Root Canal Procedure in Queens, NY

Infection and a dying pulp aren't the only reasons you might need a root canal. Only your family dentist in Queens can decide the best treatment for you. But other possible reasons for a root canal include:

• A darkened tooth, which is a sign the pulp is dying.
• An abscess beneath your tooth.
• Extreme nerve pain in your tooth.
• A broken tooth that exposes the nerve.
• A chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth that lets bacteria into the pulp.
• Untreated decay.
• A loose or broken crown.
• Too many treatments on the same tooth.

Root canal therapy happens in a series of steps. Local anesthesia numbs the area, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure.

1. The dentist opens a small access point in the tooth to reach the infected or inflamed pulp.
2. The pulp — nerve tissue, blood vessels, and bacteria — is carefully removed from the canal.
3. The empty canal is disinfected, then cleaned and shaped to prepare it for filling.
4. The canal is packed with gutta-percha, a rubber-like biocompatible material, and sealed.
5. A crown is typically placed over the tooth at a follow-up visit to protect it for everyday use.

With proper care, a tooth treated this way can last for decades. Most patients are surprised at how routine the appointment feels compared to what they expected.

With little to no pain during or after the procedure, root canal recovery is often quick and easy. You may feel some mild discomfort once the anesthesia wears off. But you should be back to your normal activities by the next day. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if you need them.

Call your dentist in Queens if you:

• Feel any lingering pain after root canal therapy beyond a couple of days.
• Notice any swelling around the tooth.
• Suffer an allergic reaction — a rash or itchy hives, for example.
• Experience any severe throbbing pain.
• Feel like your bite isn’t even.
• Have trouble with your crown.

Your CitiDental of Woodhaven dentist won’t want you to skip a root canal just because of the cost. A tooth infection can become life-threatening if it’s not treated — and that matters more than the cost. Talk about payment options before your procedure. Your Queens family dentist does everything possible to offer affordable dental care.

Most insurance plans pay at least part of the root canal cost. So your out-of-pocket cost may be lower than you think. Many things affect the price of a root canal, such as:

• Which tooth needs a root canal.
• How long your dentist needs to complete the procedure.
• The type of crown you pick, as a BruxZir crown may cost more than a porcelain crown.
• If you need any other dental health treatments, including a root canal retreatment.

On rare occasions, a tooth that had a root canal gets infected again. You could also develop a problem with the crown. That tooth no longer has a nerve, so you may not feel pain — but you might notice some pressure. Your dentist may spot swelling at your next exam. If there’s a problem, you may need a root canal retreatment.

A root canal retreatment can save your tooth. Your dentist repeats the procedure to open the tooth and make sure it’s not infected. After cleaning and packing it again, they may place a temporary crown, since it’s easier to remove. You’ll need to come back for a follow-up visit to get your permanent crown.