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Root Canal Surgery NYC

Endodontics NYC

sohosmile®
john koutsoyiannis, dds

Root Canal Surgery

Endodontists in NYC offer root canal surgery, a treatment that can remove an infection from the interior of a tooth. A tooth infection can cause pain and even an inability to talk, smile, or eat properly. The pressure against the tooth’s root and nerves near the infection can cause severe pain and discomfort. In addition to pain, an infected tooth can cause oral swelling, an infection that can spread throughout the gum tissue, and even jawbone loss near the root of the tooth. Our endodontists in NYC are experts in this field and offer a root canal treatments to ease pain from an infected tooth.

WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?

A root canal is a dental procedure performed to thoroughly clean out the infected pulp of the tooth in order to save the natural tooth. Inside your tooth lies a natural cavity where the nerves and blood supply for the tooth are encased. This soft area is susceptible to infection if the nerve or pulp becomes damaged or unhealthy due to trauma or infection. As the pulp breaks down, bacteria can multiply inside the chamber, causing an abscess or a pus-filled pocket to form at the root. Whether the tooth is damaged due to injury, large fillings, or deep decay, an infection in the tooth needs to be treated promptly to minimize damage. That is why timely endodontic treatment is important to stop the infection from progressing and save your tooth. If left untreated, an infection in your tooth can spread to other teeth, the gum tissue, and even into the jawbone. Endodontists in NYC perform root canal procedures to remove the infection, clean out the tooth cavity, and save the tooth from further deterioration. A root canal is also sometimes performed to treat irreversible pulpitis.

BENEFITS OF A ROOT CANAL
Stops The Spread Of Infection
Saves The Natural Tooth
Prevents Jawbone Loss
Alleviates Painful Symptoms From A Tooth Infection
Allows For Talking, Smiling, And Eating With Comfort
Enhances Overall Oral Health

WHAT IS PULPITIS?

Inside each tooth lies a soft center called the dental pulp. Because of the soft nature of this substance, a crack or break in the outer layer of a tooth’s enamel can cause inflammation and infection, otherwise known as pulpitis. Depending on the injury or disease causing the pulpitis, your mouth, neck or face can swell or turn red. As with any inflammation or infection, pain is the most common symptom of pulpitis. There are 2 types of pulpitis known as reversible pulpitis and irreversible pulpitis.

REVERSIBLE PULPITIS

Reversible pulpitis causes you to experience limited inflammation and restoration of the tooth is possible. To treat reversible pulpitis, a small hole is drilled to access the tooth and clean out the decay, infection, and inflammation. After ensuring the infection is gone, the cavity will be filled with a composite filling. Sometimes a crown or onlay may be required to help save the tooth if a filling is not sufficient.

IRREVERSIBLE PULPITIS

If the blood flow and circulation to the tooth have been compromised, the dental pulp can die. The ensuing infection turns into irreversible pulpitis. If you have irreversible pulpitis, an endodontist must perform a root canal procedure to save the rest of the tooth. Making an opening in the top of your tooth, special tools will be used to remove the infection, inflammation, and dental pulp. After cleaning and shaping the canal, it will be filled in with a specialized material. Frequently, after a root canal procedure is completed, a crown is needed to safeguard the integrity of the tooth and restore it to proper function.

WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR ROOT CANAL THERAPY?

Ideal candidates for root canal therapy are individuals who are looking to treat an infection in the tooth. In the majority of cases, patients with advanced tooth decay or pulpal infections are candidates for a root canal, as it is a necessary treatment to ensure the overall health of your smile. To determine what treatment plan is right for you and your specific needs, Dr. John Koutsoyiannis will perform a detailed evaluation of your teeth, gums, and smile.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY ROOT CANAL SURGERY?

NYC endodontists are highly trained root canal specialists that can help alleviate painful symptoms of a tooth infection. Following a dental evaluation, x-rays will be taken to determine the location and severity of your tooth infection. Next, the endodontist will apply a local anesthetic to your gums. You can relax while the anesthetic takes effect. You should feel no discomfort during your root canal once the anesthetic has taken effect.

To begin your root canal surgery, a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry. The infected pulp is accessed either through the back of the tooth if it’s an incisor or cuspid or through the top if it’s a molar. The following steps during a root canal involves using tiny instruments to extract the root pulp and infection. To protect the root of your tooth and the surrounding bone, a special sealant is placed into the cavity. Depending on the severity of the infection, your root canal specialist may wait to completely seal your tooth. If this is the case, they may place antibiotic gel or capsules into the cavity. Subsequently, you will have to return for a second visit for recleaning and sealing the root. Otherwise, the cavity/pulp chamber is filled in. Due to the extent of the damage done to the tooth by the infection, a dental crown is sometimes required. Other restorative work may be necessary to return the tooth to full functionality.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER MY ROOT CANAL SURGERY?

Following a root canal, patients may experience some pain, discomfort, or soreness. These symptoms usually dissipate in a few days as you continue to heal. Typically, over-the-counter medication is enough to ease any pain following a root canal. Your NYC endodontist may prescribe an antiseptic mouthwash that will ensure the health of your teeth and reduce the risk of infection. Detailed post-operative instructions to follow after your root canal procedure will be provided.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT ENDODONTIcs IN NYC?

Dr. John Koutsoyiannis and the staff at Sohosmile® would be happy to discuss root canal in NYC with you. To learn more, please call our office at 212.334.7330 or request an appointment online.

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