What is Root Canal Therapy?

Your dentist may recommend root canal therapy if you have severe tooth damage or deep dental decay. When performed, it is often a necessary step to save the tooth from falling out or to prevent the infection from spreading. There are certain symptoms that may suggest root canal therapy is necessary, and it is helpful to become more familiar with them. When root canal therapy is needed, it also helpful to understand what the treatment is exactly.

A review of root canal therapy

Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure that most dentists offer. It is safe and effective, but more invasive than dental fillings and various other similar procedures. The following is an overview of what root canal therapy is, when it might be necessary and what you can expect throughout the treatment and aftercare.

Root canal therapy defined

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that removes and replaces infected and damaged dental pulp in the root of a tooth. Root canal therapy is needed if a tooth infection develops and cannot be treated through less invasive methods, such as antibiotics or draining the dental abscess. Root canal therapy can also address severe tooth decay that cannot be treated with a dental filling. The primary purpose of root canal therapy is to address the underlying symptoms and prevent the tooth from becoming lost. 

Symptoms of a root canal infection

The symptoms may vary for each patient, but there are certain symptoms that are more common among those who need a root canal procedure. The most common symptoms include:

  • Deep tooth decay
  • Tooth pain and sensitivity
  • Swollen and sore gums
  • Fever and swollen lymph nodes

If there are any oral health symptoms that become intolerable or exist for an extended period of time, then it is important to visit the dentist for a visit to see what the best course of treatment is. 

How root canal therapy is performed

The typical procedure for root canal therapy includes accessing the dental pulp inside of the tooth root, removing the infected tooth pulp, sealing the tooth with a filling material and attaching a dental crown. The procedure does not take more than a couple of hours, and the procedure itself is not painful for the patient. 

Tips for root canal aftercare

Although the root canal procedure itself may not be painful, there will be some discomfort during the recovery process. The best way to minimize discomfort during recovery is by keeping the mouth clean through good oral hygiene practices, avoiding hard foods or foods high in sugar and drinking water throughout the day to wash away bacteria and food particles. You can also ice the affected area and take pain relief medication as directed by the dentist. 

Contact our dental team for more information

Our dentistry offers root canal therapy, and we help our patients through each step of the process. Reach out to us today to learn more about root canal therapy and to arrange a time to visit with our friendly dental team.

Request an appointment here: https://www.queensfamilydental.com or call Queens Family Dental at (718) 954-9425 for an appointment in our Flushing office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal in Flushing, NY.

Recent Posts

Root Canal Procedure And Misconceptions

A root canal procedure is one of the most important and the most commonly done procedures in dentistry. It is usually performed by endodontists. A root canal is the removal of the natural cavity which is at the center of the tooth. The procedure is done to a damaged or decaying tooth to save it…

Infected Root Canal Warning Signs

When you are concerned that you may have an infection after having a root canal performed, then knowing the warning signs is essential to your good overall health. Root canals are often a necessary procedure in order to save a tooth at risk of being lost. Even though root canal complications tend to be few…

Root Canal Or Extraction FAQ's

When it comes to dealing with an infected tooth, there are typically two options, getting a root canal or having the tooth extracted. There are many things to consider when considering the two.Root canals are one of the more expensive dental procedures while tooth extractions are one of the cheaper treatments dentists perform. However, having…

Common Signs You Need A Root Canal

A root canal is a treatment that can keep your tooth intact. The dentist will assess your tooth and ask you about your symptoms. But knowing if you need this treatment can tell you if you need to see your dentist for this procedure soon. Here are the common signs you need a root canal…

Queens Family Dental

Share
Published by
Queens Family Dental

Recent Posts

Your Guide to Recovery after a Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Many people recover completely from a wisdom tooth extraction after three to four days.

2 weeks ago

Relaxation Techniques for Dental Anxiety

If any part of their body is tense, they can use their mind to focus…

2 months ago

A Family Dentist Discusses How to Clean Braces

If you have recently gotten braces from the family dentist, you will probably be aware…

2 months ago

Recovery Tips After an Implant Supported Dentures Procedure

Anyone considering implant supported dentures should take time to learn about the procedure. This includes…

3 months ago

Dental Bonding or a Crown: What’s Recommended?

Dental bonding is a dental procedure that involves placing and molding composite resin to a…

4 months ago

Tips for Partial Denture Care

Those that wear partial dentures can expect an easier eating experience, better speaking and an…

5 months ago