Do I Need a Root Canal?

Two dental treatments are synonymous with dentistry: cavity fillings and root canals. Many people compare their least favorite things to this procedure, a root canal is not as scary as it sounds. Let’s go over what to expect during a root canal and how this procedure differs from a regular dental extraction.

What is a Root Canal, and Do I Need One?

Root canals are one of the main ways dentists treat an infected tooth root. Root canals involve removing the infected or inflamed pulp of a tooth and the nerves underneath. By extracting this pulp and sealing off the rest of the tooth, your dentist can eliminate the infection while saving your tooth. As opposed to dental extraction, a root canal prioritizes preserving the existing tooth by purging the source of the infection or inflammation.

You may need a root canal if your dental pulp becomes infected. This can happen due to many factors, including health issues, deep cavities, or abscesses. For example, if your tooth becomes injured, an infection may occur. The same can happen thanks to a deep cavity. This exposes the root of your tooth to bacteria that can, in turn, cause infection. If you experience a toothache, tooth pain, gum swelling, temperature sensitivity, or notice a hole in your tooth, it may be time to see your dentist about a root canal.

Root Canal VS. Extraction

As mentioned above, a root canal focuses on saving the existing tooth, while an extraction removes the tooth entirely. One of the benefits of a root canal is that the remaining hole is sealed up. This means you don’t have to worry about the space left behind by the extracted tooth healing. Another benefit of a root canal is that your original tooth stays in place. This makes it less likely to have jawbone structural loss down the road.

While there are many cases where extraction is needed, especially if the tooth itself is beyond saving, a root canal can help you prevent extraction while preserving your existing natural teeth. In addition, a dental crown will often be applied to help strengthen your remaining tooth.

Does a Root Canal Hurt and What Is the Recovery Time?

If you are thinking, “Do I need a root canal?” but are worried about the pain, it’s worth noting that a root canal is meant to alleviate dental pain. While the procedure can leave you sore afterward due to removing your dental pulp, it should remove the source of the infection. In most cases, having a root canal is less traumatic to your jaw than removing a tooth entirely. On average, the recovery time from a root canal is only a few days, as the tooth may be sensitive after the procedure. Of course, if you experience dental pain longer than a few days after your procedure, contact your dental team.

Dental Excellence of Pennsauken provides a wide range of dental services in Pennsauken, NJ, including general, cosmetic and emergency dentistry. Call 856-910-0400 to make an appointment today!

More About Our Dental Services

Preventative Dentistry: Our practice offers comprehensive oral examinations to assess and maintain your dental health. We provide thorough dental cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Dental sealants and fluoride treatments are available to protect against cavities. We also offer custom mouth guards for sports and night guards to prevent teeth grinding.

Restorative Dentistry: We specialize in restoring your smile with composite fillings and custom-crafted inlays and onlays. Our dental crowns and bridges effectively replace or cover damaged teeth. We offer implant restoration for long-term solutions and provide dentures for full or partial tooth replacement. Tooth extractions are performed with care when necessary.

Cosmetic Dentistry: Enhance your smile with our teeth whitening services and achieve straighter teeth with Invisalign. Our veneers can transform the appearance of your teeth, while cosmetic bonding can correct minor imperfections.

Endodontics: At our clinic, we provide comprehensive root canal treatments designed to save and repair infected teeth. Our skilled professionals focus on relieving pain and restoring dental function, ensuring that you maintain a healthy and comfortable smile.

Dental Emergencies: We understand that dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly, which is why our clinic is fully equipped to handle such situations. We offer same-day appointments to ensure you receive the prompt care you need when it matters most, and our team is dedicated to addressing your concerns swiftly and effectively.

Oral Surgery: Our oral surgery services include surgical extractions for impacted teeth, bone grafts to support future implants, precise implant placement for tooth replacement, and sinus lifts to create a solid foundation for implants.

Sleep Apnea Treatment: We offer treatment options for sleep apnea, including TMJ solutions, to help you achieve restful sleep and improve your overall health.

More About Our Doctor

Our doctor possesses a deep-rooted passion for dentistry and is unwavering in his commitment to providing exceptional care to each of his patients. With an extensive educational background and years of practical experience, he has honed his skills to expertly address a wide array of dental concerns, ranging from routine check-ups to complex procedures. Our doctor believes in a patient-centered approach, ensuring that he takes the time to listen to your concerns and thoroughly understand your goals and expectations for oral health. This personalized attention allows him to tailor treatments to meet the unique needs of every individual. His dedication to excellence ensures that every patient receives the highest quality care within a comfortable and welcoming environment, where their comfort and peace of mind are prioritized. Whether you're visiting for preventive care, restorative work, or cosmetic enhancements,our doctor strives to make your experience as pleasant and effective as possible.