Root Canal

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But if the tooth structure and enamel is still strong, your restorative family dentist in Queens can save the tooth with a root canal. Today’s root canal therapy is completely painless, and once it’s sealed, that tooth will never cause you pain again while being fully functional. Come see our dentists at Queens dentistry centerto have your root canal done.

The restorative dentistry team at CitiDental in Queens employ all the knowledge and technology at their fingertips to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Even though losing a tooth isn’t as catastrophic as it once was, since there are now many replacement options, your natural teeth are still best. A root canal procedure is one tool your dentist has that allows you to keep your natural teeth.

Root canal therapy is only necessary when a tooth is damaged or decayed to the point that its center — the blood vessels and nerves in the pulp — cannot be saved. If the pulp dies or has become infected, a root canal procedure may be the only way to save that tooth and keep the infection from spreading. Healthy teeth contribute to your overall health; one infected tooth can threaten that health.

The Reasons for a Root Canal

In addition to an infection and a dying pulp, there are other reasons why you need root canal therapy. Only your family dentist in Queens can determine the best course of treatment for you, but other potential reasons for a root canal procedure include:

• A darkened tooth, which is a sign the pulp is dying
• An abscess beneath your tooth
• Extreme nerve pain in your tooth
• A broken tooth that exposes the nerve
• A chipped, cracked or fractured tooth that lets in bacteria to the pulp
• Untreated decay
• A loose or defective dental crown
• Too many treatments on the same tooth

The Root Canal Procedure

The procedure for root canal therapy allows your dentist to save the structure of the tooth by essentially hollowing it out. After numbing the tooth, the dentist accesses the pulp to clean out the blood vessels, the nerve and all the bacteria. This whole procedure is completed without any root canal pain.

A bath of a disinfectant follows to kill any bacteria left. Once the root canal of the tooth is clean and dry, your dentist packs the hollow canal with a substance that resembles rubber and then seals the canal. Typically, a dental crown is fit over the tooth to further protect it. With proper care, that tooth can still last for decades, and it won’t limit you in any way. You should not feel any pain after root canal therapy.

Your Root Canal Recovery

Since there’s no root canal pain and no pain after root canal treatment, your root canal recovery is often a quick and easy process. There’s usually some mild discomfort once the effects of the anesthesia dissipates, but you should be ready to resume your normal activities by the next day. You can take over-the-counter painkillers if needed.

Call your dentist in Queens if you:

• Feel any lingering pain after root canal therapy beyond a couple days
• Notice any swelling around the tooth
• Suffer an allergic reaction — a rash or itchy hives, for example
• Experience any severe throbbing pain
• Feel like your bite isn’t even
• Have trouble with your crown

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

Your CitiDental professional won’t let you refuse the procedure just because you may not be able to afford the root canal cost. Beyond the issue of your pain, a tooth infection can turn life threatening if it’s not treated. Discuss payment options before your procedure. Your Queens family dentist does everything he can to provide affordable dental care.

Most insurance carriers pay at least a portion of the root canal cost. So your out-of-pocket cost may be lower than you think. Many factors go into answering the question: how much does a root canal cost? For example:

• Which tooth needs a root canal
• How long your dentist needs to complete the procedure
• The type of crown you pick, as a BruxZir crown may cost more than a porcelain crown.
• If you need any other dental health treatments, including a root canal retreatment