Root canals have had a bad rap for many years. However, when you find the right dental experts, like Alla Pavlushkin, DDS, and Steven Reff, DDS, at Empire Dental Group in Old Bridge, New Jersey, you can feel at ease.
About 25 million root canals are performed every year, so they’re not uncommon. Our dental team uses the most advanced technology to keep you comfortable while performing your root canal.
Why you might need a root canal
A root canal can save your tooth. To perform a root canal, we eliminate bacteria from your infected or damaged pulp. The procedure also prevents infection from occurring in your tooth again.
We make sure you don’t feel any pain throughout the process. Once the infection has been removed, we seal your tooth with a filling and a crown, as needed.
Signs that you need a root canal
The need for a root canal usually gives you a warning with symptoms, such as:
- Constant pain in the infected area
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Tooth discoloration
- Inflamed gums
- Pain when you bite down
- Pimples on your gums
- Loose tooth
If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with our dental team right away. A root canal can save your tooth when treated quickly, so don’t delay.
What problems root canals can fix
During your examination, we determine if you need a root canal. Root canals can typically be a remedy for four issues, including:
1. Deep tooth decay
Your tooth has three layers — enamel, dentin, and nerve tissue. If you have tooth decay that only goes through the first two layers, then a filling can repair it. However, if the decay reaches your nerve tissue, you need a root canal.
2. Chipped or fractured teeth
If you bite down on something hard and your tooth breaks, fractures, or chips, causing your pulp to be exposed, bacteria can enter the area and infect it. If not treated, the tooth can become diseased. If the diseased tissue doesn’t get removed, it can die, infect your tooth, and ultimately cause your tooth to need to be extracted.
3. Trauma to your mouth
Whether you have an injury from an automobile accident, a sports game, or a fall, trauma to your mouth can affect the inner soft tissues of your tooth or teeth, which may require root canal treatment.
4. When a tooth needs more than one procedure
If your tooth needs more than one treatment, such as restoring missing parts of your tooth structure or repairing a fracture, a root canal might be needed to restore the root of your tooth.
Our team has the expertise to assess the condition of your tooth and provide you with superior care. You can feel confident when you make your appointment at Empire Dental Group.
If you have tooth pain or other symptoms that might determine that you need a root canal, call our friendly office staff at 732-607-0909 or schedule your visit online today.