Root canal & endodontics in Northern New Jersey

Understanding Root Canals in Northern New Jersey

Each of your teeth consists of several different layers of material surrounding the soft tissue of the pulp, which also contains connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp of your tooth becomes infected or inflamed, these tissues can press on nerves and create excruciating pain that can make it difficult to sleep, eat or continue with any of your daily activities. Our dental team can provide you with proven solutions, including root canals, to relieve this pain and to help you get back to your normal routine.

Is a Root Canal an Invasive Procedure?

The soft pulp inside your teeth can become infected, inflamed or injured because of trauma or tooth decay. In both these cases, the resulting infection or swelling can cause serious issues. Abscesses, infections and exposure of delicate pulp tissue generally require the attention of a qualified and experienced dentist to prevent further injuries or deterioration of the tooth. By working with our dental practice, you can ensure the best outcomes for your teeth and may be able to preserve the viability of the infected tooth for the future.

Symptoms That May Require a Root Canal

Some of the most common symptoms of serious infections of the jaw or the roots of your teeth include the following:

• Sudden bad tastes or smells emanating from a specific area of your mouth
• Swelling at the gumline or in the jaw
• Pain that worsens when you bite down or when your tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures
• Consistent moderate to severe pain from one area of your mouth
• Visible cavities that may reach the inside of your mouth

Our dental team will work with you to determine the best approach for your symptoms and to provide you with a workable plan to address all your dental issues in the most practical and cost-effective manner.

What Kind of Dentists Specialize in Root Canals?

Your root canal dentist may work in general dentistry or as an endodontist. Endodontists are specialists, which usually means that their services cost more than those of a general dentist. They are generally brought in to provide added help for very complex cases or for retreatment of a previous dental root canal. Our dental team can handle most root canals in our own office. If you do need specialized help, however, we will refer you to a qualified and trusted endodontist in our area.

Is the Root Canal Procedure Extensive?

Most root canals take between one and two hours to complete and include the following steps:

Anesthesia: Your dentist will recommend general or local anesthesia depending on your stress level, your state of physical health and your preferences.

Infection protection: A shield will be placed around the tooth to prevent the intrusion of bacteria and other materials from elsewhere in your mouth.

Drilling: Your dentist will drill a small hole through the top of your tooth to allow access to the pulp.

Pulp removal: The pulp of your tooth and any nerves, blood vessels and other materials in the core of your tooth will be removed. Water will be used to flush out any remaining materials in the canals of your roots and the center of your tooth.

Shaping: Your roots will be shaped to accept fillings more easily.

Filling: Gutta-percha is used to fill the roots of your teeth and to provide a bacteria-proof seal for these areas of your tooth.

Crown application: Your dentist will apply a root canal crown to provide a protective layer for your fragile and repaired tooth.

How Expensive is the Root Canal Cost?

Our team will provide you with an accurate estimate for your root canal in Northern New Jersey. While every patient we see is different, we will do our best to provide you with accurate information on the cost of your treatment and to make your procedure as affordable as possible. We work with dental plans and insurers throughout our area to promote the lowest out-of-pocket costs for our patients for root canals and many other urgent and routine care options.

What Types of Root Canals Are Offered?

Along with the standard root canal treatment options, we also offer pediatric care that includes a pediatric pulpotomy. This procedure removes infected or injured pulp while leaving nerve endings intact and ensuring the health of adult teeth when they come in. Apicoectomy procedures are ideal solutions for patients with previous root canals that require additional treatment to deal with recurring issues.

Our Approach to Your Dental Root Canal Treatment

At our dental practice, we are committed to providing you with expert help in dealing with all types of issues with your teeth, gums or jaw. We work with you at every step of the process to make sure you are receiving the best and most affordable care for yourself and your family. Call us today to discuss your needs with our team. We look forward to the chance to work with you.