Dental specialists complete about 15 million root canals yearly in the United States. Here’s the gist: When a tooth becomes infected on the inside, a root canal allows your dentist to remove the bad stuff, disinfect the area, and seal the tooth to keep it functioning as part of a healthy smile.
Root canals aren’t a punishment — they’re a tooth-saving procedure. And they’re much less scary than you might think.
If you suspect that you need a root canal based on your symptoms, see Kenn Kakosian, DDS, PhD, and the general dentistry specialists at DentAlign NYC in Midtown East, Manhattan, New York, to find out for sure.
While a dental evaluation is the only way to determine if you’re a candidate for a root canal, you may notice signs that you need this procedure, such as:
See the DentAlign NYC experts at the first sign of a problem to reduce the risk of an infected tooth falling out or needing extraction.
Before undergoing a root canal, Dr. Kakosian examines your teeth and gums, discusses your dental history and symptoms, and takes dental X-rays to determine the extent of tooth damage you may have. He determines how to best treat your condition and lets you know what to expect during your treatment.
To prepare for the root canal procedure, it’s important to follow all of Dr. Kakosian’s instructions. Keep your teeth clean, protect the infected tooth from further damage, and make arrangements for a family member or friend to drive you home afterward if you plan to receive a sedative.
To ensure your root canal is pain-free, our team numbs the treatment area and offers a sedative to help you relax. During the procedure, Dr. Kakosian cleans out the inside of your tooth, disinfects it, fills it, and seals the tooth closed. He often places a dental crown over your tooth to strengthen and protect it. Root canal procedures often last about 30-60 minutes.
After a root canal, it might take an hour or longer for the numbness in your mouth to wear off. For a few days afterward, the treated tooth may be temporarily sensitive and the surrounding gums may be swollen. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed for any post-procedure discomfort.
Follow your post-care instructions, including not eating chewy or hard foods until you’ve healed, brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing daily, and attending follow-up appointments at DentAlign NYC. Contact Dr. Kakosian if you develop throbbing pain after a root canal.
It’s helpful to eat soft foods for several days after your root canal. Avoid smoking, because doing so increases your risk of requiring additional dental procedures. In fact, smokers are about twice as likely to need root canals as nonsmokers. Dr. Kakosian may recommend that you use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce harmful mouth bacteria.
You might need a second dental appointment to place a permanent crown on your tooth if you received a temporary crown after undergoing a root canal.
Practice good oral hygiene at home to prevent other oral health problems and the need for procedures such as root canals. Get regular dental cleanings and checkups, don’t smoke, and contact Dr. Kakosian and DentAlign NYC at the first sign of tooth sensitivity, discoloration, or pain.
If you need a root canal, schedule a dental evaluation with our experienced team. Contact DentAlign NYC today by phone or request an appointment online.
