You have probably heard about root canal treatment. But do you know why it is performed and how it impacts your oral health? If not, consult the following information in which your Astoria NY dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, takes a closer look at the specifics of root canal treatment.
When Teeth Need Root Canal Treatment
A tooth in need of root canal treatment has been severely damaged by tooth decay. This process begins when harmful bacteria attach themselves to teeth by forming a clear, sticky substance called plaque. Once attached to teeth, these bacteria can consume lingering sugar in the mouth. After feeding on sugar, the bacteria will give off an acid byproduct that can damage teeth. As the damage builds, a cavity will begin to develop.
At this point, the cavity should be treated with a dental filling. However, if the tooth in question does not receive treatment, the bacteria responsible for the cavity can delve deeper inside the tooth, eventually reaching its pulp. When bacteria access a tooth’s pulp, the risk of infection is very high, and an infected tooth is a tooth in serious peril. It is at this point that root canal treatment should intervene.
The Root Canal Procedure
The purpose of root canal treatment is to remove the infected pulp from the damaged tooth before filling it to protect against further damage. In order to do this, your Astoria NY dentist, Dr. Leibowitz, may use a small drill and other tiny instruments to access and remove the infected pulp. Following the procedure, which is performed with anesthesia, patients typically report mild discomfort in the form of a dull pain in the treated tooth. This pain can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers and typically lasts only 1-2 days.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
The chief benefit of root canal treatment is that it preserves a tooth that is in serious peril and removes an infection from the body, thus helping to prevent illness.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Astoria NY Dentist
Do you have a tooth in need of root canal treatment? If so, contact our 11106 dental office today to schedule an appointment or a consultation with your Astoria NY dentist, Dr. Leibowitz, by calling (718) 728-8320. We proudly serve patients from Astoria, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the surrounding communities.
