230 Bridge St Metuchen, NJ 08840
Restoring Teeth with Precision Care
Root canal treatment can save an infected tooth from otherwise certain extraction—it’s a proven procedure that will leave your mouth healthy and strong while restoring its natural appearance.
The last thing we want is to see a patient in pain. If your teeth are hurting you, that means something is wrong. The sooner you get treated, the faster you can feel normal again.
Root canal procedures are an essential part of our restorative dentistry here at Bridgepointe Family Dental. During this process, we:
- Remove decay from your tooth
- Remove infected tissue from inside your tooth
- Refill your tooth with a special substance
- Cap your tooth with a filling and/or dental crown
By providing root canals in Metuchen, NJ, we can save your tooth and prevent infection from spreading to other parts of your mouth. A root canal treatment could be the key to protecting your smile.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure used to save a tooth when the nerves inside become inflamed. The dentist must remove the infected tissue in order to save the tooth and remove the pain. Once that is done, the infected area is cleaned out.
Root Canal Symptoms
A patient suffering from an infected root canal will almost certainly recognize that there is something wrong. They will usually be in severe pain and will notice the following symptoms:
- Severe and intense toothaches that won’t go away
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes
- Recurring abscesses on the gums
Generally, but not always, a crown will need to be placed after the root canal treatment is complete in order to protect the tooth from any further damage.
How is root canal treatment performed?
Root canal treatment starts with digital X-rays to determine the extent of the damage. The dentist will carefully access the tooth’s inner structure and carefully clean out the infectious material to leave the tooth as a hollowed-out structure. Then they flush the area with an antimicrobial liquid. The tooth is then treated with a medicated filling substance to offer support and strength to help the tooth heal in a timely manner. To protect the tooth, a dental crown is placed over the structure to prevent fractures and breakages.
How long does the pain from a root canal last?
There is a common misconception that root canals are very painful. The truth is, the root canal procedure itself isn’t usually any more painful than a tooth filling.
Some sensitivity and discomfort are common while the area around the root canal heals. Gums can become swollen or agitated during the procedure, which results in mild pain. This pain should subside when the tooth is healed. After your treatment, your dentist will provide you with special instructions on how to care for your newly treated tooth.
What are the risks and complications associated with root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is generally a safe and effective procedure, but like any medical intervention, it carries some risks and potential complications. These may include incomplete removal of infected tissue, damage to surrounding structures such as the nearby teeth or gums, and the possibility of reinfection if the tooth is not properly sealed. However, these risks are relatively low, and complications can often be avoided by seeking treatment from a qualified and experienced dentist.
How long does a root canal take?
The duration of a root canal procedure can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the tooth’s anatomy, the severity of the infection, and the dentist’s experience. On average, a root canal treatment can take one to two hours to complete. However, some cases may require multiple appointments to ensure thorough cleaning and disinfection of the tooth’s interior.
