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Root Canal/Endodontics
Home/Advanced Care/Root Canal/Endodontics

Root canal therapy and endodontics can save your teeth from severe decay, extreme discomfort, and ultimately, extraction. While myths about root canal therapy often convey the treatment as an uncomfortable experience, the truth is endodontics is a necessary intervention to actually alleviate the intense pain of an infected or diseased tooth. Patients generally describe their treatment as very tolerable and manageable thanks to the use of our advanced dental technology, which is designed to improve patient comfort as much as possible. 

When a tooth becomes decayed or damaged, the nerves and delicate pulp inside the tooth can become infected and cause intense pain and tenderness. During a root canal, the pulp chamber and canals are cleansed of the decayed organic tooth material, disinfected, and replaced with an inert filling. At Oelbaum & Kagan Dentistry, we have an experienced root canal specialist (or endodontist) on-site to give patients the confidence of knowing their dental needs will be taken care of under the most qualified and specialized treatment.

How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?

While persisting pain can be a primary sign of an infected tooth, patients in need of a root canal may not have any painful symptoms. It is not uncommon for an infection to present no daytime symptoms, highlighting the importance of undergoing semi-annual exams to monitor the state of your oral health.

In order to determine whether a tooth may require root canal therapy, your dentist may take an x-ray of the tooth root and/or check the dental pulp for a healthy response to stimuli. If one of our dentists discovers a tooth has been damaged and infected, a root canal may be necessary to avoid a tooth extraction. Without treatment, the infection may continue to spread to the rest of the tooth, causing bone deterioration and the eventual need for extraction. In these cases, a root canal can often be a tooth-saving procedure.

Symptoms of an Infected Tooth

In most cases, an infected tooth (or abscess) is caused by poor dental hygiene, an untreated dental injury, or bacteria buildup in the dental pulp as a result of tooth damage. Some of the most common indicators that a root canal may be necessary include:

  • Throbbing gums or pain
  • Pain while chewing, eating, or biting
  • Sensitivity or tenderness to hot or cold
  • Swelling, tenderness, or discoloration near an infected tooth
  • Severe breaks, chips, or injuries to tooth
  • Fever-like symptoms

Once a tooth is infected, it will never heal on its own. Left untreated, an infection can spread to your jaws as well as your head and neck. This can have potentially serious health consequences if the infection disseminates to other areas of the body. In rare cases, a growing tooth infection can even lead to hospitalization and life-threatening conditions, such as sepsis. An abscess can be very painful to live with, but a root canal is usually an effective treatment to rid the mouth of diseased tissue. This procedure maintains a very high success rate and can help alleviate the symptoms of an infected tooth.

How is a Root Canal Procedure Performed?

Our New York City dentists combine the latest in endodontic technology and techniques to perform the root canal procedure safely and comfortably. Utilizing the highest-grade dental microscopes for enhanced comfort and results, they first administer anesthetic and gently remove the infected pulp from the root canal using rotary instrumentation. If the tooth requires additional support, a post is placed in the canal and secured with dental cement. Following the removal of the infected portion of the tooth, the root canal will be filled with dental cement for strength, ultimately making way for a permanent dental crown placed over the tooth for protection. This not only protects the tooth, but also gives it a natural look and feel.

Microscopic Endodontics

Using the OPMI® pico dental microscope, Dr. Oelbaum and our team of skilled root canal specialists are able to improve the way a root canal is performed. Many of our patients have told us this advancement helped them to overcome fears or nervousness they felt previously. This innovative piece of equipment is a necessary tool that is unfortunately not found in many other dental offices. The microscope offers a distinct advantage, as it allows Dr. Oelbaum and the endodontist to see inside the tooth at an extremely high magnification, meaning they are able to detect anomalies and variations that cannot be seen by the naked eye or the magnifying loupe traditionally used in most other dental offices. This unique ability allows our team of skilled dental professionals to provide you with a faster, more comfortable experience.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

A root canal can take up to 90 minutes to complete depending on whether your procedure involves retreatment of previous endodontic work. Dr. Strickman will let you know exactly what your root canal will entail according to the extent of work to be completed—most procedures can be completed in one appointment, although complex cases involving multiple infected teeth may take two visits to properly address. Rest assured that our compassionate dental team is committed to ensuring you fully understand the details of your procedure prior to treatment.

“I hate having to go to a dentist !!! But Dr. Oelbaum and associates along side with the house staff are phenomenal. They’re friendly, professional, organized, and efficient. Thank you Sandra for taking such good care of me. I didn’t hardly noticed the root canal being done !!!”
- Alfredo P. | Actual Patient

What is Recovery From a Root Canal Like?

