When the inside pulp of a tooth becomes damaged or infected, your endodontist might recommend a root canal to save the tooth and preserve your natural smile. Root canal therapy is a highly effective treatment method to save natural teeth and prevent extractions. Whether you have a cracked tooth, deep decay or infection, or trauma, root canal therapy can often be the best option to relieve your pain and restore the function of your tooth.
At Liv Endodontics, our endodontists are committed to delivering exceptional care that prioritizes your comfort and oral health. With a dedicated team of highly trained professionals and state-of-the-art technology like CBCT imaging and EdgePRO lasers, we provide precise and efficient treatments tailored to your needs. Our focus on personalized service ensures you’ll feel at ease from the moment you walk through our doors, making even complex procedures like root canal therapy a seamless experience.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
With over 15 million people receiving root canal therapy every year, it is considered one of the most commonly performed dental procedures you can get. When the innermost layer of the tooth, known as the pulp, becomes damaged or infected, you will likely need a root canal to remove the damaged tissue and restore function to your tooth. If left untreated, the tooth can become inflamed and painful and may lead to an abscess.
While you might not have any symptoms from your infected tooth, there are some common signs you should look out for that might require treatment from a dentist. These signs include:
- Deep tooth pain that doesn’t go away and spreads to your jaw, face, or other teeth
- Pain while putting pressure on the tooth while eating
- Swollen gums
- Pimples on the gums
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Hot and/or cold sensitivity
- Swollen jaw
- Discolored teeth
- Loose teeth
- Deep decay or darkening of the gums
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential you contact your Summit, NJ, endodontist to address your dental care and develop a treatment plan to restore your smile’s health.
What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure in Summit, NJ
Because of modern advancements in anesthetics and surgical procedures, a root canal is considered a relatively pain-free option for restoring the health and function of an infected tooth.
Your endodontist will likely begin by taking a set of dental images to examine the inside of your tooth and decide if root canal therapy is the right choice for you. While every treatment plan is customized to each patient’s specific needs, your root canal procedure will likely follow a similar set of steps. These steps may include:
- Anesthesia: Your endodontist will first use a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area to make your procedure as comfortable as possible. Nitrous oxide or oral sedatives are also options if you experience anxiety or stress to help you remain at ease throughout the therapy.
- Dental dam: A protective sheet is placed over the infected tooth and gums to help keep the area dry and clean during the procedure.
- Access: a small hole will be drilled through the crown of the tooth to locate the inner pulp.
- Cleaning: The infected or damaged pulp is extracted, and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and prepared.
- Gutta-percha: A rubbery material called gutta-percha will be used to fill the inside of the tooth.
- Temporary filling: The opening is closed with a temporary filling to keep any bacteria out during healing.
- Dental crown: Once your tooth has healed, a dental crown is installed to restore the tooth to full function.
At Liv Endodontics, we understand the diverse needs of our Summit, NJ, community and are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your root canal therapy to get your smile back to looking and feeling its best!
What Are the Risks of Root Canal Therapy?
While root canal therapy’s most significant advantage is restoring function to a painful and damaged tooth, there are some risks involved with the procedure. Although these risks are minimal, it is important you understand what complications might occur. Some risks associated with root canal therapy might include the following:
- Re-treatment that requires another root canal procedure
- If all of the infected tissue is not removed, the infection may return
- Failure of the root canal that results in extraction of the tooth
- Accidental damage to the surrounding teeth
- The treated tooth may become discolored
- The treated tooth may weaken and become more prone to fractures
Despite some associated risks, the advantages of preserving your natural tooth and avoiding more invasive procedures like extractions often make it a worthwhile choice. A Summit, NJ endodontist can provide valuable guidance and knowledge to help you determine if root canal therapy is the right choice for your dental needs.
Why Choose Liv Endodontics for Your Root Canal in Summit, NJ?
At Liv Endodontics, we prioritize your comfort and care every step of the way. Whether you’re dealing with severe tooth pain, deep decay, or a dental emergency, we work quickly to provide relief while maintaining the highest standards of care.
We understand that root canal therapy can feel intimidating, so we’re committed to creating a stress-free experience tailored to your unique needs. From personalized treatment plans to our compassionate approach, we strive to make each visit seamless and comfortable. Contact us today at (908) 608-8018 or through our contact form to get started on restoring your smile’s health and function.
