Myths abound regarding root canals, but there is absolutely nothing to fear. Root canals are both safe and effective and can even prevent the need for an extraction. At Howe Dental Associates, Dr. Michael Weiner and Dr. Carol Cabello regularly perform root canals in Passaic, New Jersey. If a toothache is interfering with your quality of life, call the office or click the online booking tool and make your appointment today.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a type of oral surgery designed to preserve a decaying or badly damaged tooth. During a root canal, our dentists will remove the nerves and pulp from inside your affected tooth before cleaning it out and sealing it up. Left untreated, the tissue surrounding your tooth may become infected, leading to abscesses or decay.
Why Are the Symptoms That I Need a Root Canal?
The only way to determine if you need a root canal is to make an appointment with Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello. However, common telltale signs include:
- Severe tooth pain
- Prolonged tooth sensitivity
- Swollen gums
- Tender gums
- Discolored teeth
Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello might also recommend a root canal if pimples or sores keep forming on the surface of your gums.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
At Howe Dental Associates, a root canal takes only one visit.
First, Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello performs an oral exam, reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms. Next, the doctor takes a series of X-rays to get a closer look at the inside of your tooth and to see if there is an infection in your surrounding bone. If Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello detects an infection, the doctor will move forward with a root canal treatment.
Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello administers a local anesthetic, numbing your teeth and gums. Next, the doctor covers your affected tooth with a rubber dam to keep it dry and free of saliva and debris. Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello then drills an access hole in the top of your tooth and carefully removes the infected tooth pulp.
After emptying your tooth’s pulp chamber, Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello rinses it with an antiseptic solution. Next, the doctor fills your tooth with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. After the gutta-percha dries, Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello takes a series of 3D scans of your teeth using the CEREC® system. The doctor uses these scans to develop a permanent crown that’s milled on-site. After milling your new crown, Dr. Weiner or Dr. Cabello places it on your tooth and cements it in place. The process typically takes between 60-90 minutes.
What Is the Recovery Process Like Following a Root Canal?
For the first few days after your root canal, your mouth might feel sore or swollen. Follow the doctor’s recovery instructions carefully and don’t be afraid to take over-the-counter pain medicine as necessary. Within a week’s time, you should feel back to normal. In fact, root canals boast a more than 95% success rate.
To learn more about the benefits of root canal treatment, call 973-365-1931 or click the online booking tool to make an appointment at Howe Dental Associates today.