Root Canal Specialist

Every year, about 15 million Americans undergo root canal therapy. This outpatient procedure treats infected tooth pulp, preserving your permanent tooth and preventing an extraction. At Dr. Sameh Aknouk Dental Services PC, with two convenient locations in Union Square, Manhattan, and the Parkchester neighborhood of the Bronx, New York, Daniel Aknouk, DDS, and his team provide root canal therapy on-site. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office or book online today.

A root canal is a common dental procedure used to treat damaged or infected tooth pulp. Tooth pulp contains connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. It allows you to experience sensations like hot and cold, but it isn’t necessary for a permanent tooth’s survival.

Getting a root canal is quick and relatively painless. It prevents the infection from spreading and saves you the hassle of more complex dental procedures later on.

How will I know it if I need a root canal?

Only a qualified dentist can determine if you need a root canal. However, there are signs to look out for, including tooth pain, swelling, or a sensation of heat in your gums.

If you experience these or other similar symptoms, make an appointment at Dr. Sameh Aknouk Dental Services PC. You should also make an appointment if you chip or crack a tooth, develop a cavity, or get hit in the mouth.

What happens during a root canal procedure?

The team at Dr. Sameh Aknouk Dental Services PC performs root canal therapy on-site as an outpatient procedure. Before starting, your provider conducts an oral exam, reviews your oral health history, and takes X-rays to determine the extent of the infection.

Afterward, your provider administers a local anesthetic, numbing your mouth. Once the anesthesia kicks in, your provider creates an access hole in the top of your tooth and carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp.

Your provider rinses out the center of your tooth with an antiseptic solution and fills it with a material called gutta-percha. Then they take impressions of your tooth and place a temporary filling on top. You return home for about a week while your mouth heals.

While you recover, the team manufactures a permanent custom crown in their on-site dental laboratory. You return to the office about a week later, and your provider bonds your new crown on top of your treated tooth.

What can I expect following a root canal?

Following a root canal, it’s normal to experience some mild pain and tooth sensitivity. To ease discomfort, take your medication as prescribed and apply an ice pack to your affected cheek.

For the first 24 hours following root canal treatment, avoid rinsing your mouth or drinking with a straw. Eat soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, or mashed potatoes, and follow your provider’s recovery instructions carefully. If your symptoms persist or worsen, reach out to the team at Dr. Sameh Aknouk Dental Services PC, at any time.

To learn more about getting a root canal, schedule an appointment at Dr. Sameh Aknouk Dental Services PC by calling the office or booking an appointment online.