Root Canal
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88 Smile Designs
Edly Destine, D.D.S.
Cosmetic, Family and General Dentistry located in Fleetwood, Mount Vernon, NY
Serious tooth decay can lead to tooth loss if not treated — but, a root canal can save your tooth and relieve you of pain. At 88 Smile Designs in Mount Vernon, New York, the experienced team uses the latest state-of-the-art procedures and equipment for your root canal. For a fast and comfortable procedure to repair your tooth before restoring it with a dental crown, use the online booking feature or call the office to schedule your appointment today.
Root Canal Q & A
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment that removes infected or dead tissue within your tooth. If you develop a serious tooth infection or have severe tooth decay, your 88 Smile Designs dentist might recommend a root canal.
This treatment takes away the cause of pain so your dentist can restore your tooth to full function. A root canal is widely considered an excellent alternative to tooth extraction.
Though tooth extraction removes the cause of your pain, it introduces new potential problems like bone loss and teeth misalignment over time. A root canal lets you keep your natural tooth, so it preserves both form and function.
How can I tell if I need a root canal?
There are several possible signs that you might need a root canal to save your tooth, including:
- Gum inflammation
- Tooth pain
- Tooth darkening
- Bad breath
- Bumps in the gums around the tooth
If you catch tooth infections early enough, you might not need treatment beyond a standard filling. But, once you're suffering from several of the symptoms above, a root canal is often the best choice for tooth preservation.
How does a root canal work?
Your 88 Smiles Designs dentist typically completes a root canal in just two appointments at the office.
After X-rays to assess damage and plan treatment, your dentist numbs the area surrounding your tooth. The needle pinches briefly, but the area goes completely numb afterward.
Next, your provider makes a very small opening in your infected tooth and removes the damaged tissue (the pulp).
After your 88 Smiles Designs dentist completely removes the infected pulp, the treatment area is cleaned and irrigated. Finally, a temporary crown is placed on your tooth.
You'll be out of pain after that, although you should be cautious eating with a temporary crown. Within a few weeks, your new custom crown will be ready. Your 88 Smiles dentist removes the temporary crown to put your permanent one in place.
The 88 Smile Designs team gives you personalized advice based on your case, but most patients get back to regular eating and oral care habits right away.
To learn how a root canal can save your tooth and get you out of pain, schedule online or by phone now.
