Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Dental Procedure
We understand that the prospect of undergoing a root canal is scary, which is why we work hard to make the process as smooth and painless as possible.
Although root canals are most likely the most dreaded dental procedure, they are also a highlight effective solution to infected or damaged teeth.
How Do I Know If I Need A Root Canal?
Your teeth are living bones and, as such, can sometimes become infected or damaged by a traumatic injury.
Inside the hard outer shell of your tooth lies a soft center called the pulp or nerve chamber. This area contains a blood vessels system, lymph vessels, and nerves, which enter from the bone through the root canals and provide nourishment to your teeth.
When a cavity or injury has compromised the pulp, your tooth can become infected and begins to put the surrounding teeth and tissue at risk; a root canal procedure can help correct this.
Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:
- Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting or chewing.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
- Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (infection) in the bone.
Always consult your Suburban Essex dentist who provides a warm and comfortable dental office in West Orange, New Jersey, if you believe that your tooth may be infected.
How Does A Root Canal Work?
When your tooth has become infected and a root canal is necessary, our professional dental team will work with you to make the procedure as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Using advanced technologies and local anesthetic, a dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp. The root canals are also cleaned, slightly enlarged, and shaped to make way for a special filler to maintain the remaining tooth structure. Sometimes a metal post may be added to help improve the integrity of the tooth.
The tooth is then sealed with a temporary filling and is usually followed by a porcelain or gold crown to add further protection for your tooth.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Although it sounds scary, a root canal is a great alternative to extraction and is rarely noticeable. If you think you may be in need of root canal therapy, please don’t hesitate to give us a call today!