​Endodontics

Root Canals and Dental Nerve Procedures

If you've been told that you need a root canal, it can be a little overwhelming: Will it hurt? Will you lose your tooth? But above all, you want fast and effective relief. And for that, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist.

What Is an Endodontist?

Endodontists specialize in procedures involving the soft inner nerve tissue of the tooth, called the pulp. Endodontists receive two or more years of advanced training and devote their practices to specific procedures related to the nerves and pulp of the teeth. They use advanced technologies and highly specialized techniques to treat the infected area quickly and effectively.

Who Might Need Endodontic Services?

Your general dentist will refer you to an endodontist if they determine you have a "hot" tooth—where the pulp is damaged or in danger of becoming infected. Your tooth's pulp can become infected for a number of reasons, including damage to your tooth or a deep cavity. Without treatment, the infection can spread to tissues around the root of your tooth—often causing severe pain and swelling.

While this may sound scary, if you schedule your appointment with an endodontist before the tooth becomes painful, the procedure is relatively straightforward and pain-free.

What Does an Endodontist Do?

The most common procedure is called a root canal. This involves:

• Numbing the entire tooth and surrounding area
• Opening up the top of your tooth
• Removing the nerve from inside the tooth and from the root, known as the root canal
• Cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth and now-empty canal
• Filling the root canal with a special material to seal it off
• Placing a temporary filling in the tooth to protect it until a permanent filling or crown is added

Your tooth may feel sensitive for a few days after the procedure. In some cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help manage the infection, in case it has spread.

Why ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry?

At ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry, we understand your anxiety about getting a root canal. We're happy to take time to answer your questions and help you relax before your procedure. Our Endodontists are experts in their field, performing hundreds of root canals every year and using the most current technology to help ensure that your treatment is quick and painless. Our Endodontists use cutting-edge Microscopes for operating procedures. By magnifying vision up to 25 times that of the naked eye, these microscopes offer superior treatment outcomes as demonstrated by research. And with five ColumbiaDoctors Dentistry locations throughout Manhattan, you'll be able to find an endodontist near you when you need one.