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Root Canal Dentist - Wappingers Falls

What is a root canal treatment?



Root canal treatemnt or endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A ROOT CANAL?

Signs include pain, swelling, prolonged sensitivity to cold or hot, tenderness to touch or chewing, tooth discoloration (grey), and drainage (bad taste) in the mouth.

WHY DID THIS HAPPEN TO MY TOOTH?

A root canal is only necessary when the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes. These may include deep decay (cavity), repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. Sometimes an injury can cause damage to the pulp, even if there are no visible signs of a crack or chip.





WHAT DOES A ROOT CANAL DO?

 

A root canal removes the inflamed or infected pulp, cleans and shapes the inside of the root, then fills and seals the space. Without the pulp, the tooth can no longer respond to hot or cold application, because the source of the inflammation or infection is gone.

WILL I FEEL ANYTHING DURING THE PROCEDURE?

No. If the tooth is properly anesthetized there should be no perception of pain during the procedure

WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?

You may be wondering what a root canal is. We know there are a lot of exaggerated horror stories out there and you may be worried about getting treatment! 

Root canals today are not like the painful and time-extensive root canals of days gone by. In most cases, treatment takes only one appointment and there is rarely any "pain".
Endodontic treatment, more commonly referred to as a root canal, becomes necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. This can be caused by deep decay, trauma to the tooth, a crack, or a variety of other reasons. If left untreated, it can cause significant pain or infection.

 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROCEDURE?

During the root canal, the endodontist will make a small access hole in the top of the tooth.  Very small instruments and a microscope are used to remove the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals.  After cleaning the inside of the tooth, a rubber-like material called "gutta percha" is placed inside the tooth.  A temporary or permanent filling is then placed to close the access hole.  After the root canal, you must return to your dentist for a final restoration (either a crown or permanent filling).


 

IS THE PROCEDURE PAINFUL?

 

The procedure is not painful. It actually relieves pain. Your tooth may feel sensitive for a few days and can normally be relieved with over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen. This discomfort is usually very mild. The endodontist may prescribe antibiotics to help alleviate any potential infection.

In some rare cases, a tooth with previous endodontic treatment may need retreatment. This can stem from a variety of causes, such as a crack, missed canals, or from any remaining bacteria in the tooth. From your perspective, a retreatment is very similar to a first time root canal. Instead of removing the pulp, the endodontist would remove the previous root canal material and look for anything causing failure of the original treatment and place a new root filling material. Upon success of your treatment; the body will take six months to regenerate any lost bone.

Another type of procedure your general dentist may send you to our office for is an apicoectomy. An apicoectomy is sometimes necessary when an infection located at the tip of the tooth's root persists despite root canal treatment efforts.

 

What should I do if I need a root canal treatment?

Make an appointment to see us and we will examine you. We will determine if the tooth can be saved or not. 




Call our office today on 845-297-0757 for an appointment.


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