Root Canal

Up to 25 million Americans undergo a root canal each year. Root canal therapy provides a safe and minimally invasive way to preserve damaged or decaying permanent teeth. The procedure is quick, effective, presents few side effects, and is all done at his practice in Midtown Manhattan by Barnett Geller, DDS, FAGD, himself. To make an appointment, call the office in New York City, or book online today.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is an outpatient procedure designed to preserve a permanent tooth. If you develop a cavity or damage a tooth, harmful bacteria can enter the pulp (the soft center of a tooth), causing an infection.

Root canal therapy stops the infection from spreading and prevents the need for an extraction. That allows for improved oral health and a better quality of life.

When should I consider a root canal?

Request a root canal consultation at the practice of Barnett Geller, DDS, FAGD, if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Tooth pain that doesn’t improve
• Sensitivity to heat and cold
• Swollen gums
• Pimple on your gums
• Swollen jaw
• Tooth discoloration

You should also seek treatment if you bite down on something hard and chip a tooth or get hit in the mouth.

How do I know if I’m a candidate for a root canal?

Before recommending a root canal, Dr. Geller reviews your dental records, performs an oral exam, and takes a series of computed tomography (CT) scans. If he identifies an infection or inflamed tooth pulp, he moves forward with treatment.

What does getting a root canal involve?

At the practice of Barnett Geller, DDS, FAGD, some root canals can take three or four visits.

First root canal visit

Dr. Geller numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic. Once you’re comfortable, he uses special tools to remove the pulp from the center of your tooth. Afterward, Dr. Geller rinses your tooth out and fills it with a material called gutta-percha.

After the gutta-percha dries, Dr. Geller takes impressions of your tooth. He sends your impressions to a nearby dental lab that creates a custom dental crown. Then, he covers your treated tooth with a temporary crown.

Second root canal visit

When the dental lab finishes your custom crown, you return to the office. Dr. Geller numbs your mouth with a local anesthetic, removes your temporary crown, and replaces it with the permanent one.

Before you leave, Dr. Geller assesses your bite, polishes your teeth, and provides care instructions.

Is a root canal painful?

Root canal therapy is typically well-tolerated, but you may experience minor swelling, bleeding, or sensitivity after the anesthetic wears off. During the first 48 hours, get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and take your medication as prescribed.

Dr. Geller recommends eating soft foods, brushing more gently than usual, and using desensitizing toothpaste.

If you’re considering a root canal, make an appointment at the practice of Barnett Geller, DDS, FAGD, by calling the office or booking online today.