The Root Canal Procedure, Step by Step
Here’s exactly what happens during root canal treatment at our Queens dental office:
Step 1: Examination & Digital X-Rays
We begin with a thorough examination and digital X-rays to assess the extent of the infection, the shape of the root canals, and the condition of the surrounding bone. This allows us to plan treatment precisely and avoid surprises.
Step 2: Anesthesia & Comfort Preparation
Local anesthesia is applied to completely numb the tooth and surrounding area before anything else happens. Patients who experience dental anxiety can also request sedation dentistry, either nitrous oxide or oral sedation, to stay relaxed throughout the procedure.
Step 3: Access & Pulp Removal
A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth. Using specialized instruments, the infected or damaged pulp tissue is carefully removed from the pulp chamber and each root canal. The area is then irrigated with antiseptic solution to eliminate remaining bacteria.
Step 4: Shaping & Cleaning
Each canal is shaped and smoothed to prepare it for filling. This step is critical for preventing re-infection.
Step 5: Sealing
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible rubber-like material called gutta-percha and sealed with dental cement to close off the space permanently.
Step 6: Crown Placement
In most cases, a tooth that has undergone a root canal requires a dental crown to restore full strength and function. The crown protects the treated tooth from fracture and restores its natural appearance. For patients who want their crown completed quickly, we offer same-day crowns in Queens using advanced in-office technology.
Most root canals are completed in one to two appointments, depending on the severity of the infection.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
This is the question we hear most, and the answer is that the procedure itself should not be painful. You will be fully numb before any treatment begins. What most patients feel during a root canal is pressure and movement, not pain.
The discomfort patients associate with root canals is almost always the pain from the infection itself, which the root canal resolves. Most patients report feeling significantly better within a day or two of treatment, once the source of infection has been removed.
Mild soreness around the treated area for a few days after the procedure is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. If anxiety about the procedure is a concern, our sedation options can help you get through it comfortably.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Which Is Better?
When a tooth is infected, patients sometimes ask whether it’s better to simply remove it. In most cases, saving your natural tooth through a root canal is the preferred option, and here’s why:
- Natural teeth function better than any prosthetic replacement.
- Bone loss begins in the jaw after a tooth is removed, which can affect neighboring teeth and facial structure over time.
- Replacement options like dental implants or a dental bridge require additional procedures and cost more in the long run.
- Recovery from extraction is often longer than recovery from a root canal.
That said, there are situations where a tooth is too severely damaged to save, in which case extraction followed by an implant or bridge may be the better path. Our Queens dentists will assess your specific situation and give you an honest recommendation. If extraction is necessary, we offer gentle tooth extractions in the same Kew Gardens office.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last?
A properly treated tooth with a well-placed crown can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene. Studies show that teeth treated with root canals have a very high long-term survival rate, comparable to untreated natural teeth.
To protect your treated tooth and get the most out of your investment:
- Maintain regular dental exams and cleanings at our Queens office.
- Brush twice daily and floss around the crowned tooth.
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pen caps.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
Without a crown, a root canal-treated tooth is significantly more vulnerable to fracture. This is why we strongly recommend crown placement as part of the complete treatment.
What to Expect After Your Root Canal
- Your mouth may stay numb for a few hours, so wait until the numbness wears off before eating.
- Mild tenderness for a few days is normal and usually responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is placed.
- Most patients return to work or normal activities the same day or the next day.
- Call our office at (718) 441-0049 if you notice severe pain, swelling that gets worse, or your temporary filling comes loose.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost in Queens?
The cost of a root canal depends on which tooth is treated (molars have more canals than front teeth), how severe the infection is, and whether you need a crown afterward. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of root canal treatment and the crown that follows. For patients without insurance, ask about our in-office membership plan. We’ll review your options and give you a clear estimate before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
Why Choose Kew Gardens Dental Arts for Your Root Canal?
- Pain relief, fast: We see patients in pain as quickly as possible, and walk-ins are welcome when availability allows.
- Comfort-focused care: Local anesthesia and sedation options keep you relaxed from start to finish.
- Complete treatment under one roof: From diagnosis and digital X-rays to your root canal and same-day crown, everything happens in our Kew Gardens office.
- Honest recommendations: If saving the tooth isn’t the right choice, we’ll explain your options clearly, including extractions and implants.
- Convenient for all of Queens: Our office at 123-20 Metropolitan Ave. is easy to reach from Forest Hills, Richmond Hill, Briarwood, Jamaica, and Rego Park.
Don’t let tooth pain wait. Book your root canal consultation or call (718) 441-0049 today.
