Root Canal Therapy in Farmingdale, NY

If detected early, tooth decay can be addressed with a standard dental filling procedure. However, if the decay moves past your enamel and infects the inner pulp of your tooth, you will need a root canal. Often called an endodontic treatment, root canal therapy at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates removes the decayed pulp from your tooth, sanitizes the cavity, and then fills and seals your tooth. While the idea of a root canal may seem scary, our friendly team at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates will do our best to make you feel at home and can offer different sedation options if necessary. Call our Farmingdale, NY office to arrange a consult for more information on root canals.

An infection that reaches the pulp of your tooth could be because of a deep crack or cavity in your tooth or a physical trauma to your tooth. The most obvious signs of an infection are pain in your tooth or jaw, swollen and discolored gums, and changes in the color of the tooth itself. If the infected pulp is not removed, your pain and swelling will increase and the infection will spread to the rest of the mouth. If you notice an abnormality in your mouth, contact Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates as soon as possible. If you have fears or anxieties about going to the dentist, let us know, as we do have some sedation options if you need help relaxing while at the dentist.

During your consultation, we will discuss your sedation and/or anesthetic options. We don't want you to feel anxious, nervous, or fearful during your appointment. During your root canal therapy procedure, one of our dentists will examine your tooth and then will remove the infected pulp. After that, we will clean the empty chamber of your tooth to eliminate any lingering debris. Once it is cleaned, the tooth will be filled with a special material to seal and protect it. You can expect this process to take about an hour, and while you will be numb for a few hours following your procedure, you should be able to return to your daily routine.

You should be ready to go back to your daily routine after your procedure. However, depending on what sedation method is chosen, you may need someone to drive you home. This will be discussed before your appointment so you can be prepared. You should expect your mouth to feel sensitive or swollen, but this should not last more than a few days and can be reduced with anti-inflammatory medications if necessary. A six-month checkup is important so we can examine your root canal to determine if the infection is gone and that your mouth has healed properly. Your annual dental exams and biannual cleanings will remain vital to keep your oral health in great shape.

Why is root canal therapy necessary?

Root canal therapy is required when the tooth's inner pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to severe decay, a fracture, or injury. The primary goal is to preserve the tooth while relieving pain by resolving the root problem.

Does root canal therapy cause pain?

Thanks to modern techniques and effective anesthesia, root canal therapy typically involves minimal discomfort. You may feel slight soreness following the treatment, but this can generally be controlled with common over-the-counter pain medications.

Can I eat normally after a root canal?

Following a root canal, you are free to eat as usual. However, it is advisable to refrain from biting down on the treated tooth until a complete restoration, typically a dental crown, has been applied. This precaution helps prevent additional damage to the tooth.

With technological advancements in the dental field, a root canal can be a quick, easy procedure to treat an infected tooth. With the use of different sedation options, your root canal at Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates can be relatively free from discomfort; this will help to avoid further tooth pain and more serious complications. Call our office in Farmingdale, NY to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled dentists to learn more about root canal therapy.