M.Y. Dental Spa offers caring, compassionate, and comprehensive dental care for patients in the Midtown Manhattan area. The dental team at this general and cosmetic dentistry practice has a strong commitment to ensuring that all patients receive the care they need for a beautiful smile while feeling as comfortable and relaxed as possible. The team at M.Y. Dental Spa offers more than 20 years of experience in dentistry, along with pain-free dental care and a welcoming environment. 

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Have you been experiencing lingering tooth pain? It might be time to get to the root of the issue with a root canal. Although the thought of getting a root canal seems nerve-racking you can rest assured that this procedure is not as painful as it seems to be. Haute Beauty sat down with Haute Beauty expert Dr. Mimi Yeung to discuss the ins and out’s of root canals.

A root canal is needed when the pulp inside of your tooth is infected or severely damaged. Based on X-ray results or an exam during a routine cleaning, Dr. Yeung can determine if you need a root canal. Other tooth problems that could prompt you to get a root canal include:

To remove the pulp from the inside of your tooth, Dr. Yeung makes an opening in the crown of your tooth. Then the pulp is removed and the empty canal filled with dental sealer and root canal filling is prepared for a temporary filling.

Once your tooth is ready to be restored, the temporary filling will be removed then replaced with a post and restored with a restoration.

At times, Dr. Yeung might place a crown on your tooth after you’ve had a root canal. A crown provides added protection from bacteria, which helps lower your risk of infection. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Regardless of a crown being used, removing the pulps helps avert complications from occurring, such as having an infection spread to another part of your body.

The main benefit of a root canal versus a tooth extraction is that you can keep your original tooth rather than losing it and needing a replacement. Additionally, Dr. Yeung administers local anesthetic before working on your tooth so you should not experience any discomfort during your procedure. You’ll most likely have increased sensitivity when you bite down or when applied with pressure and percussion. The discomfort may start after the second day and continue for about 7-10 days with dissipating intenstiy.

If you think you might need a root canal for tooth problems, please contact M.Y. Dental Spa to set up an appointment with Dr. Yeung.