With root canal therapy, your Astoria, NY, dentist uses an endodontic procedure to address severe cases of tooth decay, or to prevent a dental infection from causing your tooth to become lost. In today’s blog, we’re going to explain how we provide this treatment, and how we ensure a root canal is a comfortable procedure!
The Dangers of Deep Decay and Dental Infection
When a cavity forms, it will continue to grow and spread through the tooth unless treated. The aches and sensitivity in your smile could grow more severe and eventually, the decay could reach the pulp, your tooth’s nerve center. At this stage, the decay has become an infection. With a dental infection comes greater discomfort and eventually, the risk of losing your tooth altogether. To address these concerns and bring relief, you need more than a dental filling or crown. You need to remove the infected tissues from within your tooth.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
First, we want to make sure you feel comfortable. To do so, we will administer a local anesthetic to the area receiving treatment. If you have dental anxiety, we could discuss sedation options as well. Once you’re comfortable and relaxed, we will open the tooth to remove the infected tissues from within. We then clean the interior of the tooth and add a special restorative material. The final step involves placing a custom-made crown on the tooth, which protects the interior and provides a durable chewing surface. The material is strong, but can be color-matched to blend with your smile.
Protecting Your Smile
How do we help you avoid cavities and infection in the future? Routine care at home and in our office could control the factors behind cavities. You should brush your teeth for two minutes when you wake up and again before bed with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. You also need to floss every evening before going to bed. Every six months, you should see us for a checkup and cleaning. The checkup lets us watch for the earliest signs of a cavity. The cleaning helps remove the plaque and tartar, for a brighter and healthier smile. You also help by reducing your consumption of foods and drinks high in sugar and starch.
If you have any questions about how we tackle issues like tooth decay or infection with a root canal, then contact our team today to learn more.
Do You Have Questions About Treating Infected Teeth?
Our team knows how endodontic dental care could help prevent tooth loss and serious discomfort. To learn more about how our team treats infected teeth, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
