install a dental crown for extra protection. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that add strength and stability to a tooth, allowing you to bite and chew normally. At Metro Dental, we use custom crown materials that perfectly blend with the look of your existing teeth.

Do You Think You Need Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal treatment has a reputation for being very painful, but this is far from the truth. At Metro Dental, we can perform this procedure with minimal discomfort thanks to modern tools, techniques, and anesthesia. Our dental experts will continuously strive to provide each patient with the most pleasant and comfortable experience possible.

If you want to learn more about root canal therapy in Tuckahoe, NY, please reach out to our experts at Metro Dental. You can book an appointment by calling 914-533-4200 today!