What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root Canal Cherry Hill, NJ

Your dentist may recommend root canal therapy if you have severe tooth damage or deep dental decay. When performed, it is often a necessary step to save the tooth from falling out or to prevent the infection from spreading. There are certain symptoms that may suggest root canal therapy is necessary, and it is helpful to become more familiar with them. When root canal therapy is needed, it also helpful to understand what the treatment is exactly.

A review of root canal therapy

Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure that most dentists offer. It is safe and effective, but more invasive than dental fillings and various other similar procedures. The following is an overview of what root canal therapy is, when it might be necessary and what you can expect throughout the treatment and aftercare.

Root canal therapy defined

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that removes and replaces infected and damaged dental pulp in the root of a tooth. Root canal therapy is needed if a tooth infection develops and cannot be treated through less invasive methods, such as antibiotics or draining the dental abscess. Root canal therapy can also address severe tooth decay that cannot be treated with a dental filling. The primary purpose of root canal therapy is to address the underlying symptoms and prevent the tooth from becoming lost. 

Symptoms of a root canal infection

The symptoms may vary for each patient, but there are certain symptoms that are more common among those who need a root canal procedure. The most common symptoms include:

  • Deep tooth decay
  • Tooth pain and sensitivity
  • Swollen and sore gums
  • Fever and swollen lymph nodes

If there are any oral health symptoms that become intolerable or exist for an extended period of time, then it is important to visit the dentist for a visit to see what the best course of treatment is. 

How root canal therapy is performed

The typical procedure for root canal therapy includes accessing the dental pulp inside of the tooth root, removing the infected tooth pulp, sealing the tooth with a filling material and attaching a dental crown. The procedure does not take more than a couple of hours, and the procedure itself is not painful for the patient. 

Tips for root canal aftercare

Although the root canal procedure itself may not be painful, there will be some discomfort during the recovery process. The best way to minimize discomfort during recovery is by keeping the mouth clean through good oral hygiene practices, avoiding hard foods or foods high in sugar and drinking water throughout the day to wash away bacteria and food particles. You can also ice the affected area and take pain relief medication as directed by the dentist. 

Contact our dental team for more information

Our dentistry offers root canal therapy, and we help our patients through each step of the process. Reach out to us today to learn more about root canal therapy and to arrange a time to visit with our friendly dental team.

Request an appointment here: https://gentlesmilesdentistcherryhillnj.com or call Gentle Smiles of Cherry Hill at (856) 282-4709 for an appointment in our Cherry Hill office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal in Cherry Hill, NJ.

Recent Posts

Root Canal Infections: The Symptoms And What You Can Do

Root canal infections occur when bacteria reach the central canals of your teeth due to exposure from taking a blow to the mouth or tooth decay. A root canal is a procedure performed for the purpose of repairing or salvaging a seriously decayed tooth or a tooth that has been severely infected. During a root…

Maintaining Dental Check-Up Appointments After Periodontal Disease Treatment

Following the treatment of periodontal disease, it is vital that a patient keeps the Dental Checkup appointments that the dentist recommends. Periodontal maintenance, which typically requires dental check-ups every three months post-treatment, is essential for continuing results. Without routine maintenance, the patient risks a relapse in oral health.Periodontal disease is a chronic oral health condition…

What Happens During A Visit With A General Dentist?

Understanding what happens during a general dentist visit allows patients to know what to expect. They are then more likely to undergo any necessary treatment that they need for good oral health. Knowing what to expect also helps those who experience dental anxiety.Wondering if a general dentist in Cherry Hill can provide you with the…

Emergency Dentistry: Potentially Life-Threatening Tooth Issues

Emergency dentistry provides the urgent treatments that you need when you need them. This can end up saving your life because untreated dental issues like infections can be life-threatening. Emergency dentistry also gets you relief from any pain and discomfort caused by the oral problem that you are struggling with.Wondering what life-threatening issues quick dental…

Recent Posts

Emergency Dentistry: Potentially Life Threatening Tooth Issues

Emergency Dentistry: Potentially Life-Threatening Tooth Issues

Emergency dentistry provides the urgent treatments that you need when you need them. This can end up saving your life because untreated dental issues like infections can be life-threatening. Emergency dentistry also gets you relief from any pain and discomfort caused by the oral problem that you are struggling with.Wondering what life-threatening issues quick dental…

When A General Dentist May Recommend A Dental Bridge

When A General Dentist May Recommend A Dental Bridge

General dentists are responsible for restoring and replacing teeth that are lost due to decay or accidents. Unfortunately, the teeth are prone to both, making it so that treatment is necessary. A common treatment used in general dentistry for tooth restoration and replacement is a dental bridge. Having a dental bridge placed can make life…