The professionals at The Town Dentist know that root canals are incredibly stressful – even simply to consider. The contemplation of pain, expense, and recovery time can be overwhelming. At our practice, we aim to make them as tolerable as possible, through a combination of considered and compassionate care, state-of-the-art dental techniques, and cutting-edge technology.
The Town Dentist has been serving patients from Englewood, Teaneck, Fort Lee, Hackensack, Paramus, and all over Bergen County for decades. We would be proud to have you as our next patient and hope you will consider us for all of your dental care needs.
How Root Canals Work
A dental procedure intended to treat inflammation and infection within your tooth’s pulp (the innermost part of the tooth, containing blood vessels and nerves), a root canal can be necessary if your pulp has become infected due to cracks, decay, or other trauma. These infections are not only extremely painful – they can also lead to tooth loss.
During root canal therapy, infected pulp is removed from your teeth, your canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is sealed, which helps to stave off future infections.
Common Indicators a Root Canal Might Be Necessary
When a tooth is infected, quick treatment significantly improves outcomes. You should call us immediately if you have noticed any of the following signs:
- If your teeth are especially sensitive to hot and/or cold foods and drinks for long periods of time, it could be a signal of pulp damage.
- Consistent tooth pain (or even on-and-off pain that persists) could also indicate infection.
- Inflated or especially tender gums can also be a sign of problem.
- Tooth discoloration, such as darkening of your teeth, could also suggest decay or internal damage.
Whether you live in Englewood or elsewhere in the surrounding area, call us today to set up an appointment and to discuss treatment options, financing, and any of your other questions. We may be able to provide same-day service in emergencies.
Root Canal Treatment Time
Patients often ask us about how much time a root canal takes. The answer depends on a number of factors. Different types of teeth can require different numbers of root canals. Your front teeth, or incisors and canines, usually need only one root canal. This can be done in a half hour to an hour. But molars, at the back of your mouth, can have as many as four root canals. This could take an hour and a half or more.
Additionally, more severely infected teeth can mean a longer treatment time, as there could be more infected tissue to remove, and extra cleaning required. There is also the possibility that your tooth has an especially complex root structure or extra canals, which could also add to the overall duration of the procedure.
Regardless of how long your root canal takes, The Town Dentist is committed to ensuring your maximum comfort, with pain mitigation options available.
A Look at Each Step of the Root Canal Procedure
Our team at The Town Dentist have provided a rundown of the entire root canal process, from initial consultation to recovery and aftercare:
- At your initial consultation, we will examine you thoroughly (including by taking X-rays), assess the extent of any infection, issue a diagnosis, and collaborate with you to come up with an individualized treatment plan incorporating your preferences and concerns.
- When you come in for your treatment, we will apply local anesthesia to numb the worksite, allowing for a pain-free treatment.
- We then open the tooth’s crown, reaching into the pulp chamber for the infected pulp.
- After removing the infected pulp, the canals are cleaned, then shaped and prepared for filling.
- Your clean canals are then filled with a biocompatible material, before your tooth is sealed back up (which prevents reinfection).
- In some cases, the last step is to install a crown, which gives your tooth back its strength and utility.
Recovery and Aftercare Considerations
You should not be concerned if you experience some discomfort or sensitivity after your root canal. Most patients can manage this with over-the-counter medication. Continue to brush and floss as normal, but be careful around the treatment area, and avoid hard and sticky foods at first.
The professionals at The Town Dentist will provide you with a detailed aftercare plan. It is important you schedule follow-up visits so we can ensure proper healing. You may need to come in for a separate appointment for additional procedures, too (such as crown placement).
Plenty of Reasons to Choose Us at The Town Dentist – Treating Patients from Paramus, Englewood, and Surrounding Towns and Cities
Our practice has served communities throughout Bergen County, including Fort Lee, Hackensack, Teaneck, and Englewood, for decades. We would love to have you as our next patient. Some of the reasons our patients choose us are:
- Kind and compassionate personalized care. Our team is friendly and committed to treating each of our patients as an individual, with care plans developed in consultation with the patient, so all of your needs and considerations are factored into your care.
- Cutting-edge care and state-of-the-art treatments. We use only the latest in dental treatments and technologies and our professionals have the very best education, training, and experience.
- We offer a wide variety of dental treatments, able to provide routine treatments as well as emergency care. Come to us for all your dental concerns and avoid dealing with multiple offices.
Choose The Town Dentist – Call Our Office Today to Schedule an Appointment
Do not hesitate if you have a dental emergency or questions about your dental care. Call us today. One of our professionals would be happy to schedule an appointment, discuss treatment options, financing, insurance, and any other concerns you have.
Oral health is key to overall health, and the team at The Town Dentist is here to help you deal with any dental emergencies or issues you are facing. Act quickly—remember that speed can be key to a successful outcome. And give us a call so we can put the smile back on your face.