Root Canals
Irina Yesina, DDS
General and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Brooklyn, NY
Experiencing sudden tooth pain and sensitivity? Then you may be in need of a root canal. Irina Yesina, DDS, and her team of dental experts in Brooklyn, New York, use root canal therapy to treat infected or damaged teeth that are in danger of needing extraction. If you think you are suffering from a tooth infection, a root canal may be the right treatment option for you. To learn more, call Irina Yesina, DDS, in Prospect Lefferts Gardens or book an appointment online today.
Root Canals Q & A
What is a root canal?
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure in which infected pulp and nerves are removed from inside your damaged tooth. This stops your infection from spreading to your remaining teeth, gums, or jawbone, protecting your mouth from further damage.
Your tooth is made up of durable enamel on the outside, followed by hard dentin and soft pulp. This pulp contains nerves are vital to your tooth development early on. As you age, however, it is no longer necessary to keep your tooth’s pulp. So, if you suffer from a tooth infection, the infected or damaged pulp can be removed through root canal therapy.
Why would I need a root canal?
When your tooth pulp becomes infected, it can break down inside of your tooth. This causes harmful bacteria to build up in your tooth chamber, threatening the health of your tooth, roots, neighboring teeth, and your surrounding gum tissue and bone. Without proper treatment early on, a tooth infection can cause:
- Abscessed tooth (a pus-filled pocket at the end of your tooth root)
- Gum inflammation
- Swelling of the mouth, face, and neck
- Tooth pain
- Gum pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Drainage problems
- Bone loss
A root canal can prevent your tooth infection from spreading any further, allowing you to keep your tooth intact.
How does root canal therapy work?
The first step in a root canal is to take X-rays and scans of your mouth to make sure your infection has not spread beyond your tooth’s pulp. Next, Dr. Yesina numbs your treatment area with anesthesia to help you relax and feel as comfortable as possible.
An access hole is then drilled into your tooth so Dr. Yesina can reach the infection. The infected pulp, nerves, bacteria, and other debris are completely removed and cleaned out, ensuring your tooth chamber is entirely free of infection.
Once the tooth chamber is completely clear of debris, Dr. Yesina fills the hole with a rubber compound called gutta percha and a sealer paste. A filling is then placed to protect your tooth from further damage. If additional restoration is needed, Dr. Yesina may recommend protecting your tooth with a dental crown.
Without proper treatment, a tooth infection can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Root canal therapy may be your best solution for saving your tooth. For more information on your options, call Irina Yesina, DDS, or book an appointment online today.