Author: Angelina Corozzo

Debunking Root Canal Myths: What You Need to Know

Posted on by Angelina Corozzo

Root canal therapy is one of the most misunderstood dental procedures, often surrounded by outdated myths that cause unnecessary fear. In reality, modern root canals are safe, effective, and designed to relieve pain—not cause it. If you’re searching for answers about root canals, this guide will help you separate fact from fiction, understand when treatment is needed, and learn why preserving your natural tooth is always the best option whenever possible.

Debunking Root Canal Myths

Myth #1: Root Canals Are Extremely Painful

The truth: Root canals get a bad reputation because most people are already in pain when they need one—not because of the root canal itself! Root canals today are as comfortable as getting a filling.

With advanced technology and modern anesthesia, most patients experience little to no discomfort during treatment. In fact, root canals are performed to relieve the pain caused by infection. 

Myth #2: It’s Better to Pull the Tooth

The truth: Saving your natural tooth is almost always the best choice, whenever possible.

Extraction can lead to:

  • Shifting surrounding teeth 
  • Bone loss in the jaw 
  • The need for implants or bridges 

A root canal helps to preserve your natural tooth structure and maintain proper function. 

Myth #3: If the Pain Goes Away, You Don’t Need Treatment

The truth: This can be a warning sign, not a solution.

Pain may subside if the nerve inside the tooth dies, but the infection can still spread. Without treatment, it can worsen and lead to more serious complications.

Myth #4: Root Canal-Treated Teeth Don’t Last 

The truth: With proper care, they can last for decades—or even a lifetime.

After treatment and restoration with a crown, the tooth can function just like a natural one. Consistent hygiene and regular dental visits are key. 

Why Saving Your Natural Tooth Matters 

Preserving your natural teeth is essential for long-term oral health. Root canal therapy helps: 

  • Maintain your natural bite 
  • Prevent bone loss 
  • Avoid more complex procedures 
  • Restore comfort and function 

Whenever possible, saving your tooth is the most conservative and effective option. 

When to See a Specialist 

You may need a root canal if you experience: 

  • Persistent or severe tooth pain 
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold 
  • Swelling or tenderness in the gums 
  • Tooth discoloration 

Across our Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry and Leading Edge Endodontics practices, our experienced endodontic specialists use advanced technology to deliver precise, comfortable care focused on saving your natural teeth whenever possible.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are root canals painful? 

No. Modern root canal procedures are performed with advanced technology and anesthesia, making them comparable to a standard filling. 

How long does a root canal take? 

Most treatments are completed in one to two visits, depending on the complexity. 

What happens if I delay a root canal? 

The infection can spread, leading to increased pain, bone loss, or eventually the need for extraction. 

Is it better to get a root canal or an implant? 

Saving your natural tooth with a root canal is typically preferred. Implants are an excellent alternative when a tooth cannot be saved. 

How do I know if I need a root canal? 

A dental professional will evaluate your symptoms and imaging to determine if the inside of your tooth is infected or damaged. 

Where can I get a root canal near me? 

If you’re looking for expert root canal care, the specialists at Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry and Leading Edge Endodontics offer advanced, patient-focused treatment options. 

Why You Should See a Periodontist for Periodontal Disease

Posted on by Angelina Corozzo

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory process that affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. It shares similarities with other systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disorders. The disease is triggered by pathogenic bacteria under the gumline, which activate your immune system and cause inflammation. Over time, this can lead to jawbone deterioration and tooth loss.

These bacteria live within a biofilm—a sticky, calcified barrier that protects them and makes them resistant to antibiotics and mouth rinses. Biofilms begin at the gumline but can move deeper over time, hiding in the root surfaces. Periodontal disease often takes years to develop, making early intervention critical.

Why You Need a Specialist

A periodontist is a dental specialist that is trained to manage periodontal disease, especially when it has reached an advanced stage. After scaling and root planing has been completed, the gums need 3-4+ weeks to heal and recover before an accurate assessment of disease can be done. The periodontist will help make an accurate diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan, options, and answer whatever questions you may have.

Periodontal surgery and laser-assisted periodontal treatments are available to effectively eliminate bacterial biofilms that are beyond the reach of conventional treatment methods. There are also ways to regenerate bone that has been damaged by the disease process. If some teeth are unable to be treated and must be removed, then this will also be discussed in detail, including replacement options.

