A severe toothache may be more than just a cavity. It can be a sign of an infection of a tooth. The dentists at Park View Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics understand the symptoms of an infection, abscess, or large cavity that has impacted a natural tooth in the smile. When this happens, a specialized procedure called root canal therapy, or endodontic treatment, is performed to save the tooth and the natural smile.
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy has a negative connotation to many individuals as their first thought is an invasive procedure with pain. However, pain is what brings patients into the dental office for treatment as it can be quite severe and difficult to manage with over-the-counter pain medications alone. During this procedure, the dentist uses specialized instruments to access the inner portion of the tooth where the dental pulp resides. This is a mass of tissues, including the nerves and blood supply to the tooth. Once removed, the inner canals of the tooth are disinfected before the dentist fills and seals the tooth to complete the treatment. In many cases, a dental crown is made to cover the tooth and give it an extra layer of protection against breakage and trauma.
What alternative treatments are available?
Unfortunately, there are no alternative solutions when it comes to root canal therapy. This is a last resort treatment used to save a tooth from requiring extraction. With extraction comes discussion of tooth replacement options, such as dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants which can be costly and require attention for the rest of one’s life. Whenever possible, our dentists encourage patients to maintain their natural teeth in the smile.
Learn more about root canal therapy
Root canal therapy is a must in certain situations to ensure patients stay healthy and treat severe toothaches effectively. If you believe you are in need of root canal therapy, or believe that your child may need endodontic treatment, contact Park View Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of New York, NY. The office is located in Suite #303 at 800A Fifth Avenue and can be reached by calling the front office at (212) 879-6518.