Root Canal South Orange, NJ
Root canal treatment (also called endodontic therapy) is necessary when a cavity is allowed, through neglect, to reach all the way to the nerve inside the tooth. When the nerve is infected, it must be treated; it cannot heal on its own.
Sometimes deep restorations or trauma to a tooth may cause the nerve to be damaged and pain and infection can result. When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue and germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. If left untreated, an abscess may form. If the infected tissue is not removed, pain and swelling can result. This can not only injure your jawbones, but it is detrimental to your overall health. Without the proper treatment, your tooth may have to be extracted.
Signs & Symptoms You May Need Root Canal Treatment
Signs you may need a root canal include severe toothache, pain upon chewing or application of pressure, prolonged sensitivity or pain in response to hot and cold temperatures, a dark discoloration of the tooth, a bad taste in the mouth, and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist in South Orange right away.
Teeth that require root canal therapy are not always painful, sometimes no symptoms are present at all and the patient is unaware of the problem until they have their next dental exam.
Root Canal Procedure
Your South Orange, NJ dentist will perform a root canal to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the canals of the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) are filled in to prevent any further infection. Usually a core build-up and dental crown is recommended for restoring a tooth that has had root canal treatment.