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!