Root canal & endodontics in Old Bridge, New Jersey

What Are the Underlying Causes of Root Canals?

Inside each of our teeth is a soft pulp tissue that can become infected, exposed, or damaged because of advanced tooth decay or a severe injury to a tooth. When this happens, its common to feel crippling pain and to be unable to function normally throughout your daily life. Root canals are a type of surgical procedure that removes the diseased or damaged pulp from the tooth. Also known as endodontic treatment, this commonly performed procedure permanently gets rid of your pain and discomfort.

How Do You Know if You Need a Root Canal?

A dental root canal becomes a necessary procedure once the tooth pulp tissue becomes so damaged or diseased that it needs to be taken out to prevent the tooth itself from having to extracted. We’ve provided a list of common symptoms below so that you know when you might be in need of this type of procedure.

1. Moderate or severe, persistent tooth pain
2. Sensitivity to cold, heat or touch
3. Tooth pain that wakes you up at night
4. Pain when biting down
5. Deep cavities or tooth discoloration
6. Swelling of the gum tissue around the tooth

Experiencing one or more of the above symptoms may indicate that you need to have this procedure. Contact our dentists to schedule an appointment by picking up the phone.

What Kind of Dentist Performs Root Canals?

Root canals are able to be conducted by general dentists or by specialists known as endodontists. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist if you have a more advanced case or need to have your teeth re-treated from failed procedure in the past. To learn more about how a root canal dentist can assist you, call us so that we can get you in touch with one of our qualified dental care providers.

What Is the Process of Having a Root Canal Like?

If you are having a simple root canal procedure done, you can expect it to take anywhere between one to two hours. The following steps are a part of standard procedures.

1. Local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth so that you don’t feel a thing throughout the treatment.
2. A small shield is utilized to keep the tooth isolated and the area surrounding it sanitary.
3. An opening will be made at the top of the tooth so that your dentist can easily reach the tooth’s pulp chamber.
4. The pulp will be taken out, and tools are utilized to clean and shape the canals of the tooth.
5. Fluid is used to clean out, disinfect and remove debris from the canals of the tooth.
6. A rubbery substance referred to as gutta-percha is utilized to fill the canals, which are then sealed.
7. A root canal crown is placed over the tooth so that it doesn’t fracture after the procedure.

How Much Do Root Canals Cost?

Many people are understandably concerned about what their overall root canal cost will be. The price of this procedure depends on the complexity of the surgery. Things that are taken into account include the severity of the damage to a tooth and what steps are necessary to properly prepare the tooth for the procedure. The number of roots contained within the tooth also determines price. For example, a molar has four roots, while a front tooth only has one root. This makes the procedure on molars more expensive. Another factor in your overall bill is if a general dentist or endodontist needs to perform your procedure. The type of dental insurance you have also plays a part in your bill. Some insurance plans provide their customers with partial coverage for root canals. To receive an estimate for your procedure, you will need to have a consultation done by one of our dentists. Contact us to schedule your appointment.

The Different Types of Root Canals

A standard root canal can be conducted on any type of tooth. However, there are alternative endodontic treatment methods available for more complicated cases. An apicoectomy is done when you’ve had previous procedures that have been unsuccessful. This procedure consists of the tip of the root of the tooth being take out. A pediatric pulpotomy is another type of procedure. This is where the pulp is removed, but the nerve is left in place.

Dental Root Canal Treatment

Since all root canals are performed while the patient is under anesthesia, the procedure itself is not painful. You will be given pain medications to help manage any pain after the procedure has taken place.

To book an appointment for a consultation about a root canal in Old Bridge, contact our office today.