Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are probably one of the most feared—and most misunderstood—of all dental procedures. We want to set the record straight about root canals right here: This common dental treatment is no worse than getting a dental filling. The pain that is usually associated with it—a toothache—is the cause of the pain, not the treatment. In fact, if you come to our Parsippany, NJ dental office with a painful toothache that requires a root canal, you’ll leave feeling much better than when you walked in.
Don’t fear the tooth-saving root canal. At the first sign of a toothache, contact Gruber Dental so we can determine whether or not you have an infection in the root of your tooth. We can relieve your pain and probably save your tooth in the process. Call anytime; we have dentists available on call 24 hours a day.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
A toothache that quickly escalates is often a sure sign that you need a root canal. But there can be other symptoms as well:
- A white, pimple-like spot on the gums
- Swelling or redness in the gums
- Sudden sensitivity with a specific tooth
- Pain with a tooth when you bite down on it
The Root Canal Procedure
Once we’ve discovered an infection in the tooth root—generally through an examination and a digital x-ray—we’ll completely numb the area around the affected tooth. Then your dentist will make a tiny hole in the tooth to enable special dental tools to clean out the infected material.
The tooth root will be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with an antibiotic before the area is sealed. This will help ensure that the infection will not spread to other parts of the mouth.
After a Root Canal
After your procedure, most of your toothache pain will be eliminated. The area might be slightly tender for a day or two afterward, and you can get some relief with an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Because root canal therapy involves removing the living tissue from the tooth root, the remaining structure tends to become brittle. To protect the tooth against the substantial forces of chewing, a dental crown is usually recommended to provide strength. We can either provide you with a lab-fabricated dental crown or create a same-day crown using our in-office milling machine.
Don’t Put Off Needed Treatment
Dental pain is never normal, so we recommend that you call our Parsippany, NJ dental office at the first sign of discomfort. Ignoring the pain will not make it go away. If you need a root canal, our experienced dentists will take good care of you, ensuring the experience is as comfortable as possible. Give us a call today!
They are very professional and educate me all the time
I travel 45 miles each way for the services of Michael Gruber and his staff. They are very professional and educate me all the time in how to take care of my teeth, my gums. He is meticulous in everything he does. I have the most beautiful smile thanks to the fine work he does. I regularly see Lisa, a hygienist who is terrific too. Seeing them regularly and doing what they say keeps gingivitis at bay!
- Janice C.
Frequently Asked Questions
We recommend root canal therapy in our Parsippany dental office when a deep infection puts a tooth at risk. Rather than opting for an extraction and tooth replacement, root canal treatment can actually save your tooth and prevent the need for extraction.
Root canal treatment removes the infection, bacteria, and the soft inner part of the tooth – called the pulp. Because there is no longer a nutrition supply to the tooth, it can become brittle over time. A dental crown reinforces the tooth and provides strength for weakened teeth. A dental crown completely covers the tooth like a little helmet and absorbs much of the force caused by chewing.
Many people fear root canal treatment, but there is no reason to. Typically when an infection is present, it starts with pain and swelling. Root canal therapy relieves this pain. While it’s common to have some sensitivity for a couple of days, you will likely feel much improved after your procedure.
In some cases, we will seal the tooth with a filling, but when a root canal is on a back tooth, a crown may be the superior option. If you have questions about root canals or dental crowns, contact our Parsippany, NJ dental office to arrange an appointment. We are always happy to help.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Tal Kohn DMD
General Dentist
Dr. Tal Kohn's passion for dentistry began as a child when she underwent extensive dental treatment which positively influenced her life and inspired her to become a dentist herself. She graduated top of her class from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine where she received an award from the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. She continued her formal training by completing two general practice residencies at NYP-Weill Cornell and Newark Beth Israel. It is during her residency years where she gained proficiency in dentoalveolar surgery as well as full ...