Comfortable Root Canal Therapy in Summit & Westfield
The anticipation of a root canal procedure can be nerve-racking for a lot of men and women. Thankfully, the expert dental team at the Dental Studios will help alleviate some of the anxiety and discomfort from a root canal procedure. Dr. Daniel Butensky at the Dental Studios in Summit and Westfield, New Jersey is well-trained to perform root canals. If you’re nervous about having a root canal, book an appointment over the phone or online. The professional team at the Dental Studios is ready to soothe your worries.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure intended to remove oral discomfort and restore your tooth. If your tooth becomes critically infected from the inside, one of the accomplished dentists at the Dental Studios will take out the bacteria and any dead or dying tissue. Doing so lets them get rid of your pain and preserve your tooth.
What leads to an infection in the tooth root?
From damage to the tooth or from a cavity allowed to go untreated, roots and tissue within your teeth can become infected with bacteria. If you don’t visit the dentist, the infected tissue may spread into the root or pulp of the tooth. Ask about treatment. If you don’t, the infection could spread even further and lead to other health complications.
How can I recognize an infected tooth?
An infected tooth can become very painful relatively quickly, especially if you don’t take care of it promptly. Infected tooth symptoms might include:
- Inflamed gums
- Tooth soreness, especially when chewing
- Acute tooth sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures
- Bad breath
- Pus coming from around the tooth
- Painful aching in your jaw and mouth
- Tooth darkening in color
- A bump on your gum like a small pimple
What’s involved in a root canal?
Most often, one of the extremely able dentists at the Dental Studios completes the treatment in one or two appointments. You may first require an X-ray to determine the extent of damage to the tooth needing the root canal.
At your appointment, one of the dentists at the Dental Studios will use a needle to numb the area with a local anesthetic. Every now and then, they place a dental dam, or a little piece of rubber, on your tooth to preserve its cleanliness and protect it from bacteria during the procedure. Once your tooth is anesthetized, the dentist creates a tiny opening in your tooth to access the area of infection inside the root.
After this, your dentist takes away the damaged and unhealthy pulp using small files, and sprays the area with water to remove debris. Until you return for a permanent crown, your dentist either seals the tooth or applies a temporary filling.
If you show any signs or symptoms of a tooth infection, be sure to call the Dental Studios or schedule a consultation online.
FAQs About Root Canals
Do root canals hurt?
Root canals have an undeserved reputation for being painful. The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain — just some pressure. Most patients report that the treatment is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The pain you feel before a root canal (from the infected tooth) is usually far worse than the procedure itself.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals can be completed in one to two visits, each lasting about 60–90 minutes. The complexity of the tooth’s root structure affects the timeline — a front tooth with one root is typically faster than a molar with multiple canals.
How long is recovery after a root canal?
Most patients experience mild soreness for a few days after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Severe pain or swelling is uncommon and should be reported to our office. Most people return to normal activities the same day or the day after treatment.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common signs include a persistent toothache, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, darkening of the tooth, swollen or tender gums near the tooth, and a pimple-like bump on the gums. However, sometimes there are no symptoms at all. X-rays taken during your exam can reveal infection that isn’t yet causing obvious pain.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
In most cases, yes. After a root canal, the tooth becomes more brittle and vulnerable to fracture. A dental crown is typically placed over the treated tooth to protect it and restore full function. We’ll discuss the timing and options for your crown as part of your overall treatment plan.