Root Canal Therapy to Save Infected Teeth
A deep cavity, cracked tooth, or injury can allow bacteria to reach the inner part of a tooth, leading to pain, sensitivity, and infection. Root canal therapy treats the damaged or infected tissue inside the tooth, helping relieve discomfort and preserve your natural tooth.
At Elite Dental, we provide root canal therapy for patients who need treatment to address tooth infection or inflammation and protect their long-term oral health.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When it becomes damaged, the tooth may become painful and the infection can spread if left untreated.
During treatment, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed. In many cases, the tooth is then restored with a crown to help protect it and restore normal function.
Common Reasons for Root Canal Treatment
- Deep tooth decay that reaches the pulp
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Dental infections and abscesses
- Trauma or injury to a tooth
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
- Large or failing fillings
- Inflammation of the tooth pulp
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- Persistent or throbbing tooth pain
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when biting down or chewing
- Swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
- Swelling in the jaw or face
Some teeth that need root canal therapy cause few or no symptoms. Regular dental exams and X-rays can help detect problems early.
What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy
Examination and X-Rays
Your dentist will examine the affected tooth and surrounding area. Digital X-rays help show the shape of the root canals and whether infection has spread to the surrounding bone.
Numbing and Preparation
Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue so you can stay comfortable during treatment. A small protective barrier may be placed to keep the tooth clean and dry.
Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
Your dentist creates a small opening in the tooth, removes the infected or inflamed pulp, and carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the root canals.
Filling and Sealing
Once cleaned and disinfected, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to help prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
Restoring Your Tooth
A temporary or permanent filling is placed to close the opening. Many treated teeth, especially back teeth, benefit from a dental crown to restore strength and protect the tooth from fracture.
Recovery After a Root Canal
- Mild tenderness for a few days is common
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored
- Take any recommended medications as directed
- Continue brushing and flossing gently
- Attend your follow-up visit to complete your restoration
- Contact your dentist if pain or swelling worsens
If you experience significant facial swelling, fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or other serious symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Why Saving Your Natural Tooth Matters
Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain normal chewing, preserves the alignment of nearby teeth, and supports the health of your jawbone. Root canal therapy can often save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.
Schedule Your Root Canal Evaluation
Elite Dental
98-19 64th Ave Ste 1H
Rego Park, NY 11374
Call Us! (718) 897-9745