Category: Root Canal

Myth Busters: Root Canal Edition

Root Canal treatment sets out to save the infected tooth and prevent it from further damage. During the treatment, anesthetic is injected around the infected area. Soon after, the restoration process begins. The core of the tooth is filled with a strong material. This process is called “core build up,” which is typically followed by the placement of a crown.

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Myth Busters: Root Canal Edition

Myth Busters: Root Canal Edition

Root Canal has developed quite a negative reputation over the years, as it is often associated with an extremely high level of pain among other negatives. The professionals here at Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry have decided to answer common questions regarding the Root Canal treatment, and debunk the various myths that are so commonly associated with this procedure!

What is a Root Canal / Root Canal Treatment?

The root canal is considered to be the pulp-filled cavity in the root of a tooth. When the pulp (soft tissue) inside the root canal of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, the patient will begin to experience extreme discomfort or pain. The tooth may even become abscessed. Once the infection reaches the pulp, the nerve structure of the tooth immediately begins to die.

Root Canal treatment sets out to save the infected tooth and prevent it from further damage. During the treatment, anesthetic is injected around the infected area. Soon after, the restoration process begins. The core of the tooth is filled with a strong material. This process is called “core build up,” which is typically followed by the placement of a crown. These two steps provide a solid, long lasting core and protective cover for the tooth. In some instances, however, a crown is not needed.

How To Tell It’s Time for Root Canal Treatment?

Pain. Pain is the tell-tale warning sign that Root Canal treatment may be in your near future. When pain persists, it is time to acknowledge that this treatment is necessary in order to avoid further complications. In addition to severe tooth pain, there are other signs pointing towards a necessary Root Canal. These signs include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Discoloration of infected tooth
  • Prolonged sensitivity
  • Gum swelling
  • Persistent or recurring gum pimples

What Was The Cause Of Infection?

You may begin to wonder how the pulp inside the root canal of your tooth could become infected. There are many causes for the infection and inflammation of the soft tissue, some of which include but are not limited to the following:

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Repeated dental procedures on the tooth
  • Untreated cavities
  • Broken teeth, cracks in enamel, exposed roots
  • Gum disease and more

Debunking the Root Canal Myth

You may be under the impression that root canal treatments are all around terrible. Not only will we explain why root canals aren’t so bad; we will explain why they are the best decision you can make when it comes to an infected or abscessed tooth.

Myth #1: It is always best to have a tooth pulled rather than to receive a root canal treatment.

If you have the option to save your tooth, would you take advantage of it? Of course! If you can keep the real deal, it is highly suggested to try. Root Canal treatments have a high success rate when performed by doctors who are experienced in Root Canal treatments.

Myth #2: Root Canal treatment is extremely painful!

Anesthetic combined with the latest technology in dentistry only correlates to one thing: It’s a breeze! The pain you will experience from the infected or abscessed tooth will far exceed the mild discomfort you will experience during and post root canal.

Myth #3 Root Canal treatment makes you highly susceptible to illness.

There are no statistics proving this to be true, despite what the Internet may claim about root canal induced illness. Besides, there is nothing modern medicine can’t fix. It’s in your best favor to make the decision to save your tooth.

Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry

Call us at (212) 851-1091 or request a root canal consult here. Now that the myths have been debunked, have no fear! A painless solution to saving your tooth is just a call or click away.

If you believe you are in need of an emergency root canal, click here for more information on our emergency dental services.

In addition, the requirement for this treatment can be prevented by visiting your dentist regularly. Be sure to schedule a dental check-up with us twice per year. Let’s work together to keep up with your oral hygiene!

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Ways To Keep A Knocked Out Tooth Alive

At the moment a tooth is knocked out, its root becomes unattached from the bone. The nerves, blood vessels, and supporting tissues that surround the avulsed tooth are immediately damaged. If proper action is taken, the root of the tooth can reattach itself to the bone once the tooth is put back into place.

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Ways To Keep A Knocked Out Tooth Alive

Ways To Keep A Knocked Out Tooth Alive

How to Save a Knocked Out Tooth:

Did you know the technical term for a knocked-out tooth is an “avulsed” tooth? Getting a tooth knocked out can be a very alarming and undesired emergency. When something like this happens, people fail to make the best decision in regards to saving their tooth. At Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry, we care about your smile. From experience, we understand that making a wise decision in the heat of the moment is not an easy task. To ensure that you are prepared to act quickly and appropriately in the face of a tooth avulsion, we have provided you with an emergency “Tooth Survival Guide.” Included in this guide is every tip you should be aware of.   

At the moment a tooth is knocked out, its root becomes unattached from the bone. The nerves, blood vessels, and supporting tissues that surround the avulsed tooth are immediately damaged. If proper action is taken, the root of the tooth can reattach itself to the bone once the tooth is put back into place.

Tooth Survival Guide:

At the moment your tooth first gets knocked out, try your best to stay calm! Your first order of business will be to find your tooth and hold it by the crown – avoid touching the root. If the tooth needs to be cleaned, very briefly run the tooth under water to rinse it off. Now, pay attention; this next part is important! Time will pass before you are able to seek medical attention for your avulsed tooth. In the meantime, there are steps you can take towards saving your tooth.

Your options for tooth revival include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Replant your tooth and bite on a handkerchief to hold it in position
  • Place tooth in a glass of milk
  • Place tooth in saline
  • Place tooth in a suitable storage medium i.e. Hank’s balanced salt solution
  • Place tooth in a cup of your own saliva, or preferably, wedged in your mouth between your gums and teeth
  • Place tooth in coconut water and green tea

Now, get to a dentist as soon as you can!

What Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry Will Do:

You may be wondering what to expect when you arrive at the dentist. We can assure you that the professionals here at Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry will pick up right where you left off. Hopefully, within the hour of your tooth loss, you will have replanted your tooth successfully. If you made it to us relatively quickly, we will replant the tooth for you. This is advised to be done within an hour of tooth loss.

One of our dentists will then examine you thoroughly and decide what is best to do for your specific situation. We may either perform a root canal treatment right away or splint the avulsed tooth to the teeth on either side. This will hold the tooth in place for several days. You will then revisit to complete the tooth-saving process and get you smiling again in no time.  

Call (212)581-1091 with your questions and concerns. We are here to save the day and save your smile!

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The Cost of Root Canal Treatment

“Root canal” has historically been associated with severe pain. Regardless of whether or not a patient has had a pleasant root canal experience, the procedure has continuously failed to shake it’s bad reputation. In turn, we have decided to use this forum to present you with a different perspective on root canal treatment.

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The Cost of Root Canal Treatment

The Cost of Root Canal Treatment

Here at Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand that the term “root canal” has historically been associated with severe pain. Regardless of whether or not a patient has had a pleasant root canal experience, the procedure has continuously failed to shake it’s bad reputation. In turn, we have decided to use this forum to present you with a different perspective on root canal treatment.

Image result for root canal

Myth Busted

Technology is ever-evolving, right? The same concept holds true for dental technology, too. Over the years, advancements in dental technology have made root canal treatment much different than it used to be. Though others may be stuck on it’s painful reputation, you can rest assured that root canal treatment is now a comparatively simple and painless procedure. In combination with the latest technology, our expertise here at Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry  adds to the simplicity of the root canal procedure.

What Is Root Canal?

In case you weren’t sure of  root canal treatment’s purpose, we’ll explain. Essentially, root canal treatment saves your original tooth/teeth. An infection in the root of the tooth often causes severe pain and inflammation. Root canal treatment sets out to relieve that pain and inflammation without extracting the infected tooth/teeth. The doctor who specializes in such treatment goes into the infected part of the tooth called “pulp,” the center of the tooth that consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. The doctor first removes the infected pulp — then cleans, fills, and seals the tooth to send it on the road to infection-free recovery.

To learn about the common causes of Dental Pulp Disease, read this article.

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Root Canal Cost

The cost of root canal differs from patient to patient. Right off the bat, a patient’s situation largely correlates to the expense of the treatment. If the patient needs root canal on more than one tooth, the cost increases. In addition, the type of tooth must be taken into consideration. What does that mean? To put it simply, anterior teeth and posterior teeth present a cost difference.  Posterior teeth (molars) tend to have 3-4 roots, where anterior teeth (front teeth) typically have one root. The treatment for a molar will cost more than the treatment of a tooth with a single root.

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Root Canal Alternatives

The alternatives to root canal include but are not limited to extraction, ozone gas, and natural remedies.

Extraction – Extracting the infected tooth completely eliminates the need for root canal treatment. Extraction will ultimately require tooth replacement of some kind, i.e.: implant, bridge, partial denture.

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Ozone Gas – Ozone gas serves to ‘flood’ the root cavity in attempt to kill the bacteria.

Natural Remedies – Eating healthier foods and eliminating foods that are high in sugars, preservatives, etc. can aid in maintaining healthy teeth. This alternative is solely a preventative alternative.

Saving the original tooth through root canal is ultimately the most cost effective option.

Recapping The Process 

  • Endodontist consult
  • Confirmation that root canal is needed
  • Confirmation of which teeth need treatment
  • Discussion of insurance / Out of pocket expense
  • Treatment performed
  • Goodbye pain, infection, and discomfort

Image result for root canal

 

Schedule An Appointment

 

Don’t hesitate! If you are in pain and discomfort, schedule an appointment. Call us anytime at (212)581-1091 or visit us at 630 5th Ave #1803, New York, New York 10111. We can rid you of your pain by saving your teeth and getting them back to good health!

 

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Emergency Root Canal Therapy

Although a root canal is not typically an emergent situation, sometimes severe toothaches and mouth pain can severely affect your primary dental functions, making it extremely painful to eat, talk, or smile. If this is the case, you may be suffering from an acute tooth pulp disease and require an emergency root canal.

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Emergency Root Canal Therapy

Emergency Root Canal Therapy

Emergency Root Canal Therapy

emergency root canal therapyAlthough a root canal is not typically an emergent situation, sometimes severe toothaches and mouth pain can severely affect your primary dental functions, making it extremely painful to eat, talk, or smile. If this is the case, you may be suffering from an acute tooth pulp disease and require an emergency root canal.

How do I know if I need an emergency root canal?

If you have been suffering due to a toothache for over 4 hours, non-stop, and this pain continues to affect your daily routine, you may qualify for emergency care, especially where bleeding gums and sudden discoloration of the tooth occur.

 

Generally speaking, pain subsides from pulp disease and only appears when eating extremely sweet, hot, or cold foods or when applying intense pressure to the affected tooth. However, if this pain does not subside after ceasing these activities, you should consult your dentist immediately.

 

Do not hesitate to call.

If you are in need of emergency dental services, call our offices at Rockefeller Cosmetic Dentistry at (212) 581-1091 to request your emergency dental consult today.

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