Root Canal Specialist
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Quality Dental Care
Cosmetic, Family and General Dentists located in Hopewell Junction, NY & Pawling, NY
Many people incorrectly think that root canals are the most painful procedure at the dentist’s office; however, a root canal is a relatively painless procedure that actually provides relief from the immense pain of an infected tooth root. At Quality Dental Care in Hopewell Junction and Pawling, New York, Haitham J. Ennabi, DDS, administers high-quality root canals that help his patients find relief from their pain, save their infected teeth, and avoid the need for an extraction. To learn more, call the office or book a visit online today.
Root Canal
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure that salvages a badly infected or damaged tooth root by removing its “pulp.” The “pulp” is the innermost portion of your tooth, and it’s made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Tooth decay or damage can lead to an infection of your pulp, which causes it to get inflamed. Inflammation in your pulp causes it to swell and press against the hard outer portion of your tooth, which pinches the nerves in the pulp and causes a great deal of pain.
Many people incorrectly think that a root canal is a painful procedure. In reality, it’s no more painful than a filling, sometimes even less so, because the infected pulp that’s removed is already dead tissue. The painful part of a root canal is actually the infected tooth pulp that necessitates the procedure in the first place. The root canal itself provides a great deal of relief.
What are the signs that I might need a root canal?
Some of the indications that you might have an infected tooth root that needs a root canal include:
- Severe pain in one of your teeth
- Prolonged sensitivity in your tooth to hot or cold temperatures
- A darkening or discoloration of your tooth
- Swelling, inflammation, and tenderness in your gums
- A small, pus-filled pocket or pimple on your gums
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment immediately with Dr. Ennabi. An infected tooth that goes untreated can lead to infection of nearby teeth, tooth loss, and bone loss around the tip of the tooth root.
What happens during a root canal?
When you come in for your root canal, Dr. Ennabi first uses a local anesthetic to numb your tooth and its surrounding tissues. If you’re having excessive anxiety about the treatment, Dr. Ennabi might recommend additional sedation for you to keep you relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.
Next, your infected tooth is isolated with a protective rubber sheet called a “dental dam.” Once your tooth is numbed up, Dr. Ennabi drills a small hole in the top to create an access point to your tooth’s root. He then uses a series of small files to remove the damaged tissue from within your tooth.
Once your tooth is free of the decayed tissue, Dr. Ennabi cleans and sterilizes the inner chambers. He seals up your inner tooth with a rubbery compound called “gutta-percha,” and then uses filling material to close up the access point. You’ll come back later for a second appointment, during which Dr. Ennabi places a dental crown to reinforce your tooth’s structure.
If you think that you have an infected tooth root, don’t sit around in pain any longer. Schedule a root canal appointment with Quality Dental Care today and get your tooth back in shape. You book your visit by calling the office or scheduling online.
