Root Canal

SPA Dental Group

Cosmetic Dentistry & General Dentistry located in Midtown East, New York, NY & Downtown DC, Washington, DC

The anticipation of a root canal procedure can be nerve-racking. SPA Dental Group wants you to know a root canal doesn’t have to be an unpleasant, anxiety-inducing experience. Led by Shebani Pahwa, DDS, Maham Siddiqui, DDS, and Samantha Ben-Ezra, DMD, the experienced team at SPA Dental Group performs root canals on a routine basis. If you're nervous about having a root canal, book an appointment over the phone or online at one of the offices in Midtown East, Manhattan, in New York City, or in Washington, DC. SPA Dental Group's professional team is ready to soothe your worries.

Root Canal Q & A

Why might I need a root canal?

The goal of a root canal is to alleviate pain and save an infected tooth. One of the skilled dentists at SPA Dental Group eliminates the bacteria and any dead or dying tissue from inside your tooth if it becomes severely infected. This way, they can save your tooth and help ease your pain.

What causes the root of a tooth to become infected?

From damage to the tooth or from a cavity allowed to go untreated, roots and tissue within your teeth can become infected with bacteria. The infected tissue may enter the root or pulp of the tooth if you put off going to the dentist. If the infection develops any further this can lead to many other issues, so make sure you seek help.

How do I know if I have an infected tooth?

An infected tooth can cause pain very quickly, particularly if you don't address it soon enough. Infected tooth symptoms might include:

Inflamed gums
Tooth soreness, especially when chewing
Intense tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Halitosis
Pus coming from around the tooth
Painful throbbing in your jaw or mouth
Darkening color of the tooth
A small pimple-like bump on your gum

How is a root canal performed?

Typically, one of the highly skilled dentists at SPA Dental Group can take care of your tooth in one or two visits. You may need X-rays taken so that the full extent of the tooth damage can be evaluated before the root canal is performed.

One of the dentists at SPA Dental Group will use a needle to numb the region and make sure you don't feel anything during the procedure. If needed, they set a small sheet of rubber, or dental dam, around the tooth to protect it and keep it clean during the procedure. Once your tooth is anesthetized, the dentist makes a small incision in your tooth to find and treat the area of infection in the root.

Then, your dentist takes away the damaged and unhealthy pulp using small files, and sprays the area with water to remove debris. Once all the infected material is removed, your dentist either seals the tooth or puts in a temporary filling to protect your tooth until you come back for a permanent crown.

If you have any signs or symptoms of a tooth infection, call SPA Dental Group or schedule a consultation online.

What we offer