Everything Warwick Valley Dental Patients Should Know About Root Canal Therapy: Your Top Questions Answered
If you are experiencing tooth pain or suspect an infection, understanding root canal therapy and endodontic treatments can help you protect your smile and avoid tooth loss. At Warwick Valley Dental in Warwick, New York, we specialize in expert care for infected tooth nerves and provide compassionate treatment to relieve pain and restore dental health. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about root canal therapy and related procedures.
How do I know if I have an infected tooth nerve requiring root canal treatment?
A tooth nerve may become infected when bacteria invade the pulp—the soft tissue inside your tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. This can happen due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. If you experience persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or discoloration, it may indicate an infected nerve. A dental examination with X-rays at Warwick Valley Dental can confirm the diagnosis and determine if root canal treatment is necessary.
What are the symptoms of an infected or damaged tooth nerve?
Common symptoms include severe toothache that doesn’t go away, prolonged sensitivity to temperature changes, pain when chewing or biting, swelling or tenderness in nearby gums, and sometimes a pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all, which is why regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection.
How does root canal therapy save a tooth from extraction?
Root canal therapy removes the infected or damaged pulp tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the canals thoroughly. After removing the infection, the canals are filled and sealed to prevent further bacterial invasion. This procedure preserves the natural tooth structure, avoiding the need for extraction. Following root canal treatment, a crown is often placed to protect and strengthen the tooth for long-term function.
Is root canal therapy painful or uncomfortable?
Thanks to modern dental techniques and effective local anesthesia, root canal therapy is typically no more uncomfortable than a routine filling. Most patients report relief from pain after the procedure, as the infection causing discomfort is eliminated. Our team at Warwick Valley Dental prioritizes your comfort throughout the treatment process to ensure a positive experience.
What is endodontic surgery, and how does it differ from standard root canal treatment?
Endodontic surgery, also called an apicoectomy, is a specialized procedure performed when a traditional root canal treatment is not sufficient to save a tooth. During this surgery, the tip of the tooth root is surgically accessed and removed along with any infected tissue. It is usually recommended when infection persists after root canal therapy or when the root canals are difficult to treat conventionally. This procedure helps preserve the natural tooth and resolve infections that cannot be reached through standard treatment.
At Warwick Valley Dental in Warwick, New York, our experienced team is dedicated to providing expert root canal therapy and endodontic care that helps you keep your natural teeth healthy and pain-free.
If you suspect you have an infected tooth nerve or need relief from dental pain, don’t wait. Call Warwick Valley Dental today at (845) 683-5668 to schedule your consultation and experience compassionate, skilled care tailored to your needs. Your healthy smile is our priority!
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.