Common Misconceptions

“My teeth don’t hurt.”

Pain is not a reliable indicator of periodontal disease. Waiting for discomfort often means waiting too long.

“Can’t I just take an antibiotic or use a mouth rinse?”

Unfortunately, no. Antibiotics don’t reach the biofilms under the gumline, and mouth rinses can’t penetrate the protective barrier. Biofilms must be physically disrupted.

“I’ll just floss more or see my hygienist more often.”

While good flossing habits are important, they can’t reach deep biofilms. Hygienists are also limited in what they can access once the disease has progressed.

Advanced Diagnostics

We may use tools like SalivaScore™ to measure inflammatory markers and assess your risk. A high score doesn’t mean you have periodontal disease, but it does indicate a greater risk of damage in the presence of bacterial biofilms. This helps us tailor your treatment plan more effectively.

Long-Term Management

The goal of treatment is to eliminate biofilms and create a healthy environment for healing. Even after successful treatment, some teeth may continue to weaken and require future attention. If a tooth cannot be saved, we’ll guide you through replacement options that suit your needs and timeline.

Periodontal Disease and Overall Health

Chronic inflammation from periodontal disease can contribute to systemic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and pregnancy complications. Managing oral inflammation is a key part of protecting your overall health.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal disease or suspect you may have it, schedule a consultation with Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry. Our specialists are here to provide expert care and help you achieve lasting oral health.

Root Canal Therapy: What to Expect During and After Treatment

Posted on by Angelina Corozzo

“You need a root canal.” Those words often elicit fear in people who may have heard stories about how painful someone’s root canal was or the long recovery process. Fortunately, those stories are from when root canals weren’t as advanced as today. When you get root canal therapy at Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry, our highly trained endodontists perform this treatment using the latest technologies for a comfortable experience and quick recovery.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

A tooth’s pulp is made up of soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. When the pulp is infected, root canal therapy removes the pulp from the tooth, and the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. The tooth is then sealed closed, and, if necessary, a crown is placed over the tooth. If a tooth is still largely intact and can be saved, root canal treatment is performed rather than extracting the tooth and is successful over 90% of the time.

Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy

Any of the following signs may indicate you need endodontic treatment:

  • A chronic toothache that is worse when you bite or chew.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers after eating and drinking.
  • Puffy or inflamed, tender gums around a tooth.
  • A cracked or chipped tooth.
  • A pus-filled pimple or abscess on the gums.
  • A discolored tooth, turning brown, gray, black, or dark yellow.
  • Swelling of the jaw.
  • A loose tooth without another explanation.
  • Chronic bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth that doesn’t go away.

The Root Canal Treatment Process

Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. Whether you’re getting root canal therapy or other endodontic procedures, our experienced endodontists will begin with a thorough examination of the affected tooth, including X-rays and digital imaging to get a clear picture of the tooth’s interior to guide the doctor on the day of the procedure.

The area is numbed with local anesthesia before root canal therapy begins. Once the infection is cleaned out, the tooth is sealed closed. Finally, a crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from further infection.

What to Expect After Root Canal Therapy

Once the local anesthesia wears off, you may have mild discomfort or tenderness lasting 24-36 hours. Most patients can easily control this with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Our patients usually return to work or school the day after their root canals with no problems.

We place a temporary restoration on the tooth immediately following the root canal but will replace it with a permanent restoration in about two weeks. While waiting for the permanent restoration, avoid chewing with the treated tooth. Brush around the tooth gently and avoid crunchy, hard, or sticky foods that could dislodge the temporary restoration. When the permanent restoration is placed, you can eat without restriction and return to brushing and flossing as normal.

Why Choose Leading Edge for Root Canal Therapy?

At Leading Edge, we understand you have many options for root canal treatment. That’s why we strive to provide exceptional care at our multiple locations throughout New York and New Jersey. Our team combines advanced technology with extensive experience to ensure you receive the highest quality treatment.

While complications are rare, they can occur. Having a specialist you can trust means you’ll never have to handle a potential emergency alone. At Leading Edge, you receive personalized care backed by advanced technology and expertise.

Leading Edge is committed to offering every patient the perfect blend of cutting-edge technology, professional expertise, and attentive care. If your dentist recommends root canal therapy, our offices can provide pain-free root canals with consistently successful results.