Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the root canal system, and seals the space to prevent reinfection. The dental pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, can become compromised by deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental work. When this happens, the result is often severe pain, sensitivity, swelling, or abscess formation. Root canal therapy eliminates the infection while preserving the natural tooth.
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, root canal therapy is performed by Dr. Alex Rubinshtein, who brings over 22 years of experience and advanced technology to every case. The procedure begins with a thorough diagnosis using clinical examination and digital imaging to identify the source and extent of the infection. Local anesthesia ensures the patient is comfortable throughout. Dr. Alex accesses the pulp chamber, carefully removes the infected tissue, cleans and shapes the canals, and fills them with a biocompatible material. The tooth is then sealed to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
Following root canal therapy, most teeth require a dental crown to restore strength and protect the treated tooth from fracture. In some cases, a post and core restoration is placed inside the tooth first to provide additional internal support for the crown. These restorative steps are coordinated within the practice to ensure seamless continuity of care.
Root canal therapy has a high success rate and allows patients to keep their natural tooth, which is always the preferred outcome when possible. A treated and properly restored tooth can function normally for many years or even a lifetime with good oral care and regular dental exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal painful?
Modern root canal therapy is performed under local anesthesia and is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. Most patients report that the procedure itself is painless. The pain that brought the patient in, caused by the infection, is what root canal therapy is designed to eliminate.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are completed in a single appointment lasting 60 to 90 minutes. More complex cases, such as teeth with multiple canals or severe infection, may require a second visit to complete the treatment.
What are the signs that I might need a root canal?
Common symptoms include persistent or severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, darkening of the tooth, swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gums, and a recurring pimple on the gum near the affected tooth. However, some teeth requiring root canal treatment produce no symptoms at all and are identified during routine examination.
What is the alternative to a root canal?
The only alternative to root canal therapy is extraction of the tooth. Once a tooth is removed, it typically needs to be replaced with an implant, bridge, or removable appliance to prevent shifting, bone loss, and bite problems. Saving the natural tooth through root canal therapy is almost always the preferred option.
