Root Canal Treatment Riverdale Park
Saving Teeth Without Causing Pain
Due to its bad reputation, dentists have to work overtime to try and convince patients that root canal treatment is not the kind of procedure that most people claim it is. It’s actually one of the most beneficial, especially if you have a tooth that is at risk of needing to be extracted. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the process so that you not only walk away with a healthier smile but also get to keep your natural teeth longer. If you have questions about root canal treatment in Riverdale Park, make sure to contact our office today. Otherwise, you can read on to learn more!
Why Choose My Riverdale Dentist for Root Canal Treatment?
- Nitrous Oxide Available for Nervous Dental Patients
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
- Compassionate & Caring Dental Team Who’ll Remain By Your Side
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is commonly recommended when the pulp of the tooth, which is the inner layer that consists of blood vessels, nerves, and other sensitive tissues, becomes inflamed, infected, or seriously damaged. This can happen as a result of poor oral hygiene or facial trauma, and it’s usually accompanied by the following abnormal symptoms:
- A sharp, stabbing pain when biting down
- Persistent sensitivity
- Red, inflamed, or swollen gums
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Dark discoloration on the tooth in question
The Root Canal Process
Root canals always begin the same way: with your emergency dentist numbing your mouth so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort in the treatment chair. Once that has set in and you’re ready to begin, we will use special instruments to access the inner chambers of the tooth, remove the pulp, sanitize the area, and refill it with a synthetic gutta-percha material. Then, we will secure a temporary dental crown over the top to protect the tooth while the permanent restoration is being made.
Once we receive your final dental crown from the artisans at the lab, we will switch out your temporary crown. Then, your tooth will be fully protected, the strength of your bite will be restored, and you’ll have a pain-free smile again!
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Here are a few reasons why root canals are actually good news:
- Root canals have a high success rate: By removing the infected pulp and thoroughly cleaning the inner canals and pulp chamber, our team can improve the health of your tooth while making sure it remains firmly in place with the help of a custom-made dental crown.
- The results are extremely lifelike: Previously, metal restorations were used to protect treated teeth. Now, metal-free fillings and crowns are available, which come in a wide range of lifelike shades and are custom-made to look and feel natural.
- Root canals can save your tooth from extraction: Oftentimes, the only way to eliminate the infection is with a root canal or an extraction. While the latter is sometimes necessary, it does usually cost more since the tooth will need to be replaced with a dental bridge or implant.
Root Canal FAQs
Are Root Canals Painful?
Let’s start with one of the most-asked questions about root canals, “Do they hurt?” Although the scary reputation would have you believe that the answer is “yes,” it’s actually “no.” After all, your mouth is numbed thoroughly before the procedure. Plus, you’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions to help you heal comfortably as well.
Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?
If you’re being sedated and you’re prone to feeling nauseous, then we may ask you to fast in the hours leading up to your appointment. With that said, most patients are given the green light to eat a healthy, well-balanced meal beforehand. Just make sure that you brush and floss your teeth afterward!
What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
Since your teeth cannot heal themselves, the infection will only get worse. With time, the nerve will die, the tooth will be damaged beyond the point of repair, and the surrounding teeth and gums will be compromised. That’s why it’s so important to get the restorative care you need when we first recommend it!
I Am Scared of Getting a Root Canal. What Should I Do?
If you struggle with dental-related anxiety, have a fear of needles, or experience head/neck/jaw pain in the treatment chair, let us know! That way, we can determine how we can make your experience at our dental office near Riverdale Park a positive one, like adding nitrous oxide to your treatment plan. This calming, fast-acting solution can alleviate worry, stress, and nerves within a matter of minutes, allowing you to relax comfortably while we work to eliminate the infection.
Do Root Canals Make You Sick?
The myth that root canals can make you sick stems back to the 1920s. At the time, a dentist named Dr. Weston Price claimed that his research proved that it was better to remove the tooth since root canals didn’t remove all of the bacteria. However, his research was poorly designed, and his theory has been disproven on several occasions throughout the years. Today, there isn’t any scientific evidence to support the claim that root canals can make you sick.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Root Canals?
Many dental insurance plans have a 100-80-50 coverage structure, which means that between 50% and 80% of the cost of restorative care is covered. That said, there is sometimes red tape, like waiting periods and annual maximums, so it’s important to read through the fine print. If you need any assistance understanding your available benefits, feel free to ask our team! We’re proud to be in-network with Aetna, Assurant, Careington, Cigna, and several others, and we’d be happy to help you understand and utilize your benefits.
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