Like most Americans, you've probably experienced nagging tooth decay at some point that affected your day-to-day tasks. Toothaches are some of the most excruciating experiences a human can endure, and when left untreated, they, unfortunately, have the potential to turn into dangerous ailments that will require prompt and specialized help in order not to cause lasting damage. Cavities can lead to complete loss of teeth, trigger painful abscesses, and potentially cause infections that can spread to other body regions. Which is a medical emergency. But although the dental health of Americans, especially those below the poverty line, is worse than ever, the past few years have been filled with advances in dental medicine. And all of these advances will form the basis of dental treatments available in the not-too-distant future. But you are a person who needs more details. So, in the following pages, we will present some of the groundbreaking American dental innovations of recent years, list some of the differences between endodontists and regular dentists, and detail some of the risk factors that could put you in the seat of the best root canal specialist in NYC.

Why Not a Regular Dentist?

When you have severe dental pain, your first visit will most likely be to a nearby dental practice. Dentistry in the US is a highly regulated practice that requires at least four years of studies in an undergraduate program, followed by another four years in an accredited dental school. Regular dentists are general practitioners who can perform both orthodontic and periodontal work. However, they may refer you to a specialized endodontist in more complex cases or circumstances where they do not have the necessary equipment. How is the best root canal specialist in NYC different from a regular dentist? After completing four years of dental school, endodontists also undergo a minimum two-year residency where they specialize in treating and preventing problems affecting the dental pulp. They handle more complex endodontic operations that cannot be performed in local dental offices. They have access to specialized tools, such as CBTCs, electronic apex locators, or operating microscopes, allowing them to perform even the most complex procedures with remarkable precision.

What Are the Risk Factors for Tooth Decay?

One in four Americans suffers from untreated dental cavities. And cavities are not only unpleasant as they can affect our day-to-day tasks but left untreated, they can turn into dangerous, life-threatening infections. But what are the main risk factors that could put us in the seat of the best root canal specialist in NYC? First, tooth decay most commonly affects people who don't brush their teeth at least twice a day or do it inadequately. Also, if you have a stressful job, and your nutrition consists of various snacks enjoyed throughout the day, this could be a contributing factor to tooth decay. Sugary sweets and fizzy drinks directly affect our tooth enamel and can automatically lead to developing cavities. But in some cases, risk factors may not necessarily be something we can prevent. As we get older, our mouths are likely to become drier and drier, and this can lead to gum recession. Furthermore, the shape of our teeth can play a role in the development of cavities. Have you ever wondered why cavities occur predominantly in molars? The reason is related to their structure. Molars are more challenging for your toothbrush to reach, and the nooks and crannies of molars can accumulate food debris that can lead to cavities over time. You are also at increased risk if you have crooked teeth that have not been fixed in time with braces.

What Is the Future of Endodontist Practice?

The past few years have brought significant innovations in the American dental industry, introducing treatment and diagnostic techniques that will set the foundation for endodontic practices in the coming decades. First, the use of CBCT scans has become increasingly common in endodontic clinics, and advances in material technology have led to the development of filling media, such as bioceramics, that are more durable than the types of dental cement we currently use. Significant advances have also been made in regenerative therapies using stem cells. Until recently, restoring damaged dental pulp was not possible, even with the help of the best root canal specialist in NYC. However, in tests conducted by researchers, stem cells have shown their potential in regenerative applications. The hope is that one day, they will be used in most dental clinics to regenerate tooth structures damaged by decay or injuries. Last but not least, the use of lasers in complex surgeries has become increasingly widespread. Lasers are more precise than other methods and can quickly disinfect and shape root canals, which can considerably prevent complications.

Never Forget to Smile

Reaching out to the best root canal specialist in NYC can allow you to care for your dental problems before they endanger your health. Dental advancements over the past few years have been promising and show that in the future, surgeries that are now complicated will be routine for most dental practitioners. Advances in biomaterials and regenerative therapies mirror the future of endodontist treatments, and it’s the patients who will ultimately benefit from these new advances and developments in used techniques. But advancements in endodontics are nothing new. Dental practices have evolved enormously in recent decades, and there is every reason to believe this trend will continue for years to come. Your smile is one of the most critical aspects of your personality and is the asset that, over the years, has opened many professional and personal doors. But you are probably busy and need help to care for your dental health properly. For this reason, it is always a good idea to seek the professional services of endodontists who can prescribe the necessary treatments to remedy your oral problems before they affect you financially and health-wise. Teeth are resilient, but many of us take them for granted, which is a mistake.