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At Happy Smiles Dental in New Hyde Park, we're committed to providing comprehensive dental care and ensuring our patients are well-informed about the treatments we offer. One such procedure is root canal treatment, which can be crucial in addressing an infected root canal and preventing further complications.

Root canal infection, often causing severe tooth pain and sensitivity, is typically the result of decay reaching the inner pulp of the tooth, where the nerves and blood vessels reside. This infection can also occur due to a deep filling or a damaged tooth. When left untreated, it can lead to an abscess, which is a pocket of pus that forms around the root of the tooth. An abscess is not just painful but can also lead to more serious systemic infections if the bacteria spread through the bloodstream. Therefore, it's essential to treat a root canal infection promptly to prevent an abscess or to address an existing one.

This is where a root canal treatment comes in. During this procedure, the infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and then the tooth is filled and sealed. This not only relieves the painful symptoms but also saves your natural tooth from extraction. At Happy Smiles Dental, our experienced dental professionals ensure your comfort throughout the process. Root canal treatment, though often dreaded, is a routine procedure that, with modern techniques and anesthesia, causes no more discomfort than a simple filling.

Remember, an infected root canal is a serious condition that requires immediate attention. If you're experiencing severe tooth pain or sensitivity, or if you notice a pimple-like bump on your gums, it's important to seek dental care as soon as possible.

Our team at Happy Smiles Dental in New Hyde Park is ready to help restore your oral health and keep your smile happy and bright.

Can antibiotics help with root canal infections?

Antibiotics can indeed play a role in managing root canal infections, but they are not a standalone solution. They're typically used to manage the spread of the infection and to provide temporary relief from symptoms.

When you have a root canal infection, the main problem lies inside the tooth, in the pulp chamber, where the tooth's nerve and blood vessels are located. Antibiotics, taken orally or intravenously, travel through the bloodstream and may not effectively reach the inside of the tooth. Therefore, while they can help control an infection that has spread to surrounding tissues, they will not fully resolve an infection inside the tooth itself.

The definitive treatment for a root canal infection is a root canal procedure. During this treatment, the dentist or endodontist will remove the infected pulp tissue, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, and then fill and seal the tooth. This procedure directly addresses the source of the infection and prevents it from recurring or spreading further.

That said, in some cases, a dentist might prescribe antibiotics before or after a root canal procedure:

  • Before the Procedure: If the infection has spread and caused an abscess (a pus-filled pocket) or swelling in the face, or if the patient has a fever, antibiotics may be prescribed to control the infection before the procedure.
  • After the Procedure: Although not common, antibiotics might be prescribed after the root canal treatment if the dentist believes there's a risk that the infection could spread, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems.

How do you save an infected root canal?

In New Hyde Park, NY, our dental professionals are skilled at handling cases of infected root canals with the primary goal of saving the natural tooth. The primary method to save a tooth with an infected root canal is through a root canal treatment.

The first step in the process is to thoroughly numb the area around the affected tooth to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Once numbed, the dentist creates an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the infected pulp within the root canal.

After gaining access, the dentist will carefully remove the pulp from inside the tooth. This step is critical as the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, is where the infection resides. Removing it halts the spread of infection and relieves pain. Following the removal of the pulp, the dentist proceeds to clean the inside of the tooth, including the root canal itself. This is done using a series of small, flexible instruments that scrape and scrub the walls of the canals. Cleaning the canals is vital to ensure all bacteria are removed, and the tooth is disinfected properly, preventing potential future infections.

Once cleaned and disinfected, the empty space inside the tooth is filled. This step is typically performed using a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is heated and compressed into the canal to seal it off, providing a solid foundation for the tooth's structure.

The final step is the placement of a dental crown or other restoration to restore the tooth's function and appearance and to protect the tooth from further damage or decay. The crown or other restoration acts much like a shield or helmet, offering a significant degree of protection.

In conclusion, an infected root canal can be saved through meticulous cleaning, proper disinfection, and subsequent sealing. By seeking timely dental treatment in New Hyde Park, NY, at Dr. Diana Gerov dental office, you can protect your oral health and keep your natural teeth functional and intact for as long as possible.

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