Root Canal
Root Canal in Morristown, NJ
Do you have a tooth that has been severely damaged by decay or infection? We can help! A root canal can save your natural tooth and prevent the need for extraction
Preserve Your Natural Smile
At Dental Group of Morristown, our number one priority is to help you maintain your natural smile for a lifetime. Root canal treatments allow us to do just that! This procedure has become a very common and effective way to save a severely damaged tooth. We use modern technology and techniques to make your treatment as comfortable and painless as possible.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. This is typically considered a last resort after other methods, like fillings and crowns, have failed.
When the pulp, or nerve and blood supply of the tooth, becomes damaged, it can cause a great deal of pain. Occasionally, an abscess (pus pocket) can form at the end of the tooth’s root. A root canal prevents further infection and damage to the tooth by removing the damaged pulp.
Root Canal Procedure
When you arrive for your appointment, the dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth. Typically, only local anesthesia is needed, but we can also provide sedation if you feel anxious.
Once you are comfortable, we will make a small hole in the infected tooth to more easily access the pulp. Next, the infected pulp is removed using special instruments. The tooth is then cleaned and sealed back.
In most cases, a dental crown will be placed on the tooth to protect it from future damage and decay. Many patients return to regular activities on the same day as the procedure!
Reasons for Root Canal Therapy
A few signs and symptoms can alert to the need for root canal treatment. These dental problems include:
Persistent Pain
While dental pain can come and go, if you are experiencing intense pain that is severe and lasts more than a couple of days, it could be an indication that there is something more serious going on below the gumline. Patients who need root canal surgery sometimes report pain that wakes them up at night.
Tooth Sensitivity
If having a hot or cold beverage or meal is ruined by pain that makes you wince, it’s probably time to examine your smile. Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold can indicate an inflamed, irritated, or non-vital dental pulp.
Swollen and Tender Gums
If the gums around a particular tooth are swollen and tender, it might be due to an abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that develops at the bottom of a tooth’s root. An abscess is usually caused by a bacterial infection and can cause severe damage if left untreated. A small, pimple-like bump on the gumline near a tooth can indicate an abscess.
Discoloration or Darkening of the Tooth
If you notice that a tooth is darker than it used to be, it might be due to inflammation or infection in the dental pulp. This usually happens due to severe decay, a chipped or cracked tooth, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth.
Loose Tooth
A tooth loose or moving around in the socket is a serious problem and needs to be addressed immediately. This can be caused by an abscess, advanced periodontal disease, or a traumatic injury. Also, as a compromised tooth is healing from a root canal treatment, it will usually feel sturdier.
Don’t Wait for Treatment!
If you experience any of the above warning signs, don’t wait to get a root canal! One of the most significant mistakes patients make is putting off root canal treatment because they are afraid of the procedure or think their symptoms will disappear. Unfortunately, this almost always leads to more severe problems down the road.
Root Canal Therapy in Morristown, NJ
A root canal is a relatively quick and painless procedure that can save your tooth and your wallet, prevent more invasive restorative procedures, and help you keep your natural smile for a lifetime.
If you think you may need a root canal procedure, or if you have any questions, please call the Dental Group of Morristown to schedule an appointment.