Relieve Tooth Pain and Preserve Your Natural Tooth
Root canal therapy treats inflammation or infection within a tooth by removing damaged pulp, cleaning the internal canals and sealing the space. At Pure Dentistry Arts, Dr. Jonathan Rodney provides root canal therapy in Brooklyn, New York, with treatment focused on comfort and preserving natural teeth whenever possible.
Are you experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling or prolonged sensitivity? Call 347-223-5850 or contact Pure Dentistry Arts to schedule an evaluation.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Inside each tooth is a space containing dental pulp, which includes nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Deep decay, cracks, repeated dental treatment or trauma can allow the pulp to become inflamed or infected.
During root canal treatment, Dr. Rodney removes the affected pulp and cleans, shapes and disinfects the internal canals. The canals are then filled and sealed to reduce the risk of continued contamination.
Treatment allows the natural tooth to remain in place. The tooth will still require an appropriate final restoration to protect it during normal biting and chewing.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Only a dental examination can determine whether root canal therapy is necessary. Some affected teeth cause significant symptoms, while others are identified through examination or diagnostic imaging.
Possible signs include:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling or tenderness near a tooth
- A recurring pimple or drainage on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
- A deeply cracked, broken or decayed tooth
- Previous pain that suddenly disappears after being severe
A lack of pain does not always mean the pulp is healthy. Nerve tissue can lose vitality while infection remains within or around the tooth.
What Can Damage the Dental Pulp?
Root canal therapy may be needed when the pulp is affected by:
- A deep cavity that reaches the inner tooth
- A crack or fracture that allows bacteria to enter
- Repeated treatment on the same tooth
- Trauma, even when no visible crack is present
- An abscess or infection near the tooth’s root
- Significant wear or structural damage
Without treatment, inflammation or infection can affect the tissues and bone surrounding the root. The tooth may eventually become nonrestorable and require extraction.
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment
Before treatment, Dr. Rodney examines the tooth and reviews diagnostic images to assess its roots and surrounding bone. Additional tests may be used to evaluate the tooth and nearby teeth.
The procedure generally includes:
- Administering local anesthesia to numb the treatment area
- Creating a small opening in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber
- Removing inflamed or infected pulp tissue
- Cleaning, shaping and disinfecting the root canals
- Filling the canals with a biocompatible sealing material
- Closing the access opening with a temporary or permanent filling
Root canal therapy commonly requires one or two treatment visits, although the number and length of appointments depend on the tooth, root anatomy and extent of infection.
Will You Need a Crown After Root Canal Therapy?
Many root canal-treated teeth require a final restoration to protect the remaining tooth structure. Back teeth frequently receive dental crowns because they experience substantial biting forces.
A front tooth with adequate remaining structure may sometimes be restored with a filling or another appropriate restoration. Dr. Rodney will evaluate the amount of healthy tooth structure, location of the tooth and your bite before making a recommendation.
Do not delay the final restoration. A root canal-treated tooth that remains temporarily sealed or structurally unprotected may fracture or become contaminated.
Root Canal Therapy or Tooth Extraction?
Root canal therapy and extraction address different clinical situations. When a tooth can be predictably restored, root canal treatment may allow you to retain the natural tooth and avoid creating an open space.
A tooth extraction may be necessary when the tooth has a severe fracture, inadequate remaining structure, insufficient bone support or another condition that prevents predictable restoration.
After extraction, replacing the tooth may require a dental implant, dental bridge or removable appliance. These treatments involve additional procedures, costs and maintenance.
Dr. Rodney will explain whether the tooth can be saved and compare the benefits, limitations and anticipated costs of the available options.
What to Expect After a Root Canal
The tooth and surrounding tissues may feel tender for several days after treatment, particularly if pain or infection was present beforehand. This does not necessarily mean that treatment was unsuccessful.
Follow the aftercare instructions provided by our team. Until the tooth receives its final restoration:
- Avoid biting hard or sticky foods with the treated tooth
- Brush and floss carefully around the area
- Attend all scheduled restorative and follow-up appointments
- Take medication only as directed
Contact Pure Dentistry Arts if you experience severe or persistent pain, visible swelling, an uneven bite, loss of a temporary filling or a return of your previous symptoms.
Experienced Root Canal Care in Brooklyn, New York
Dr. Jonathan Rodney has completed more than 600 root canal procedures and at least 25 hours of continuing education focused on endodontic treatment. He also completed a General Practice Residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in 2021.
Dr. Rodney personally provides root canal therapy at Pure Dentistry Arts and evaluates the complete restorative outlook of each tooth. This includes the root anatomy, remaining tooth structure, bone support and type of final restoration required. If a case requires specialist care, the appropriate referral can be discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
How much does root canal therapy cost?
The cost depends on the tooth’s location, number of canals, complexity and whether additional restorative treatment is required. Pure Dentistry Arts accepts major credit cards and CareCredit™, and our team will explain anticipated fees before treatment.
Does a root canal hurt?
Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area. You may feel pressure or movement, but significant pain is not expected during the procedure. Temporary tenderness can occur afterward as the surrounding tissues heal.
How long does root canal treatment take?
Treatment commonly requires one or two visits. Appointment length varies according to the tooth, number and shape of its canals, and the extent of inflammation or infection.
Does a root canal remove the tooth?
No. Root canal therapy removes damaged pulp from inside the tooth while preserving the outer tooth structure and roots. The tooth is then restored with a filling, crown or another appropriate restoration.
Will a root canal immediately stop my toothache?
Removing inflamed or infected pulp addresses a common source of tooth pain, but relief is not always immediate. Temporary soreness may occur after treatment. Severe, increasing or persistent pain should be reported to our office.
Can antibiotics replace root canal treatment?
Antibiotics may be prescribed when infection has spread or certain symptoms are present, but they generally do not remove infected pulp from inside the tooth. The source of the problem usually requires dental treatment.
How long can a root canal-treated tooth last?
A properly treated and restored tooth can remain functional for many years. Longevity depends on the remaining tooth structure, final restoration, bite forces, oral hygiene and regular dental care. Retreatment may occasionally be necessary.
What happens if I do not get a recommended root canal?
Inflammation or infection may progress and damage tissues surrounding the tooth. Symptoms may worsen, an abscess may develop and the tooth may eventually require extraction.
Schedule Root Canal Therapy in Brooklyn, New York
Prompt evaluation can determine whether an injured or infected tooth can be preserved. Dr. Jonathan Rodney will examine the tooth, explain the findings and recommend treatment based on its restorative outlook.
Call 347-223-5850 or request an appointment online for root canal therapy in Brooklyn, New York.
