Root Canals Specialist
-
- Tweet
Nusblatt Dental
Cosmetic & General Dentistry located in East Village, New York, NY
The American College of Prosthodontists reports that nearly 178 million Americans are missing at least one of their teeth. Tooth loss can occur for many reasons, including infection. To save a tooth that you’re in danger of losing, Adam Nusblatt, DMD, and the team at Nusblatt Dental recommend root canal therapy at their office in the East Village of Manhattan in New York City. If you’re struggling with tooth pain, headaches, or facial pain, call the experts at Nusblatt Dental or book an appointment online today.
Root Canals Q & A
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental treatment that can save a tooth that’s in danger of falling out or requiring extraction. During a root canal, Dr. Nusblatt removes bacteria and other debris from inside your tooth to eliminate an infection.
Inside your tooth chamber is a soft center that contains nerves and blood vessels, called the pulp. While the pulp is crucial to your tooth’s development, it’s no longer needed once the tooth has fully matured.
To clear an infection and stop it from returning, Dr. Nusblatt removes the pulp and cleans out any leftover bacteria.
Why would I need a root canal?
Root canal therapy may be needed to save your tooth if you have severe decay or a tooth infection. When left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to your surrounding teeth, head, and even your neck.
If you have any of the following tooth infection symptoms, schedule a visit with Nusblatt Dental right away:
- Tooth pain
- Gum pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks/food
- Facial swelling
- Gum inflammation
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Difficulty chewing
In some cases, a tooth abscess (a pocket of pus) can form at the end of your tooth root. Not only does this cause excruciating pain for many people, but it’s also dangerous if it pops.
If you feel a rush of foul-tasting liquid in your mouth, you may have a burst tooth abscess and must seek immediate medical attention.
What happens during a root canal?
After numbing your tooth and gums with a local anesthetic, Dr. Nusblatt creates a small access hole in your tooth and uses special tools to clean out the entire tooth chamber. This completely eliminates the infection and removes any leftover bacteria and debris.
Once the tooth chamber is empty and sanitized, Dr. Nusblatt fills it with a material called gutta-percha, which helps maintain the size, strength, and structure of your tooth. Finally, he seals the tooth.
Root canal therapy is a highly successful treatment, but Dr. Nusblatt may recommend returning to the office for a dental crown to prevent another infection in the future.
