Root Canals in East Harlem, New York City (NYC)
For the best dentists in Harlem, visit East Harlem Dental Plaza today! We make root canals fast, easy and painless to give you that Hollywood smile in no time.
Root canals have gotten something of a bad reputation among anxious dental patients. However, the procedure can be just as low key and relaxed as any other dental procedure when performed by a properly trained and qualified dentist.
People often need root canals for a variety of reasons. More often than not, it is due to infection or trauma to the nerve–or the “pulp chamber”–that is contained within the small canal of the tooth. This canal travels from the pulp chamber all the way down to the very root of the tooth.
The reasons for this sort of damage include simple tooth decay or the chipping or cracking of a tooth. Root canals may also be needed if a tooth experience trauma in the past and was unable to withstand the impact of that trauma as older age came about.
It is suggested that treatment be performed as soon as possible, as conditions can worsen, causing tremendous pain and further dental problems. Quite often, patients may not even know that a root canal is needed, as symptoms aren’t always present. However, patients experiencing any of the following symptoms may be in need of a root canal.
The root canal itself begins with the dentist applying a local anaesthetic. This is followed by an X Ray to display all angles and positions of the tooth. A rubber dam will then be place around the tooth, keeping the tooth dry from saliva. The dam also helps to keep chemicals that are involved in later steps of the procedure out of your mouth. Once the dam is in place, a chemical solution is then applied to properly cleanse and disinfect the tooth. After drilling a small hole in the tooth, the dentist with then use a series of files to carefully remove the damaged nerve from within the tooth.
Once this has been completed, there may be a need for an additional X Ray. This is to simply make certain the entire nerve has been removed. If any portions of the root are left behind, this could cause toothaches or a reinfection of the tooth.
After removing any other decay from the tooth, the hole will be filled in with a rubber material to properly seal the tooth. This is then followed by either a permanent or temporary filling.
Following this procedure, most dentists will have you come back for another visit where they will then put a crown on the tooth. This is to prevent any cracking from the tooth growing brittle over time, something any tooth that has had its nerve and blood supply removed is likely to do.
Once the procedure is over, your dentist will likely prescribe a pain reliever, as there will be some soreness during your recovery. If there were any remaining infections left behind that could not be removed, these can be treated with common antibiotics which the dentist will also provide you with.
