Root Canals in Bayside, NY

Root Canals in Bayside, NY

A root canal is an endodontic treatment used to try to save a badly decayed or infected tooth. Untreated tooth infection will spread to surrounding tissues inside the jaw. Saving a tooth is always the best overall treatment, so Dental Expressions by Dr. Gary Bram may suggest receiving a root canal instead of outright extraction.

A root canal sounds scary, but it is a fairly common procedure, received by millions of patients every year. Anesthesia is used, the same as any other dental procedure. There may be some mild discomfort for a few days afterward, but the procedure itself is not something to be scared about.

What is a Root Canal?

The top layers of teeth are white enamel, and then a hard layer called dentin. The next layer is a soft tissue called the pulp. There are blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue inside the pulp, which help grow the root of your tooth during its development. Fully developed teeth can survive without the pulp because the teeth continue to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

Root canals are very similar to a routine filling and are usually completed in one to two appointments. You’ll be smiling again in no time.

A root canal is the removal of the inflamed nerve and pulp that are in the cavity (canal) of the root. Hence, the name of the procedure. After the nerve and pulp are removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned out, disinfected, and sealed immediately, or medication is placed in the canal with a temporary filling, and a follow-up appointment is made to allow time for the infection to be completely eradicated.

Root Canal Aftercare

When the infection is gone, a sealer paste and a rubber compound (called gutta percha) are placed inside the canal, and a filling is used to seal the hole used to access the root. The remainder of the tooth is then prepared to receive a permanent crown.

A temporary crown is glued to the tooth while waiting for complete healing of the jaw. The permanent crown is then sent for manufacturing, and the permanent crown is cemented into place during the last visit.

Call Dental Expressions by Dr. Gary Bram in Bayside, NY, to make an appointment for more information on root canals. We can fix that tooth in no time.