The Root Canal Procedure

Sometimes you may have a tooth pain that is so excruciating that something needs to be done. It’s not always the case that you need to have that tooth extracted. In a lot of instances, a root canal will be the best method for dealing with a tooth ache of a certain kind. You’ve no doubt heard the term, but do you know what it means and what the treatment entails? Our New Jersey cosmetic dentist and our entire treatment team want to take some time to discuss what a root canal is and what to expect from the procedure.

Before discussing endodontics (that’s the official term for root canal), it’s best to discuss the basic structure of the tooth. Inside each tooth is a chamber in which dental pulp is contained. This dental pulp is comprised of blood vessels, nerve tissue, and other matter. The dental pulp is essential for the proper nourishment and hydration of a tooth, and it also allows teeth to sense heat and cold.

A root canal is performed when an injury is sustained to the tooth or there is substantial tooth decay. In such instances, this could mean infection of or major damage to the dental pulp. In order to determine if a root canal is the best treatment, it is necessary for the dentist to run some x-rays and perform other diagnostic treatments.

During the root canal, patients are first given anesthetic to ensure there is as little discomfort as possible. Your dentist or endodontist will then remove all of the dental pulp from the chamber of the tooth and ensure no nerve endings are left exposed within. The chamber is prepared, cleaned, and then filled with a safe and stable substance. The use of a dental crown may be necessary to help seal the tooth properly.

To learn more about root canals as well as New Jersey dental implants and other dental care issues, we encourage you to contact our Fort Lee, NJ cosmetic dentistry office. We look forward to discussing your concerns with you.