We provide endodontic services including retreatment, root canal therapy, and apicoectomy surgery. During a root canal in Oceanside and West Islip, NY, inflamed or infected pulp is removed from the affected canal in your tooth. Then the canal is disinfected and cleaned before being filled and sealed with a special hardening material to prevent bacteria from entering the chamber and root canal. If a root canal was done in a molar or premolar, a crown is required. Treatment weakens the outer tooth and molars take the brunt of chewing impact so they need to be ultra-strong.

Although most root canals are successful, previously undetected canals branching from the primary canal at the root end of the tooth, or narrowing and hardening of canals can cause infections. During an apicoectomy, the tip of the tooth root and any adjacent inflamed or infected tissue are removed to prevent further damage or extraction. Then a small filling is placed in the end of the root canal to seal it and prevent recurring infection.

If you’re missing just one or two teeth, dental crowns or bridges are an alternative option to dental implants. Crowns are porcelain or ceramic “caps” for your teeth that conceal cosmetic and functional damage. Dental bridges are a fixed replacement for one or more missing teeth that consist of an artificial tooth anchored by a crowned tooth on each side.

Occlusal adjustment involves modifying the biting surfaces of a tooth or teeth to improve biting and chewing function. This procedure also helps prevent the repercussions of malocclusion (improper bite), including tooth pain, sensitivity to heat and cold, worsening gum disease, etc. Occlusal adjustment is often necessary for the placement of crowns. Careful and minimal shaping of the tooth surfaces is done repeatedly until proper contact is made, the height is correct, and the bite feels natural to you.