Root Canal

Cavities are a relatively common dental issue. They form when teeth are not cleaned thoroughly due to a lack of proper brushing and flossing habits. Dental fillings are usually an adequate treatment to remove the damage and fill in the missing tooth structure. Sometimes, instead of pain the tooth might become sensitive to hot, cold, and/or sugar. But with today’s state- of-the-art, modern materials, Dr. Pressman might be able to restore the tooth without having to perform root canal.

However, a tooth may require root canal or an endodontic procedure after experiencing trauma. Trauma can come in different forms. One example is blunt trauma such as a fall or an elbow to the face when playing sports. Chronic trauma is another cause for root canal. For example, a cavity that extends to the nerve or even chronic grinding of your teeth, are forms of chronic trauma. This can cause an irreversible pulpitis of the nerve bundle requiring root canal therapy.

In addition, if the decay reaches the dental pulp, an abscess could form, potentially affecting the surrounding teeth and gums, requiring administration of an antibiotic Dr. Alan Pressman DMD offers expert root canal treatment in Rockland County’s, Spring Valley, NY.

Signs that You Need Root Canal

People with an infection in the dental pulp may experience symptoms that indicate you require root canal treatment, these symptoms are:

• Heightened sensitivity to heat and cold
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Throbbing toothache
• Facial swelling
• Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck
• Persistent bad breath

If you are having any of these symptoms, you are likely to have an abscessed tooth. If you left them untreated for a long time, the infection could spread widely to the jaw and the whole face, resulting in systemic infection. It may even result in tooth loss, necessitating advanced restoration treatments to preserve the function and quality of the smile.

Dr. Alan Pressman recommends calling our Rockland County, NY Spring Valley Dental office right away if you experience any of the mentioned symptoms. Then, we can examine and offer treatments to protect your teeth and body from the dangers of untreated infections. 

Procedure

Dr. Pressman may take x-rays of the affected tooth before the actual procedure. It will give him a better look at the tooth below the gum line, along with the tooth’s roots and the surrounding bone.

An anesthetic will be administered to the site first to minimize discomfort. Next, Dr. Pressman will place a sheet of latex rubber called a dental dam around the tooth being treated to keep it dry and clean for the duration of the procedure. The inside of the tooth will be accessed through a hole that your dentist will create in the crown (top) of the tooth. The pulp will then be removed along with all traces of decay. The inside of the tooth will be cleaned and reshaped to discourage bacteria from collecting there again. 

Once prepared, the canal will be filled with a biocompatible material (Gutta Percha – a natural occurring rubber) to restore its structural integrity and allow you to once again use the tooth.

The root canal procedure is somewhat infamously known as an uncomfortable and painful procedure, but this is a misconception. Because anesthesia is used, it’s not more painful than any other dental treatment, and if your tooth requires a root canal, then chances are, you’re already in some pain due to the affected tooth. The procedure will not only restore the health of the tooth but will also relieve your pain.

If you believe that you may need this treatment, contact your dentist Dr. Alan Pressman DMD in Rockland County’s, Spring Valley, NY.

Post-Root Canal Treatment 

Because the tooth becomes more brittle after the root canal treatment, your dentist Dr. Pressman in Spring Valley may determine the need for a dental crown which provides strength and protection. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups protect your teeth and gums to help them to last for a lifetime. 

So if a tooth is causing you severe discomfort, and you think you might need a root canal, see Dr. Pressman in Rockland’s Spring Valley, today!