Root Canal Therapy in Rochelle Park, NJ

My tooth hurts! What does it mean?

Toothaches can be painful and distracting, and are most commonly a sign of decay or infection. Tooth infections are especially uncomfortable, but root canal therapy can relieve that pain in a single visit. With modern techniques, root canal therapy is a pain-free procedure that can help stop the spread of decay and restore the integrity of a damaged tooth.

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Did you know…

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About 15% of Americans avoid going to the dentist due to misconceptions about dental procedures.

Ready to relieve your toothache?

Call (201) 843-7474 today!

How it works: The root canal treatment process

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Exam & X-Rays

Before you undergo any treatment, your dentist will examine your mouth and review any x-rays or other images to diagnose the cause of your toothache. If the cause turns out to be a tooth infection, your doctor will determine the extent of the damage and decide if root canal therapy can treat the problem.

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Removing Decay & Infected Pulp

Once the treatment area is sufficiently numb, your dentist will begin removing any decayed material beginning with the enamel. They will continue towards the center of the tooth, and clear any infected pulp from inside the tooth. Once the interior of the tooth’s canals have been thoroughly cleaned, the area is flushed with disinfectant to eliminate any remaining bacteria.

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Filling The Root Canals

To fill the space left by the decayed material, the interior of the tooth will be filled with “gutta-percha,” an inert, rubber-like material that supports the inside of the tooth to maintain its structure.

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Sealing Or Capping The Tooth

Depending on how much enamel was removed during the procedure, the appearance and function of the tooth will be restored with either a filling or a dental crown.

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Did you know…

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Around 25 million root canals are performed every year.

Have questions about root canal therapy? Find answers here.

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Do I need a root canal?

If you’re experiencing a tooth infection, chances are you will need root canal therapy. Tooth infections generally happen one of two ways:

1. Cavities can eat away at the outer layers of your enamel and into your dentin. The decay will eventually reach the interior of the tooth to expose the vulnerable pulp to infection-causing bacteria that causes the infection. 
2. Dental trauma can create a chip or a crack in the enamel and dentin, creating an opening for bacteria to enter the nerve and blood vessel-filled pulp.

No matter how the infection occurs, it will cause the pulp to begin to decay and eventually die. When this happens, you’ll experience a toothache, gum inflammation near the tooth, and tooth sensitivity to temperature and pressure.

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Does root canal treatment hurt?

No. Root canal therapy has come a long way in recent years, and modern techniques make a root canal a pain-free procedure. In fact, the procedure is similar to getting a dental filling, and patients who receive root canal therapy can expect their tooth pain to be relieved almost instantly.

Your mouth will be numbed completely during treatment, so you won't feel any discomfort during treatment. Root canal therapy is the best way to alleviate the pain of an infected tooth, which can be unbearable.

Can root canal treatment fail and what happens if it does?

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Root canals are one of the most effective dental treatments available, but in rare cases, the treatment can fail. If there is any decayed material or bacteria left behind, the infection can return. If the infection comes back, you’ll return to our office for endodontic retreatment, during which your tooth will be reopened and the root canal process will be repeated to ensure that the infection is completely removed.

Do I always need a crown with a root canal?

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Not always. Although dental crowns are usually the best way to protect your tooth after getting a root canal, and are almost always recommended for posterior teeth (molars and premolars), fillings can also be used to restore anterior (front) teeth. Your dentist will let you know what kind of restoration is best for you after your root canal has been completed.

Is root canal therapy covered by insurance?

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Root canal therapy is generally covered, at least in part, by most major dental insurance providers. However, it’s best to consult with your own insurance provider to gain an understanding of your benefits.

Did you know…

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Root canal therapy can save you from needing more complex, invasive treatments.

Ready to save your smile?

Call (201) 843-7474 to book today