Preserve Your Natural Smile with Expert Endodontic Care
Root canal therapy is often enough to treat infection in the inner tooth successfully. If pain or inflammation return, however, these symptoms can indicate a new or recurring infection.In such cases, an apicoectomy is a common surgical procedure used to save the tooth and restore the health of the surrounding bone and gum tissue.
Root Canal Treatment
Comprehensive Endodontics: Saving Your Natural Teeth
Endodontics, often referred to as root canal therapy, is a specialized field of dentistry focused on treating the pulp and root tissues inside your tooth. When the pulp—which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue—becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks, or trauma, endodontic treatment is crucial to save the tooth. Our expert team at Montclair Valley Dental utilizes advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to meticulously clean, disinfect, and seal the root canal system, preventing further infection and preserving your natural tooth. We prioritize your comfort throughout the procedure, making what can often be a daunting experience as relaxed and pain-free as possible.
What will happen during the procedure?
First, the affected area is numbed, and a dental dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry during the procedure. A small opening is made at the top of the tooth and small tools are used to take out the infected pulp. Then the tooth is disinfected and filled with an inert, biocompatible material, and sealed with adhesive cement.
What will happen afterwards?
Pain and sensitivity might last for a few days after treatment, and can be relieved with over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen. You might be instructed to avoid chewing on the affected tooth for a few days. After a few days, the temporary filling is removed and replaced with a permanent filling or crown.
Reasons for Needing a Root Canal
A tooth that needs root canal treatment might be symptom-free, but any of these symptoms are strong indications that the pulp has suffered infection or injury:
- Persistent tooth pain, which can be dull or sharp and severe
- Pain when chewing or when any pressure is placed on the tooth
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
- A cracked, broken, darkened, or discolored tooth
- Gum tissue near the tooth which is sore, red, or swollen
- A pimple-like bump on the gums that persists or keeps recurring. This is the sign of an abscess, an infection in the gum or bone near the root of the tooth.
Ready for Your Best Smile?
Our caring team provides uncompromising dental excellence, ensuring a comfortable and informed experience. Contact us to schedule your visit.