Root Canal Therapy in Tribeca
Relief from a throbbing tooth, and a way to keep it, with a calm, unhurried approach from the first call.
Inside every tooth is the pulp, a small bundle of nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an injury can let bacteria reach it, and the result is often lingering pain, swelling or sensitivity to hot and cold. A root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans the canals and seals them, so the tooth can stay in your mouth.
Root canal therapy has a bigger reputation than it deserves. With good numbing, most patients say it feels much like getting a filling, and the pain that brought them in starts to ease soon after. At our Tribeca office we see dental emergencies the same day whenever possible. Afterward, a crown usually protects the treated tooth.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Patricia Moezinia, DDS, cosmetic and general dentist · Updated October 2026
Is this for you?
- I have a toothache that keeps coming back or wakes me up
- Hot or cold drinks cause pain that lingers
- It hurts to bite down on one tooth
- My gum has a bump or swelling near a tooth
- One of my teeth has turned darker than the rest
- I cracked a tooth and it’s sensitive
What to expect
- 01
Diagnosis and relief
We take an X-ray, test the tooth and confirm the cause of the pain. If you are in pain, we focus first on getting you comfortable.
- 02
Numbing and cleaning
The area is fully numbed. The infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected.
- 03
Sealing the canals
The canals are filled with a biocompatible material and the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling. Treatment often takes one or two visits.
- 04
Protecting the tooth
A few weeks later, we place a crown or onlay to restore strength and keep the tooth from cracking.
Why Empower Your Smile
Same-day help when it hurts
Dental emergencies are seen the same day whenever possible. Call (212) 274-8338 and tell us what you are feeling.
Thirty years of steady hands
Dr. Moezinia has treated patients in Tribeca for more than 30 years. She explains each step and checks in with you throughout.
Coverage and options
We are in network with Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, Guardian, MetLife and Anthem PPO plans. CareCredit is accepted for any balance.
Is a root canal painful?
The treatment itself is done with the tooth fully numbed, so most people feel pressure and little pain. The pain usually comes from the infection beforehand, and the root canal is what relieves it.
Mild soreness for a few days after is normal and tends to respond to over-the-counter pain relief. If you feel nervous, tell us. We will go at your pace and talk through comfort options, including nitrous oxide.
Questions, answered
Something else on your mind? Call us at (212) 274-8338.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common signs include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, a tooth that has darkened, and swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum. Some infected teeth cause no pain at all and show up only on an X-ray. An exam is the only way to know for sure.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are done in one or two visits of about an hour to ninety minutes each. Back teeth with more canals can take longer. A crown is usually placed a few weeks later.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth almost always need a crown or onlay afterward, because a treated tooth can become brittle and crack. Front teeth sometimes do well with a filling alone. We will tell you which applies to your tooth.
Is it better to pull the tooth instead?
Keeping your natural tooth is usually the better choice when it can be saved. An extraction leaves a gap that can let teeth shift and the bone shrink, and replacing the tooth later adds time and cost. When a tooth cannot be saved, we will plan the next step with you.
Can you see me today for tooth pain?
We see dental emergencies the same day whenever possible. Call us at (212) 274-8338 and describe your symptoms. If swelling spreads to your face or neck, or you have a fever with trouble breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency room.
You may also consider
Crowns & BridgesPorcelain crowns and bridges that bring a cracked, worn or missing tooth back to full strength and blend in with the rest of your smile.
Extractions & Bone PreservationWhen a tooth can’t be saved, we remove it gently and protect the bone underneath, so your options for replacing it stay open.
Inlays & OnlaysA tooth-colored repair for damage too large for a filling, made to fit like a puzzle piece and keep as much of your own tooth as possible.
Come say bonjour.
35A Walker Street, in the heart of Tribeca, one block south of Canal Street.
Subway: Canal St (A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, J, Z and 6) and Franklin St (1), each a few minutes on foot. Just south of SoHo, and a short walk from Hudson Square, Chinatown and City Hall.
| Mon, Tue, Thu | 8 am – 6 pm |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 9 am – 6 pm |
| Friday | 9 am – 2 pm |
| Sat – Sun | Closed |