After the root canal procedure, it is common to feel mild pain and/or tenderness in the days following treatment. This discomfort should subside naturally, but over-the-counter pain medications can help you manage any pain in the meantime. While your tooth is healing, it is essential that you avoid hard, tough, or chewy foods. Smoking during recovery is also prohibited, as it can interfere with the healing process and cause complications. Please be sure to practice good daily oral hygiene after your root canal to increase the likelihood of successful treatment. Your root canal specialist will give you more detailed after-care instructions when he meets you in person.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

Depending on applicable insurance coverage, a root canal typically costs between $500 and $1,500. That said, your cost estimate will be calculated according to the specific details of your treatment plan, such as:

  • The location of the affected tooth
  • How many teeth require treatment
  • The cost of your dental crown

Our office will be able to provide you with a more accurate figure unique to your procedure after your consultation with our endodontist, Dr. Kent Strickman. If you have out-of-pocket costs related to your treatment, Oelbaum & Kagan Dentistry offers dental financing through CareCredit® to make expenses more manageable. Qualified patients can select from a number of low- to no-interest payment plans for the most ideal arrangement, making it possible to pursue a root canal while accommodating their unique budget. If you have any questions, a member of our office would be happy to discuss our payment options with you.

Tips to Prevent an Infected Tooth

While root canal therapy has long been an effective and routine dental treatment to heal an infected tooth, taking proactive care to prevent bacteria buildup is the most successful way to eliminate the need for tooth-saving measures. Keeping your teeth healthy and free from infection starts with consistent daily care and smart lifestyle choices, such as:

  • Brushing and flossing at least twice daily help remove the plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease — the most common causes of tooth infections
  • Limiting sugary foods and drinks, which feed harmful bacteria in the mouth
  • Attending regular dental check-ups and cleanings to give your dentist the opportunity to spot early signs of decay or damage before they become serious
  • Using a custom nightguard If you grind your teeth to prevent enamel wear that could expose your tooth’s inner layers

It’s important to treat cavities, cracks, and tooth injuries promptly, as bacteria can easily enter through these openings and infect the inner dental pulp. By combining good oral hygiene with professional care, you can significantly lower your risk of developing a tooth infection.

Choosing a Root Canal Specialist in Bronx

When you need a root canal, our multispecialty dental team understands the apprehension or anxiety that can surround the procedure. Finding a dental team who you can trust with your root canal can make all the difference in your comfort, the quality of the outcome, and your overall satisfaction with the procedure. In selecting the best dentist for your needs, consider the following tips:

  • Make sure you choose a dentist in the Bronx who focuses exclusively on root canals. This means selecting a qualified dentist who has advanced training in diagnosing and treating issues inside the tooth and inner pulp chamber. At Oelbaum & Kagan Dentistry, our team includes an in-house root canal specialist to provide New York patients with the highest level of experience possible in endodontics.
  • Research the practice to determine the use of modern dental technology: A qualified Bronx root canal specialist will use state-of-the-art technology, such as digital imaging, the OPMI® Pico Dental Microscope, or the iTero Lumina™ Intraoral Scanner to ensure the most precise and efficient care.
  • Read online reviews from previous patients: Patient reviews and a dentist’s approach to patient comfort are all important factors to consider before root canal therapy.
  • Select a dental specialist who you feel comfortable with: Always choose a practice that emphasizes gentle, personalized treatment and provides clear communication so you fully understand each step of the process.

The best root canal dentists prioritize both saving your natural tooth and ensuring your visit is as painless and stress-free as possible. By choosing a skilled and compassionate endodontist, you’re taking a vital step towards restoring your oral health and protecting your smile for years to come.

Additional Root Canal FAQs

Will my root canal hurt?

Today’s innovative dental technology is designed to provide you with safe, effective, and comfortable care. Our OPMI® pico dental microscope allows our root canal specialists to minimize the duration of your procedure while simultaneously maximizing your comfort. Most of our patients tell us they experienced no pain during their root canal procedure.

What is endodontics?

Endodontics is an ADA-recognized dental specialty that focuses on the tissue and nerves that surround the root and pulp of a tooth. Every tooth contains a nourishing pulp center of blood vessels, nerves, and lymph vessels protected by a hard external shell. The vessels and nerves connect to the rest of the body’s systems by way of a canal running through the tooth’s root. This acts as a conduit for sensory signals.

Can my root canal procedure be completed in one office visit?

Thanks to our state-of-the-art technology, the majority of root canal procedures can be performed in one sitting. However, some patients may require multiple visits, depending upon the number of affected teeth and the severity of the condition.

Will I be able to safely drive myself home?

Local anesthetics do not affect one’s ability to drive and the effects of nitrous oxide only last a few moments after treatment is complete. Whether your dentist decides that a local anesthetic or nitrous oxide is best for your comfort during the procedure, you should be able to drive yourself home safely.

Are there any medications I have to take after my procedure?

Depending upon your needs, you will likely be prescribed an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory. In addition, an oral pain medication can be used to easily manage any discomfort you may experience after your procedure.

What Sets Us Apart

Our specialists can perform root canal therapy and crown placement right here under one roof, without having to refer you to another practice, making the process more convenient and efficient. Our goal is to prevent further damage from decaying teeth with results that look terrific! Please contact Oelbaum & Kagan Dentistry for further details on root canal therapy, emergency dentistry, and tooth pain relief. Our team will be happy to answer your questions.