Instead of losing a severely infected or damaged tooth to extraction, root canal treatment can strengthen, restore, and preserve the compromised tooth indefinitely. With offices in both New York City and Larchmont, NY, Dr. Joel Levy is your dentist for root canal treatment—read on to learn if this treatment is right for you!

Signs You Need a Root Canal

At the center of each tooth is a soft tissue material called pulp that runs down into the canals of the tooth root. This pulp can become infected when cavity-causing bacteria penetrates deep inside the tooth, often due to poor oral hygiene or physical trauma to the mouth or face. Whether due to infection or injury, damaged pulp can affect the tooth’s ability to bite and chew properly. The affected tooth can become too weak to bite and chew without extensive pain or sensitivity.

Several signs and symptoms can be an indication that the pulp tissue is infected or damaged and a root canal is needed. Contact either our office in Larchmont or NYC to schedule an appointment with our dentist and discover if you have any of the signs associated with needing a root canal. Some of these symptoms include:

• A severe or persistent toothache
• Pain or sensitivity when biting or chewing food
• Continued sensitivity from consuming food/drinks that are hot, cold, or sugary
• Swelling or tenderness of the gums around the affected tooth
• Darkening or discoloration of the affected tooth

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is similar to having a cavity filled. During treatment, the compromised pulp is removed, and the interior of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. A dental filling is then used to fill in and seal the tooth, thus restoring its strength and functionality. Following root canal treatment, the tooth will be strong enough to resume normal biting and chewing without pain or sensitivity.

Concerned? Give Us a Call

Root canal treatment can save your smile by preserving teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Levy today if you have any of the signs or symptoms associated with the need for root canal treatment. To see a dentist at our Larchmont, NY, office, call (914) 834-9534, or dial (212) 986-2287 for the office in New York City.