Root Canal Therapy
When a tooth becomes severely decayed, cracked, or infected, root canal therapy can be the key to saving it. At Smile and Shine Dental, our goal is always to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible, and root canal treatment allows us to do just that. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or signs of infection, our experienced team is here to help. As your trusted Bound Brook NJ dentist, Dr. Singh provides gentle, effective care in a calm and supportive environment.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a restorative dental procedure used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. This treatment becomes necessary when the pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels—becomes inflamed or infected due to deep cavities, trauma, or cracks. During the procedure, the pulp and nerve are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. The pulp and nerves are not essential for the tooth’s function once it has fully developed, so removing them will not affect the long-term use of the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread beyond the tooth, causing swelling, bone loss, and even tooth loss. That’s why it’s important to see our Bound Brook NJ dentist promptly if you notice signs of a problem.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, root canal therapy may be necessary:
- Severe toothache pain when chewing or applying pressure
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Swollen or tender gums around the affected tooth
Our team at Smile and Shine Dental will perform a comprehensive examination to determine the best course of action and confirm whether a root canal is the right treatment for you.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy is typically performed in one or two appointments at our practice, depending on the condition of the tooth. Here’s what to expect:
1. Access and Cleaning: Our Bound Brook NJ dentist will begin by creating a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The infected pulp and nerve tissue are then removed.
2. Shaping and Disinfecting: The root canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and prevent further infection.
3. Filling and Sealing: The empty canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed. If multiple appointments are required, a temporary filling will be placed to protect the tooth in the meantime.
4. Restoration: At the final visit, our dentist will remove the temporary filling and place a permanent restoration—typically a crown or filling—to strengthen and protect the tooth.
Long-Term Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is highly effective and has an excellent success rate. With proper care and maintenance, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can last a lifetime. Once the final restoration is in place, your tooth will function and appear just like your natural teeth. Most people won’t be able to tell you've had a root canal at all! At Smile and Shine Dental, we understand that root canal therapy can sound intimidating, but we’re here to make the experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. If you're experiencing dental discomfort, don't wait—schedule an appointment with our compassionate and skilled Bound Brook NJ dentist today.
