Root Canal Therapy in Astoria, Queens

A root canal is an intricate procedure that removes the very center of a tooth called the dental pulp. The pulp consists of blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves and is vital while a tooth grows. These tissues, which extend into the root canals of tooth roots, are cleaned out during the procedure. After removing all of the tissues, the tooth is disinfected and permanently sealed. Generally, a tooth that has had root canal therapy will require a dental crown. The crown completely encases the remaining tooth and prevents further damage and infection. It also restores the tooth’s appearance and functionality, allowing you to smile confidently and bite and chew food without fear of the tooth cracking or crumbling away.

A toothache usually results from a cavity that only requires a filling. However, if the tooth has endured severe structural damage, a filling may not be sufficient.

Only your dentist, can determine if you need a root canal procedure, but some of the symptoms that may lead to a root canal include:

• Untreated and extensive tooth decay
• Intense tooth nerve pain
• A tooth abscess: A tooth that looks darker than your other teeth, which indicates a dying pulp
• A dental crown that’s become loose or faulty
• A tooth that’s been broken, cracked or chipped, exposing its pulp

Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist and having your teeth checked professionally is vital as pain isn’t always a root canal symptom.

When you visit your dentist for tooth infection or because a tooth has become painful, it will not take long to make a proper diagnosis. Your dentist will examine the tooth gently. They may try placing something cold on the tooth, testing the reaction with an unaffected tooth. A dental x-ray will almost certainly be required to determine the extent of the infection and whether the specialist can save the tooth with root canal therapy.

If your dentist recommends root canal therapy to save the tooth and believes it has a good chance of success, you should consider it. Otherwise, your dentist will almost certainly extract the tooth. Your natural teeth are designed to last a lifetime and are always the better option. There is no reason to be afraid of root canal treatment.

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments. An endodontist can perform it. A rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth while it is numb to keep it dry and free of saliva. Your doctor will make an access opening on top of the tooth and insert a series of root canal files, one at a time, into it, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If there is tooth decay, it will be removed with special dental instruments as well.

After thoroughly cleaning the tooth, it will be sealed with either a permanent or temporary filling if additional appointments are required. At the next appointment, usually, a week later, your specialist will fill the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth and seal it with special dental materials. Your doctor will place a filling to cover the opening on top of the tooth. Furthermore, all teeth that have had root canal therapy should have a crown (cap) placed. The crown will protect the tooth, keep it from breaking, and restore its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will fade as the inflammation subsides and the tooth heals. Following each appointment, your doctor will give you care instructions. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene practices will extend the life of your root canal treatment.

Some people will find their teeth last for life after root canal therapy. At the very least, your tooth should remain problem-free for several years, although very occasionally, it can become reinfected. Your dentist will need to re-examine the tooth at this point to see if another root canal treatment is possible. One way to help your teeth last longer is to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Your tooth may feel a little sore after the anesthetic wears off, but any discomfort should fade quickly and is easily controllable with over-the-counter medications. It’s best to avoid chewing on the tooth until the specialist places the crown to restore its structure permanently.

You shouldn’t feel any pain after root canal therapy. You may feel temporary discomfort once the anesthetic wears off. Temperature sensitivity may occur, but it will pass quickly. Your root canal recovery is like recovering from a filling. You can go right back to your normal daily routine the very next day.

Call your dentist if you notice any of these unusual symptoms following your procedure that may indicate the need for a root canal retreatment:

• Swelling in the area of your root canal procedure
• Any pain after root canal therapy after several days
• Continued pain that becomes more intense
• A reaction caused by allergies, such as hives or a rash
• An uncomfortable bite or issues with your crown

Our endodontist will discuss all available retreatment options with you and recommend the most effective in your specific situation.

If you have a crown problem, from either the temporary or permanent one, you may need to return to your dentist’s office for an adjustment. While that’s not a root canal retreatment, it does allow your dentist another look at his root canal work.

A root canal retreatment may be required if the infection returns to the tooth, which is uncommon. It can happen regardless of how well your dentist cleans and disinfects the canal. You can feel the pressure even if there is no nerve in the pulp. This pain following root canal therapy indicates that you may require root canal retreatment, which involves repeating the procedure.

Many factors influence your final root canal cost, including:

• Whether you need additional procedures
• If you’re so nervous, you want to take advantage of sedation dentistry
• How difficult it is for your dentist to reach the affected tooth
• Whether the infection has spread to other teeth or your gums and jaw
• Which type of crown you have your dentist put over the tooth, such as a:
  • Porcelain crown
  • Zirconia crown
  • BruxZir crown
  • eMax crown

Your dental insurance may cover the cost of your root canal procedure. Don’t avoid root canal therapy if you need it. Our staff help by offering affordable root canals.