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When you might benefit from endodontic treatment

Jan. 15 2021

The idea of having a root canal performed is a scary thought for most patients, but the procedure itself is painless and helps maintain your natural smile. Also known as endodontic therapy, the root canal treatment is performed by Drs. Dean and Renee Glasser of Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island. The purpose is to save your tooth, remove infection and/or pain, and eliminate the need for extraction of your natural tooth. In certain situations in addition to local anesthetic, the apprehensive or anxious patient may require conscious sedation. Dr. Dean Glasser is Certified in the administration of Enteral or Oral Conscious Sedation. The purpose of sedation dentistry is to provide a more suitable and comfortable state of relaxation for the patient as they proceed through their course of treatment. Upon completion of the Root Canal therapy, a Post and Crown is often fabricated to provide a long term restoration for the tooth. There are a few different reasons why a patient might require this procedure. Below are just a few common situations that can occur that might warrant a recommendation of root canal therapy:

  • Toothache. Inside of the natural tooth is a mass of tissues known as the dental pulp, which houses the blood supply and nerves of the tooth. When this area is impacted by decay or trauma, it can cause pain that ranges from a mild to severe toothache. The purpose of the Root Canal treatment is to provide a viable option to save the tooth as opposed to the removal or extraction of the tooth.
  • An abscess. If an abscess has developed due to bacteria around the tooth, it can cause great discomfort including pain and swelling. To address this active bacterial infection, root canal therapy is performed and often antibiotics are prescribed to resolve this problem.
  • Large cavity. A cavity that goes undiagnosed and untreated can become extremely large and result in damage to the dental pulp within the tooth. This can impact the pulp to the point that it becomes painful, and a toothache develops. This is the primary reason why areas of decay should be caught early and treated as soon as they are found.
  • Damage to the tooth. If there has been trauma or injury to the tooth that causes damage to the dental pulp, root canal therapy may be recommended by Drs. Dean and Renee Glasser. Any type of injury to the mouth may require an evaluation by a dental professional.

Learn more about endodontic therapy at Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island

Melville, NY area patients who may be in need of root canal therapy and or sedation dentistry are encouraged to request an appointment with Drs. Dean and Renee Glasser for an evaluation. Their practice, located at 458 Old Country Road, is committed to both new and current patients in need of necessary dental work in the community. Call (631) 423-6767 to request an appointment.


Dr. Dean Glasser is a respected Cosmetic and General Dentist, serving Melville, NY and the greater Long Island area. A Professor at Columbia University Dental School, Dr. Glasser is recognized as a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and as a Fellow of the following organizations: the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Association of Hospital Dentistry and the Misch Implant Institute.

What to expect with endodontic therapy

Oct. 15 2020

Inside of the roots of a tooth is a complex collection of nerve fibers and blood vessels that not only keep the tooth alive but provide the sensation of pain. When this area of the tooth becomes damaged through infection or decay, it can cause patients to experience a toothache. In situations such as this, the best option for treatment is a procedure called endodontic therapy, or more commonly known as “root canal therapy.”

What happens during root canal therapy?

Endodontic treatment is often required to repair a diseased tooth. Before the procedure, patients are given proper sedation and anesthetics to numb the area. Then, a hole is made in the tooth and specialized instruments are used to remove the dental pulp from inside of the tooth’s canals. Then, the area is disinfected to treat bacteria and then filled and sealed using gutta percha. Because endodontic treatment can cause a tooth to become weak and brittle, the tooth may also require the placement of dental crown on top to strengthen it and protect it from damage. In certain situations in addition to local anesthetic, the apprehensive or anxious patient may require conscious sedation. Dr. Dean Glasser is certified in the administration of Enteral or Oral Conscious Sedation. The purpose of sedation dentistry is to provide a more suitable and comfortable state of relaxation for the patient as they proceed through their course of treatment.

What are the alternatives to root canal therapy?

It is essential that patients understand the importance of performing root canal therapy to save a tooth. Without root canal therapy, the only other option for treating the tooth is to fully extract it. Then patients need to worry about tooth replacement solutions such as dental implants, partial dentures, or dental bridges, which can be an added expense. Whenever possible, it is best to maintain a natural tooth in the smile.

Is root canal therapy painful?

Many patients fear this procedure because they are led to believe that it is painful. In actuality, the problems that occur within the tooth can cause the pain, but the procedure itself is done to relieve the pain entirely.

Do you need a root canal?

Melville, NY patients who are in need of endodontic therapy are strongly encouraged to book a consultation appointment with Dr. Dean and Renee Glasser at Implant and General Dentistry of Long Island to learn about their options for treatment. The practice is located at 458 Old Country Road and can be reached at (631) 423-6767.


Dr. Dean Glasser is a respected Cosmetic and General Dentist, serving Melville, NY and the greater Long Island area. A Professor at Columbia University Dental School, Dr. Glasser is recognized as a Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and as a Fellow of the following organizations: the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Association of Hospital Dentistry and the Misch Implant Institute.

Patient Reviews

My family and I have been using Dr. Glasser for 30 years. He is the best! He is a professional through and through as well a great guy. He's honest, ethical & always has his patients best interest at heart. He did an excellent job on my implants and caps I could not have gotten a better more beautiful new set of teeth any where else. - Richard G.

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