Root Canal

Root Canal (Endodontics)

Endodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the nerves of the teeth. Root canals are probably the most notorious procedure in dentistry and the most common procedure relating to endodontics. When a nerve of a tooth becomes infected there is usually nothing else to do but Root Canal or Extraction . The infected nerve/s need to be removed. If left untreated an infection can turn into an abscess, which is a much more serious problem that includes bone loss in the jaw. This can be very dangerous left untreated.

The  tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to before starting the procedure. The dentist will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal/s. They will then be able to remove infected tissue and clean the canal/s. After the infection has been removed, the space if filled with a cement and a material called gutta percha. It is highly recommended that a tooth that has undergone a root canal is fitted with a post and a crown. This will improve the appearance of the tooth, and will also make it much more likely that the root canal is successful and the tooth has less chances of breaking. If left uncovered after a root canal the tooth can get reinfected, can break or have to be extracted eventually.

“Root canal” has become a scary term for dental patients to hear, but the benefits of the procedure and advances in dental technology have made it much less “scary”. Local anesthetics and proper pain medication allow the procedure to be performed with little to no discomfort in most cases. There may be some soreness following the procedure, but that is normal for most dental procedures. Over the counter painkillers are usually enough to relieve any discomfort afterwards, but your dentist may prescribe medication. The procedure will also relieve you from discomfort caused by the infection allowing you to enjoy most  foods you love without any pain from heat, cold, or biting too hard. If you are experiencing pain call us at 732-246-4443 today.