The average cost of a teeth cleaning is around $160 in the outer boroughs of New York

For the best places for teeth cleanings in NYC, a few highly recommended dental practices stand out due to their comprehensive services, state-of-the-art technology, and excellent patient care.

Recommended places for teeth cleanings in NYC

Importance of regular teeth cleanings

Regular teeth cleanings are crucial for maintaining oral health. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing cannot eliminate, helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. They also allow dentists to detect potential issues early, which can simplify treatment and reduce costs.

Cleanings help maintain a bright smile and can improve overall health by preventing bacteria from spreading to other parts of the body. By choosing any of these top-rated dental practices in NYC, you can help ensure your teeth receive the care they need, contributing to both your oral and overall health.

The danger of ignoring an infected root canal

An infected root canal is a serious dental issue that should never be ignored. When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected due to decay, trauma, or a cracked tooth, it leads to inflammation, pain, and the risk of widespread infection. If left untreated, an infected root canal can result in severe consequences, including tooth loss, bone damage, systemic infection, and other health complications.

Konstantine Malafis, DDS, an emergency dentist in Astoria, explains why it is important not to ignore an infected root canal.

1. The infection can spread beyond the tooth

The biggest danger of ignoring an infected root canal is the risk of the infection spreading. The tooth’s pulp chamber contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria invade this space, they can move through the root canals into surrounding tissues. Over time, this can lead to the formation of a dental abscess — a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection.

As a root canal dentist in Astoria who sees dental abscesses on an almost daily basis, there are a number of dangers if this is not treated in a timely manner. If the abscess is not treated, the infection can spread to the jawbone, facial tissues, and neck. In severe cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing a life-threatening condition known as sepsis.

There have also been documented cases where untreated dental infections have led to brain abscesses, especially if the infected tooth is in the upper jaw.

2. Increased pain and discomfort

An infected root canal is often associated with intense pain that may worsen over time. What might start as a dull ache can develop into throbbing pain that radiates through the jaw, face, and even ear. Swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold, and pain when biting down are common symptoms.

If ignored, the infection may kill the tooth’s nerve, temporarily stopping the pain. While this might feel like relief, it is misleading. The infection is still present and actively damaging surrounding tissues.

3. Tooth loss and bone damage

The longer an infected root canal goes untreated, the more damage it can do. Eventually, the infection will destroy the internal structure of the tooth, making it unsalvageable. In such cases, extraction becomes the only option.

Additionally, the infection can spread to the surrounding bone, leading to bone loss in the jaw. This not only complicates future dental treatments like implants or bridges but also affects the shape and function of the jaw over time.

4. Impact on overall health

Oral health is closely linked to systemic health. Chronic dental infections like untreated root canals have been associated with conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. Inflammatory bacteria from the infected site can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.

5. More expensive and complicated treatment

Delaying treatment of an infected root canal often leads to more complex and expensive procedures. A root canal caught early can usually be treated with a single visit. If ignored, the infection may require surgical intervention, such as an apicoectomy, tooth extraction, bone grafting, or implant placement — all of which are more costly and time-consuming.

Conclusion

An infected root canal is not a problem that will resolve on its own. Ignoring it can lead to severe pain, tooth and bone loss, systemic infection, and serious health risks. Prompt treatment preserves the tooth, stops the spread of infection, and protects overall health. If you suspect a root canal infection, do not delay — see your dentist as soon as possible. If you need to see a dentist for a root canal second opinion, that is also a good idea.

Konstantine Malafis is a general and cosmetic dentist in Astoria, Queens offering all procedures including root canal treatments and dental implants.