ROOT CANAL THERAPY IN GLEN COVE
Do you need Root Canal Therapy? Well…
- Are you experiencing throbbing tooth pain?
- Do you have a tender or swollen gum?
- Is your tooth painful when touched?
- Is your tooth sensitive to hot and cold?
- Have you damaged a tooth?
You may need to seek root canal therapy if you experience any of those symptoms. Come visit us at Glen Cove, NY, for an evaluation!
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure to treat dental pain or infection caused by the inflamed or dead nerve. This condition is called pulpitis.
Our endodontic team at Glen Cove uses specialized tools and techniques to reach deep within the tooth. The procedure involves removing the inflamed nerve and debris, sealing the canal, and applying a filling called gutta-percha. Removal of the infected nerve effectively stops pain and further infection. Afterward, your endodontist will place a crown on the tooth to protect it and restore its original function. If left untreated, the infection surrounding the tooth will eventually cause the tooth to be lost.
What indicates that I may need Root Canal Therapy?
Sometimes, you may not know you have an infected tooth. However, many people may notice certain symptoms. Signs you need a root canal include:
- Tooth pain that doesn’t go away: Many dental problems can cause tooth pain. If you have pain deep in your tooth, you may need root canal therapy. Discomfort may also extend to your jaw, face or other teeth.
- Sensitivity to heat and cold: If you drink hot coffee or eat ice cream and your tooth hurts, it could mean that you need root canal therapy. This is especially true if the pain lingers for more than a few seconds.
- Swollen gums: Whenever a tooth is infected, pus can collect in the area. This can cause puffy, swollen, or tender gums.
- Pimple on the gums: You may develop a pimple or boil on the gums. Sometimes pus from the infected tooth may drain from the pimple, causing an unpleasant taste or smell.
- Swollen jaw: Sometimes pus doesn’t drain from the site. Consequently, your jaw may become visibly swollen.
- Tooth discoloration: When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, it can cause your tooth to look darker. This happens because of poor blood supply to the tooth.
- Pain when pressure is applied: If you have pain when you eat or touch your tooth, perhaps it could mean the nerves around the pulp are damaged.
- A chipped or cracked tooth: If you’ve cracked a tooth in an accident, such as when playing sports or even by biting down on something hard, bacteria can reach all the way into the tooth pulp.
- Loose tooth: An infected tooth may feel loose or shake. This happens because pus from the infected pulp can soften the bone supporting the tooth.
Root Canal Therapy versus Extraction
It is always a good idea to preserve the natural tooth with a root canal and crown rather than extract it. However, there are circumstances when extracting the tooth is a wise choice. To find the best treatment option for you, schedule a visit with us as soon as possible!
