The mere mention of the words “root canal” often sends a shiver up a person’s spine. Unfortunately, due to wild exaggerations and misinformation, many people don’t understand the importance of this common dental procedure. A root canal provides a safe and comfortable solution for addressing dental infections or abscesses. Your Astoria NY dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, can protect your smile with root canal therapy.
What is a Root Canal?
When a tooth becomes infected or suffers from advanced decay, a root canal may be necessary to prevent tooth loss. First, the area around the tooth will be treated with anesthetic. The tooth will then be opened and the infected tissue removed. The root canals will be cleaned and disinfected before a restorative material is placed in the tooth. Finally, the tooth will be sealed with a lifelike composite filling or a crown. The restoration will protect the remaining tooth structure and prevent further decay. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the root canal procedure, don’t hesitate to contact your Astoria NY dentist.
How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?
Our teeth are coated in a protective layer of enamel. The enamel helps protect the sensitive layers of inner tooth structure from harmful bacteria. When the enamel becomes weakened, often due to injury or poor oral hygiene, bacteria bypass this protective layer.
Soon, tooth decay develops. As the cavity spreads, the bacteria may eventually reach the pulp. The pulp keeps your tooth healthy and alive, overseeing the flow of blood and nutrients to and from the tooth. Infection can cause the pulp to die, effectively killing the tooth. Then, extraction may be required to prevent the spread of infection.
Common symptoms of infection include:
- Toothaches
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Foul tasting discharge
- Swelling around the tooth
- Sharp pain when biting down or chewing
If you experience one or more of these symptoms on a regular basis, schedule an appointment with your Astoria NY dentist right away.
About Dr. Leibowitz:
Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, a native New Yorker, has served patients and families from Astoria, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and all surrounding communities since opening his dental practice in 1991. To schedule an appointment at our Astoria dentist’s office, contact us at (718) 728-8320 today.
