What Is a Root Canal?
The term “root canal” is actually an anatomical one, describing the hollow space within the root of each tooth. It is long and narrow, so we call it a canal. However, most people use this term to describe the dental procedure, root canal therapy, or RCT. This is one of the most common procedures performed by endodontists.
Root canal therapy involves the removal of the pulp tissue from the hollow chamber inside the tooth, cleaning the interior surface of the root, and filling it with an inert material that does not cause any reaction or rejection by the body. The procedure replaces infected dental pulp with biocompatible materials, allowing you to keep your natural tooth and restore normal function. Because of wide variations in root anatomy, root canals can be very simple or very complex. Some roots have canals that twist, turn, and branch off, making the root canal treatment quite complicated.
Why Do Teeth Need Root Canal Treatments?
The dental pulp within a tooth has a limited ability to heal itself and repair damage. Injuries to this delicate tissue in the form of bacterial invasion from a deep cavity or cracks, or trauma to the tooth, can irreversibly damage the pulp tissue. This irreversible inflammation often causes severe pain, so many people who need root canals know that they need dental treatment. When infected tissues surrounding the tooth root become inflamed, it can affect your jaw and overall oral health.
According to a long-term study published in Clinical Oral Investigations, root canal therapy demonstrates high success and survival rates spanning decades when performed properly. The tricky thing about teeth needing root canals is that they do not all hurt. In some cases, the nerve inside the tooth that sends pain signals to the brain simply dies. A dead nerve cannot send any signals, so the tooth may become painless despite being diseased.
Dead tissue in the body always attracts bacteria and will develop serious infections over time. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed temporarily, but removal of the infected pulp through endodontic treatment is the definitive solution. The dead pulp tissue should be removed with a root canal treatment as soon as it is discovered.
Advanced Training and Technologies in New City Endodontics
Our endodontists utilize advanced technologies and techniques that make procedures more effective and pain-free. Through their extensive advanced training beyond dental school, they have mastered common procedures as well as complex cases that require additional care and attention. Modern endodontic treatments are virtually painless thanks to these advanced technologies and refined techniques.
What Other Procedures Can Our New City Endodontist Perform?
Aside from providing high-quality root canal therapy, our endodontic team in New City has training in several other areas, including specific procedures that go beyond what your regular dentist can offer.
Diagnosis of Complex Tooth Pain
Many other conditions disguise themselves as toothaches, and not every tooth with severe pain needs a root canal. Your endodontist performs detailed diagnostic tests on multiple teeth when someone experiences tooth pain that may originate from the jaw. If the pain is not coming from a problem within the tooth, then a root canal will not fix the problem. Our endodontists help determine the source of a toothache so the correct treatment takes place.
Retreatment of Failed Root Canals
A failed root canal may become reinfected at any point in the future. There are many different reasons for the failure of a root canal. An endodontist determines whether an endodontic retreatment of the root canal will have a successful long-term prognosis. Root canal retreatments are procedures that remove the existing root canal filling, clean the interior surface of the canals, treat any bacterial infection present, and refill the canals to repair and restore function to the tooth.
Surgery of Tooth Roots
In some cases, the infection within a tooth root does not respond to root canal treatment, which approaches the infection from the inside of the tooth. An endodontist in New City can also approach a tooth root from the outside, by accessing the end of the root surgically through endodontic surgery. This may include a root end resection (apicoectomy), where the infected root tip is amputated.
Treatment of Resorption
Resorption is an unusual phenomenon in which the cells either on the outside or inside of the root malfunction and begin to dissolve the hard tooth structure. Both cause large defects in the tooth. An endodontist in New City, New York, works to remove these malfunctioning cells, stop the resorption process, repair the damaged area with fibrous tissue or other materials, and restore the tooth in hopes of saving it. Resorption is difficult to treat and should always involve an endodontist.
Management of Developing Tooth Roots
In young children, the teeth appear in the mouth before the roots have completely formed. If these young teeth sustain injuries, it can cause the growth of the root to stop. Endodontists use advanced materials and techniques to stimulate growth and development of these immature roots so the teeth will be strong enough to last the child’s lifetime. This helps preserve the natural tooth structure and prevents the need for crowns or other restorations later.
