Root Canals in Garden City, NY

If you live in Nassau County and you require root canal therapy, contact Tangredi Endodontics in Garden City. Call 516-746-3636 to schedule an appointment or click here to request an appointment online. 

No one likes to hear the words, “You need a root canal.” However, many people hear those exact words -- nearly 15 million root canals are performed in the United States each year. Most root canal therapies are needed because decay infiltrates a tooth’s pulp chamber or nerve, causing pain or infection. Root canal therapy also may be recommended for a tooth experiencing trauma that has exposed its pulp chamber.

During phase one of root canal therapy, an endodontist opens the crown of the tooth to gain access to the root canal (the pulp-filled cavity in the root of a tooth.) The pulp tissue in the infected root canal is removed and the canals are cleaned, enlarged slightly, and smoothed with special files. Tangredi Endodontics uses only single-use files in our practice to safeguard against bacteria transfer between patients and to ensure the files’ structural integrity.

Once any infection has cleared up -- usually this takes at least a few days -- the canal is sealed with a special material to prevent bacteria or debris from entering the canal and causing further infection. Finally, the crown of the tooth is sealed with a filling or crown.

Q: Isn’t getting a root canal incredibly painful? 

A: When a root canal is performed by a skilled, board-certified endodontist, it is no more painful than getting a routine cavity filled. Any minor discomfort you may experience will pale in comparison to the excruciating oral pain you’ll be experiencing before you get a necessary root canal.  

Q: Why not just pull the tooth out instead of having a root canal? 

A: It’s always best to save a natural tooth whenever possible. Natural teeth look and function better than artificial teeth. Additionally, while a root canal usually requires two visits to an endodontist, once the therapy is complete there is little if any follow-up care needed. In contrast, removing a damaged tooth and replacing it with a dental implant or bridge is a more complex undertaking. The latter alternative takes longer, may require procedures involving additional teeth surrounding the removed tooth, and costs more than a root canal.

Q: How long does a root canal take? 

A: Every patient is different. However, the procedure usually requires one or two visits to the endodontist, each lasting around 60 minutes.

Q: Can you eat once the root canal is finished?

A: As with any dental procedure in which the mouth is numbed, avoid eating until the numbness wears off so you don’t accidentally bite your cheek or tongue. Avoid chewing with the treated tooth until the endodontist says it is safe to do so.

If you require a root canal, contact Tangredi Endodontics today.

Call our office at 516-746-3636 or click here to request an appointment online.