Whether you’ve had a low-grade toothache for some time or you are suddenly experiencing severe tooth pain, it’s important to see our dentists at Elite Dental Arts as soon as possible.
The problem may be an infected tooth. To remove the infection and save the tooth from extraction, a root canal may be necessary. Despite what you may have heard, this is a painless procedure. In fact, root canal treatment in Millburn, NJ is performed to eliminate pain so you can focus on what’s important rather than your toothache.
Why Choose Elite Dental Arts For Root Canal Treatment?
- Dental sedation available
- State-of-the-art diagnostic technology
- Kind, skilled, and highly experienced team
How Does A Tooth Become Infected?
You may be wondering how a tooth can become infected. After all, teeth are pretty hard and designed to withstand quite a bit of pressure when you bite and chew. Nevertheless, problems can develop when a tooth succumbs to severe decay, a deep crack, or traumatic injury. Any of these can create a means for bacteria to access the pulp chamber and root canals of a tooth. Normally, these areas are well protected by a tooth’s outer layers of enamel and dentin. But when compromised, the life of your tooth may be threatened.
Inside the pulp chamber and root canals are blood, lymph, and nerve tissues. When bacteria overtake these, infection sets in and this tissue begins to die. As the infection grows, inflammation and pain increases. Without root canal treatment, there may eventually be bone and gum loss, and tooth extraction may be necessary.
Signs That A Root Canal Is Required
In addition to severe pain, there are other recognizable symptoms of an infected tooth including:
- Gum tissue surrounding the tooth is swollen
- A small pimple-like sore on your gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Increased pain when you bite down on the tooth
- An x-ray confirming infection
The Root Canal Procedure
At Elite Dental Arts, your comfort and safety are a priority. Therefore, your dentist in Millburn will first administer a local anesthetic so you don’t feel any discomfort during root canal treatment. The entire process usually takes not much longer than the time required for a filling.
We begin by creating a small opening in the chewing surface of the tooth. Then, small files are used to clear the pulp chamber and root canals of infection. The space is disinfected and filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible filler that prevents recontamination. The tooth is then sealed with a temporary filling and prepared for an eventual dental crown. In a couple of weeks, you’ll return to our office to have your dentist attach the permanent crown. The result is a preserved tooth that is healthy and strong.
Understanding The Cost Of Root Canals
The cost of a root canal can vary for each patient. It depends on the complexity and severity of the case at hand. Our team will be sure to provide you with an honest price estimate before we start to work on your smile. Rest assured that even though this procedure can be costly, it is a wise investment in your oral health because the priority should always be to preserve your natural tooth when possible.
Root Canal FAQs
With so much misinformation out there today about root canal treatment, it’s more important than ever to dispel the myths associated with the treatment so you feel as comfortable as possible ahead of your appointment. Below, we’ve included some of the most common questions we’ve heard over the years at Elite Dental Arts for your convenience. Of course, we’re happy to address any concerns you may have beforehand so don’t hesitate to let us know if you need anything clarified.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Thanks to modern dental technology, root canal treatment is hardly a painful experience. In fact, many people compare it to receiving a dental filling. This is largely because we administer local anesthetic to the area surrounding the tooth to prevent any sensations from being felt during the actual procedure. Any pain associated with root canal treatment is generally related to the infection inside your tooth. In fact, root canal treatment is what would relieve your pain the most, not cause it. Once your root canal is complete, you’ll likely notice some mild discomfort or sensitivity for the next few days. This should slowly fade away over time as your tooth heals.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead Of Getting A Root Canal?
Antibiotics are designed to treat bacterial infections in other areas of the body, but they won’t work with tooth infections. This is because antibiotics travel through the bloodstream to target infections and the pulp of teeth cannot be accessed through the bloodstream. That means they won’t be able to eliminate the infection on their own. In this case, the only way to effectively treat infected dental pulp is through root canal treatment or a tooth extraction (which we would prefer to avoid when possible).
What Happens If I Wait Too Long To Get A Root Canal?
Teeth may be strong, but they are not able to heal themselves after they have become damaged. Unlike infections in other areas of the body, tooth infections only get worse without professional treatment. For that reason, you should schedule a root canal as soon as you can after you’re told you need one. Keep in mind that even if the pain goes away, that does not mean your tooth is getting better. In fact, it’s a sign that it’s worsening as it means the infection has likely destroyed the tooth’s nerve endings. This makes it impossible for them to transmit pain signals to the brain. The longer you wait to get treatment, the more likely you’ll need to have the tooth removed. Additionally, the infection could spread to other places of the body, trigger systemic illness, and even become life-threatening.
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
Many people don’t realize that root canal treatment maintains a very high success rate. Most teeth that receive a root canal go on to not only remain healthy, but also provide full chewing function for many years (sometimes the rest of the patient’s life!). The longevity of your root canal will depend on a few other factors as well, including your dental hygiene, the extent of the damage already done, and the amount of time that elapsed between the temporary crown and the permanent crown being placed. Be sure to follow all of our practice’s post-op instructions and brush and floss every day to protect your treated tooth.
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