Can I Delay Root Canal Therapy?

Root Canal Therapy | Union City | Diana Rodriguez & Associates

If you’re experiencing lingering tooth sensitivity, sharp pain while chewing or biting, and swollen or painful gums, you may need root canal treatment. Unfortunately, most patients think a root canal is a painful, costly procedure. However, root canal therapy has changed significantly in the past few years, with new technology and techniques making the procedure more accessible and effective than ever. As a result, learning that you need a root canal isn’t the terrible news it once was.

At Diana Rodriguez & Associates in Union City, NJ, we work to make your root canal therapy as comfortable and straightforward as possible. Here’s what you can expect.

Why Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

When a tooth’s pulp or soft tissue becomes infected due to damage, like cracks or chips, trauma, or decay, a root canal removes the infection and saves the tooth from being destroyed by bacteria.

Since infections can grow rapidly, you should schedule this treatment as soon as possible to limit the damage. Root Canal Therapy | Union City | Diana Rodriguez & Associates

Can I Return to Work After Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal procedures can vary in length, depending on the extent of your tooth’s infection. However, most patients complete the procedure in under an hour. If your affected tooth is large and has multiple roots, the treatment can take up to 90 minutes.

After root canal therapy, your mouth will stay numb for two to four hours. Regardless, most patients return to work, school, or other activities, limiting eating until their feeling is restored.

What to Expect from Root Canal Therapy

When it’s time for your root canal treatment, we will evaluate the extent of your tooth’s damage using X-rays. Then, we’ll administer a local anesthetic and any additional sedation your situation may require.

Once the area is completely numb, we will isolate the tooth and keep it clean for the procedure using a small rubber dam. Next, we’ll create a small opening in the tooth’s crown to access the pulp.

We will remove the nerves, blood vessels, and tissues that make up the tooth’s pulp. Then, we will clean and disinfect the pulp chamber and canals using tiny, precise instruments. After that, we will shape the area for filling.

Lastly, we’ll fill the root canals with a biocompatible rubber-like material called gutta-percha to ensure the channels are completely sealed. A dental filling will seal the tooth and prevent new bacteria from entering. Most patients require a dental crown to protect the affected tooth and restore function.

Does Root Canal Therapy Hurt?

Typically, root canal therapy alleviates the pain of a sore, inflamed, infected tooth. As a result, most patients feel less discomfort after their procedure. However, you may experience some swelling and sensitivity after your treatment, which can be managed with pain relievers and should lessen within one to two weeks.

Fully Restore Your Damaged Tooth with Diana Rodriguez & Associates

Diana Rodriguez & Associates wants all of our patients to receive the dental care they need. Our team aims to remove the standard obstacles that keep people from visiting their dentist.

We offer sedation dentistry to manage dental anxiety and work with most PPO dental insurance plans. In addition, we offer payment plans through CareCredit, LendingClub, and Ally, most of which start with 0% interest and low monthly payment options.

Don’t suffer from a painful, infected tooth. Contact our offices to schedule your free consultation today.

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