Contact Rockland Dental Specialists for Endodontics in New City, NY
Rockland Dental Specialists offers endodontic care in the New City, NY area. Endodontists Dr. Lisa Nava Cohen, Dr. Rachel Snyder, and Dr. George Ilenikhena, along with board-certified periodontist and implantologist Dr. Shalom Mintz, are here to bring you excellent oral care with more than two decades of combined experience. They are passionate about helping patients preserve their natural teeth and maintain their overall oral health.
Contact us today to speak with one of our team members about the New City endodontic services we offer, or book an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Endodontics in New City
Do I need a referral to see an endodontist?
In most cases, you do not need a referral to see an endodontist, though many patients are referred by their general dentist. Our office welcomes both referred and self-referred patients. If you are experiencing tooth pain or have been told you may need a root canal, you can contact us directly to schedule a consultation. Our team at Rockland Dental Specialists is here to evaluate your situation and recommend the appropriate course of treatment.
What is the difference between a general dentist and an endodontist?
A general dentist provides a broad range of dental services, while an endodontist is a dental specialist who has completed two or more years of advanced training beyond dental school focused specifically on diagnosing and treating conditions of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. Endodontists manage complex cases involving intricate root anatomy, perform procedures like root end surgery and endodontic retreatment, and use advanced technology to achieve precise results. While a general dentist can perform root canals, an endodontist is the preferred provider for complicated cases or when a previous treatment has not been successful.
What happens during a root canal procedure?
During root canal therapy, your endodontist will numb the area with local anesthesia so you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. The tooth is isolated, and a small opening is made to access the pulp chamber. The infected or damaged pulp tissue is carefully removed, the interior of each root canal is cleaned and shaped, and the space is filled with a biocompatible material. The opening is then sealed. Most patients find the procedure is far more comfortable than they anticipated. A follow-up visit with your general dentist to place a crown or other restoration is typically needed to protect the tooth long-term.
Can a failed root canal be retreated?
Yes. If a root canal does not heal as expected or becomes reinfected at any point after treatment, endodontic retreatment is often a viable option. During retreatment, the existing filling material is carefully removed, the canals are cleaned again, any new infection is addressed, and the canals are resealed. There are many reasons a root canal may fail, including missed canals, a breakdown of the sealing material over time, or a new cavity that allowed bacteria back in. An endodontist will evaluate whether retreatment is likely to succeed or whether other options, such as endodontic surgery, should be considered.
Why is my tooth dark after a root canal?
Tooth discoloration after a root canal can occur when blood and tissue remnants from the pulp space break down and stain the inner structure of the tooth over time. This is more common when the tooth is not restored promptly after treatment. Internal bleaching is a procedure that can address this discoloration from the inside out, and it is one of the services offered at Rockland Dental Specialists. If you are noticing a dark tooth following prior endodontic treatment, a consultation can help determine the best path to restoring its natural appearance.
Is a root canal on a tooth with a dead nerve painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during treatment regardless of whether the nerve is still vital or has died. Some patients experience mild soreness or sensitivity in the surrounding area for a few days after the procedure, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Teeth with non-vital nerves can sometimes be more straightforward to treat because there is less sensitivity during the procedure. Your endodontist will ensure you are comfortable before beginning any treatment.
When is extraction a better option than a root canal?
Saving your natural tooth is almost always the preferred outcome, and dental implants or other replacements, while effective, require additional procedures and cost. However, there are situations where a tooth cannot be saved, such as when the root is severely fractured, the surrounding bone loss is too extensive, or the tooth cannot be properly restored after treatment. Your endodontist will thoroughly evaluate the tooth’s long-term prognosis and discuss all available options with you. When retreatment is not likely to succeed, referral to an oral surgeon or implantologist may be recommended. Our team includes board-certified periodontist and implantologist Dr. Shalom Mintz, who works alongside our endodontists to provide continuity of care under one roof. To discuss your options, contact our office and schedule a consultation.