Redefining the Root Canal Procedure

Root Canal Dentistry Without the Fear of Pain

When a tooth is so decayed that it cannot be filled or saved any other way, a root canal is often necessary. It may be the only option to save the tooth.

But if the idea of a root canal procedure makes you cringe, you’re not alone. In the past a root canal dentist could not perform this procedure without eliciting a significant amount of angst over anticipated pain. Happily, with great strides made in dentistry (both in modern root canal techniques and advances in anesthesia and pain control), I now perform root canal dentistry for my patients with virtually no pain or discomfort.

As hard as it may be to imagine, many of my patients actually doze off during the root canal procedure.

Contrary to a popular belief, root canal therapy does not remove the root of a tooth, but rather the dental pulp that contains the nerve of the tooth.

The Root Canal Procedure

My first step will be to make your tooth very, very, very numb. Then I create a small opening. Using very delicate instruments the inside of the root is thoroughly cleaned out and disinfected. Next, I use a special root canal filling called gutta percha (a natural form of rubber) to hermetically seal the canals.

That’s it! Not so scary, right?

I will prescribe pain medication in case you experience any pain later on in the day from the root canal procedure. But most of my patients experience so little that over-the-counter medications such as Advil are usually all that is required. I will prescribe an antibiotic if your tooth had an infection (referred to as an abscess).

If more than one visit is necessary to complete your treatment, I place a soothing medication within the tooth and cover it with a temporary filling.

You will need to come back to the office for the final step of the root canal procedure. At that time your tooth will be properly restored with a bonded filling onlay. Or, if your tooth has lost most of its integrity due to decay or large fillings that failed, you may need a crown to restore the tooth. A crown (sometimes called a cap) is like a hat that sits on the tooth.

Root Canal Dentistry: Eliminating Pain From the Procedure

You no longer have to be afraid of the root canal procedure. My staff and I are right there with you during the entire process and we will make sure you experience virtually no pain or discomfort.

Here’s what one of my patients had to say:

“Just a brief note to say thank you to you and your wonderful team. I was so scared and nervous and you were all so kind and reassuring. Root canal is painless! I’m kind of looking forward to my next appointment…is that strange? Thanks again.”
– Nancy

Call my Manhattan dental practice at 212-685-3040 to schedule your root canal procedure consultation.