When the pulp of your tooth — the inner core that contains blood vessels and nerves — dies because of decay that becomes advanced or injury, the only solution is one that you probably don’t want to hear: root canal.
Take heart, because the root canal of today bears no resemblance to the one comedians typically use to describe a particularly awful experience.
You’re the focus at Rifkin Dental, and Dr. Richard Rifkin, Dr. James Martyniak, Dr. Allison Rifkin, and Dr. Dennis Ragoza are not only aware of how to perform a root canal in the most efficient, safe, and painless way possible, but they’re also devoted to lessening your anxiety about the procedure.
A root canal is the best and most lasting treatment if you’re experiencing tooth pain that’s severe all by itself or made worse by chewing or any type of pressure. Tooth discoloration, swollen gums, and pain when hot or cold food or drinks touch your tooth are also symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal.
If your tooth is decayed to the point that it’s beyond repair, don’t punish yourself by focusing on what you could have done differently to prevent it.
Of course, excellent oral hygiene prevents decay, but if you sustain an injury that affects your tooth or if it has already been extensively treated, chipped, or cracked, a root canal will also be the likely solution.
Eradicating the source of pain and preventing it from returning is the goal.
This is achieved by taking an X-ray of your affected tooth, administering anesthesia so you’re comfortable, thoroughly removing the tooth’s dead pulp and any bacteria, and meticulously cleaning the root canal.
After that, we’ll seal your root canal, so any risk of future infection is eliminated. The final step in your root canal process will be getting a protective crown that’s custom-made to fit your tooth. The crown will not only protect your tooth, but your tooth will look better cosmetically.
A root canal can require more than one visit to Rifkin Dental, but believe us, it’s worth it.
Though people often spend a lot of time dreading getting a root canal, we’re here to assure you that what we do isn’t your grandfather’s root canal. The procedure is now comfortable, downright seamless, and provides long-term relief.
A root canal is the best — and often the only — viable option when your tooth decay is advanced, infection has set in, or an existing vulnerability or injury means there’s “no going back” with that particular tooth.
The immediate and often permanent relief that a root canal offers is definitely worth a small amount of swelling or tenderness the first day or so after your procedure (which can be easily addressed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen).
The common outcry about root canals is somewhat misdirected. The Rifkin Dental team has seen time and again how a root canal erases pain for good, as well as the potential for much more discomfort and other serious symptoms if your situation isn’t addressed promptly.
If you’re experiencing even a touch of persistent or recurring mouth pain, don’t backburner it. Consult with one of our Rifkin Dental providers today by calling us at either our Yorktown Heights or Carmel office, or use our convenient online booking tool.
