What is Root Canal Treatment?

Firstly, what exactly is root canal treatment? Too often, we hear this term without grasping what it entails and imagine that it’s a far more invasive procedure than it is.

In reality, root canal treatment is a form of restorative dentistry, often used as a last plan of action before extraction. This is a treatment that aims to remove infected pulp from inside an infected tooth to prevent escalating problems. In some instances, root canal treatment can be necessary in teeth that have already been filled, either because a filling has failed, or because the infection is simply too deep within the tooth for composite fillings to be effective.

Do you need Root Canal Treatment?

Often, a fear of facing root canal treatment can prevent us from addressing the signs that this treatment is necessary. This is a serious issue considering that infected pulp can lead to severe discomfort, as well as posing a risk to the surrounding gums and root tissue. Only by acting fast can you save a tooth with an infection of this nature, and some sure signs that you could benefit from scheduling an appointment with Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale include:

  • Severe or shooting pains
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Throbbing pain
  • Abscess
  • Blistered gums
  • Pain in the jaw
  • And more

Do note, however, that these symptoms aren’t always present, and some patients only discover their need for a root canal during x-rays at a routine appointment.

Why is Root Canal Treatment important?

Given that many patients would prefer to avoid root canals for the reasons already mentioned, it’s natural to wonder why root canals are needed in the first place. After all, no patient wants to undergo unnecessary work, especially to this extent.

In reality, however, root canal treatment is very much essential as the last resort for saving a tooth. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s fundamental that you contact us to avoid escalating problems that require even more extensive and unpleasant treatment options.

In effect, root canal treatment ‘kills’ a tooth, meaning that both discomfort and further issues are no longer a concern. Alternatives to this treatment, or inevitabilities if you don’t act fast, include tooth extraction, tooth loss, and dental implants. Not to mention that infected pulp can escalate to often serious infections in the gumline, bloodstream, and beyond.

How is Root Canal Treatment performed?

While it can seem like a relatively intensive dental treatment on the surface, root canal treatment is a common solution that our team here at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale are well versed in. Once you contact an experienced member of our crew, you’ll see that root canal treatment is incredibly simple and efficient and should cause as little discomfort as possible.

In large part, your unique root canal journey will depend on everything from the intensity of the infection present to whether your surrounding teeth are also infected. In a general sense, however, root canal treatment includes a few key steps. To begin with, an initial consultation is necessary to discuss your symptoms and take x-rays. Antibiotics will also be prescribed here if severe infection is discovered. At a second appointment, root canal treatment will begin, and you can expect steps that include:

  1. A local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area
  2. The crown of the tooth will be chipped away to enable access
  3. A dental file will be used to slowly remove the infected pulp
  4. The cleared chamber will be cleaned and further x-rays taken to ensure all infection is gone
  5. The tooth will be filled to ensure strength

Throughout, you will be asked how you’re feeling and what your discomfort levels are, ensuring that you’re kept comfortable and in control throughout.

The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

In large part, the benefits of root canal treatment speak for themselves, but if you need a little more convincing, consider that this treatment, on the whole, can open you to a range of dental benefits that will be worth your while, such as:

  • Fast recovery times
  • Immediate relief
  • An affordable option, typically covered by insurance
  • Protection of jaw bone structure
  • Permanent solutions

Contact Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale today

With our aim to provide lifetime dental care and a lasting smile, our team here at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale have been approved and recognized by the American Dental Association to meet all of your dental health needs. This means that we’re on hand to provide the best possible root canal experience, tailored to your needs to ensure ongoing dental health that you can trust.

If you think you need a root canal or simply want to understand more about the process, our expert team is just a phone call away. Don’t hesitate to contact us at (914) 725-7100 to request an appointment today!

woman standing in the sun showing off her healthy smile

Tooth Extraction in Westchester NY

No one wants the feeling of a damaged or broken tooth in their mouth. The pain of a broken tooth can be too much to bear, which is why the best course of action is a tooth extraction that Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale in Westchester can offer you. If your tooth has become damaged or chipped to the base, our dentists will usually attempt to fix it with a dental crown or filling first. Sometimes, though, there is just too much damage for reparation, and the tooth needs to come out for the health of your mouth.

If there is one thing that we make a priority here at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale in Westchester is the preservation of your natural teeth. Our dental team will always do what we can to save your teeth as they are in the natural structure of your mouth. Tooth extraction is a last resort in most cases, as oral surgery is a big deal. We work hard to keep you as informed about your treatment as possible, and we aim to make you feel comfortable while you undergo your treatment with us.

At Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale in Westchester, our tooth extraction procedures are only performed with informed and happy patients who are secure in our ability to look after your teeth thoroughly. We commit to first class dentistry, and this is what we aim to provide with our professional tooth extraction we have to offer.

Why Do You Need Tooth Extraction?

The most common reason for extraction in teenagers is a lack of space for adult teeth to move through. Similarly, adults have wisdom teeth removed to reduce pain and provide more space in the jaw – this is common when wisdom teeth impact. However, the other reasons for tooth extraction surround tooth decay, tooth infection, and overcrowding of the teeth. Patients who have to undergo organ transplantation or chemotherapy also may need to undergo a removal, as any compromised teeth and unhealthy gums can compromise their health, too. Tooth extraction is performed at the dentist or by an oral surgeon, and the procedure can be done under a local anesthetic. Visible tooth extraction is straightforward in most cases, but any broken teeth or those that have impacted require a more involved operation.

What Are The Steps Before Extraction?

Removal of permanent teeth, as mentioned, is always a last resort. Several things can be tried before extraction is recommended. These are the steps toward removal:

  • We want to save the tooth with a filling first if we can.
  • Cavities can be removed and filled with a composite that is natural to the color of the tooth; barely noticeable and perfect aesthetically!
  • If the damage is severe, affecting the pulp of the tooth, we’ll recommend a root canal. This is where we can remove deep decay and still save the adult tooth. We clean the tooth and disinfect it; then we’ll top it with a crown.
  • Sometimes, a root canal can fail, but endodontics that can be assisted with a microscope are available and can save your tooth from being extracted.

Tooth Extraction: How It Works

If we have tried all of the above and nothing can be done to save your permanent tooth, we will perform a tooth extraction. We do this because the damage is too severe, and the tooth will not heal. We aim to ensure that you feel calm and confident if you have to have a tooth extraction, and it’s for this reason that we like to sit with our patients and create a plan that will suit your needs.

The damage and decay in your teeth will determine what type of tooth extraction that you have, and it will also depend on whether the tooth that requires removal will be impacted or visible above the surface. Here is a breakdown of each procedure:

Simple Tooth Extraction

For a simple procedure that can be done with your dentist, you will receive a local anesthetic. You’ll get a topical anesthetic on the gum before the local injection, and you’ll feel pressure but no pain throughout the procedure. An elevator is used to loosen your tooth, and then there are forceps used to pull it out.

Surgical Tooth Extraction

For a surgical extraction, you’ll need both a local and an intravenous anesthetic. The second anesthesia enables you to remain very relaxed and calm, and in some cases, you may need to have general anesthesia. This is where you would be unconscious with no awareness throughout the procedure. With oral surgery, a small cut is made into your gum and depending on the severity of the tooth decay. You may also need to have some bone removed before the tooth can come out.

Anxiety during extraction is natural, but if you have anxiety before the procedure, please do speak to us and let your concerns be known. They can help you to address your concerns and make you feel calm and collected about it.

Get Composite Fillings from your Westchester Dentist.

After Extraction

Once you have a tooth out, you are left with a gap where it used to be. It’s essential to know your options here, as dental prosthetics are an option for you. After a tooth extraction Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale can offer you any of the following:

Dental Implants

These are a great option that work and function just like your natural teeth.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge and a false tooth are placed in the gap, with the teeth either side supported.

Dentures

Dentures are used in place where bridges and implants are not suitable, and these can be removable.

And any of these procedures can keep you looking confident and healthy with your beautiful smile.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are looking for a dental practice to perform tooth extraction for you, then please schedule an appointment with Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale today. You’ll receive a high level of service and care that our team of dentists can provide to you to keep your smile healthy.

FAQ

Common symptoms indicating the need for a root canal include severe pain while chewing or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity/pain to hot or cold temperatures, discoloration of the tooth, swelling, and tenderness in the surrounding gums, or a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums. These symptoms could suggest that the tooth pulp is infected or inflamed, necessitating a root canal to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.

The perception of root canals being painful is outdated, thanks to advancements in dental technology and anesthesia. A root canal procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring the patient feels no pain during the procedure. Patients might experience some discomfort or mild pain after the anesthesia wears off, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Additionally, dentists may offer sedation options for patients with dental anxiety to make the experience more comfortable and stress-free.

The cost of a root canal can vary widely depending on factors such as the severity of the infection, which tooth is affected, and geographic location. Generally, root canals on molars are more expensive than those on front teeth due to the complexity of the procedure. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of root canal treatment since it is considered a necessary restorative procedure. However, coverage levels can vary, so patients need to check with their insurance provider for specific details about their coverage. Dental offices often provide estimates and can assist with insurance claims to ensure patients understand their financial responsibilities.