Root Canal & Endodontics in East Brunswick

What Is a Root Canal Procedure?

Root canals are procedures that are considered necessary when the pulp of one or more teeth is infected, injured or exposed. This can occur because of an injury, advanced tooth decay or an untreated infection of the roots of the tooth or gums. When any of these conditions are present, patients may experience significant pain and discomfort that can make it difficult to deal with the demands of everyday life. Root canals address the source of these problems by removing the pulp and nerves inside the tooth and sealing off the interior of the tooth to prevent problems immediately and in the future.

When Is a Root Canal Necessary?

Some symptoms that may indicate the need for urgent dental care include the following:

• Swelling or tenderness of the gums, especially if it centers on a specific area of your jaw or gumline
• Tooth pain that is sharp, severe or persistent
• Sudden sensitivity to pressure, heat or cold temperatures
• Pain that worsens when you bite down on a particular tooth
• A discolored tooth or one with a deep and visible cavity

By working with our team of experienced and knowledgeable dentists, you can ensure that you receive the best recommendations for your dental condition. Whether you need a root canal in East Brunswick or another type of oral surgery, our team will discuss your requirements with you in-depth to ensure that you feel comfortable with the proposed treatment for your situation.

What Kind of Dentists Perform Root Canals?

Your root canal dentist may be a general dentist from our office or an endodontist who specializes in root canals and other procedures that involve the pulp and inner structures of the tooth. We will work with you to determine which of these choices is most appropriate for your needs and for your budget. If your tooth is in especially fragile condition or if you require retreatment for a previously failed procedure, an endodontist may be the best option for your treatment needs.

What Steps Should You Expect in the Root Canal Process?

Knowing what to expect during your procedure will typically help you to feel more relaxed about the process. Our dentists will explain the basic steps in detail to ensure that you understand the dental root canal procedure before you arrive for your surgery. The basic steps include the following:

• Numbing the local area or administering general anesthesia to eliminate all pain during your procedure
• Precautions to shield the area of the tooth and gum from other parts of your mouth
• Drilling into the crown of your tooth to make an opening large enough to extract the pulp and nerves
• The use of instruments to shape and to clean root canals
• Flushing the interior of the tooth with fluid to disinfect and to wash away any remaining debris and tissue
• Filling the canals with gutta-percha to render them sterile and to seal out bacteria
• The application of a root canal crown for added protection

These steps will typically result in a long-lasting solution to pain, pressure and other issues associated with infections or injuries to the pulp of your teeth. By working with our team of dental experts, you can enjoy the best possible options for your needs.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

Root canals vary widely in cost depending on the type of procedure you need and the amount of preparation your tooth will require. We work with most insurance providers to ensure that your out-of-pocket costs stay as low as possible. This will help you to manage your budget when the need for urgent dental care services arises.

Are There Different Types of Root Canals?

Along with traditional dental root canal options, our office also provides apicoectomy treatments that are designed to resolve issues with teeth that have already undergone root canals. We also offer pediatric root canals, more commonly referred to as pediatric pulpotomies, which leaves the nerve intact while removing infected or damaged pulp to relieve pain and reduce damage to surrounding teeth.

Reducing Stress During Your Dental Root Canal Treatment

Our team will provide you with expert advice and guidance in the days and weeks leading up to your procedure. We work with you to make sure that you understand and are comfortable with all aspects of your treatment plan. Call us today to schedule an initial appointment. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.