ROOT CANAL® SPECIALIST
When a tooth infection penetrates all the way into the roots, it can cause tooth loss or even a systemic infection. The expert dentists at Diamond District Dental in Manhattan, New York, can save your infected tooth with a root canal procedure that removes the infection and restores the structure of your tooth. If you have a toothache and live in the Greater New York area — including Queens, Rego Park, Manhattan, and New York City — call Diamond District Dental or use the online form to book an appointment for a root canal.
ROOT CANAL Q&A
WHAT ARE ROOT CANALS?
Root canals are long, narrow tubes in the pulp of your tooth that reach down into your tooth’s roots. The canals contain sensitive nerves and blood vessels, which is why an infection in the root canals is painful.
Your Diamond District Dental dentist performs a root canal procedure to remove the infection and strengthen your tooth. A root canal prevents your tooth from extraction or loss.
WHY ARE MY ROOT CANALS INFECTED?
Your tooth and root canals become infected if trauma or decay damage the protective layer of enamel. Cracks, holes (cavities), and other breaks in the enamel allow bacteria to pass into the dental pulp. The pulp contains sensitive connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves that become infected and inflamed.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AN INFECTED TOOTH?
When your tooth and root canals are infected, you may experience one or more of the following:
- Severe tooth pain
- Pain when eating
- Persistent sensitivity or pain after eating something cold or hot
- Darkened or discolored teeth
- Swollen, lumpy, red, or painful gums
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE?
If you don’t treat an infected tooth, the infection can spread to other teeth, cause the loss of your tooth or teeth, and even enter your bloodstream to create a severe condition known as sepsis.
Your Diamond District Dental dentist has two options for treating your tooth and preventing the spread of infection: extraction or a root canal procedure. The root canal preserves your natural tooth, which prevents your other teeth from slipping out of place and preserves your jawbone.
WHAT DOES MY DENTIST DO DURING A ROOT CANAL?
Your Diamond District Dental dentist makes your root canal procedure comfortable and pain-free by:
- Injecting the site with anesthesia
- Drilling a small hole in your tooth to remove the infection
- Cleaning and disinfecting the hole
- Filling the hole with a rubbery substance called gutta-percha to stabilize your tooth
- Finishing the tooth with a new crown that matches your natural teeth
Once your gums and tooth have healed, your stabilized tooth can be treated just like your other teeth.
As soon as you have the symptoms of an infected tooth, call your Diamond District Dental dentist or book an appointment online.
