Root Canals

General Dentistry located in Sewell, NJ

Root Canals services offered in Sewell, NJ

Root canals are a procedure that can effectively save an infected tooth and relieve your pain. At Calandra Family Dentistry in Sewell, New Jersey, skilled dentist Anthony J. Calandra, DMD, and his team have the expertise and experience to perform root canals. To learn more about this popular procedure, book an appointment today by phone or online.

Root Canals Q & A

What are root canals?

Root canals are a restorative treatment for an infected tooth. Your tooth structure has an outer layer of tissue called enamel, a thicker layer underneath called dentin, and a deeper layer, which is a hollow chamber filled with dental pulp.

Your pulp consists of connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. If bacteria get into this area or go down into the canals of your tooth roots, your tooth can become infected, compromising your tooth’s structural integrity.

A root canal removes the infected pulp and restores your tooth.

When should I see a dentist about having a root canal?

The need for a root canal usually presents symptoms that should prompt professional treatment. If you have an infected tooth, you might notice:

Swollen or tender gums
Pimple-like sores on your gums
Pain when biting down
Dark or reddened gums
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
Cracked or chipped tooth

If you experience any of these issues, call your provider at Calandra Family Dentistry for an examination. Early treatment can prevent tooth loss and other complications.

How are root canals performed?

Root canals typically require two visits. At your first visit, your dentist injects a numbing medication into the targeted area in your mouth to ensure you don’t feel any pain during your procedure.

Next, they create a small access hole in your tooth to reach the inner chamber. Using a series of slim dental tools, they remove all traces of infected pulp.

Once the area is free of infection and rinsed, they apply a material called gutta percha to replace the removed pulp. Then a small filling closes the opening.

Your dentist takes a set of impressions to fabricate your custom crown at a dental lab, as needed. While the lab creates your permanent crown, you wear a temporary crown to protect your treated tooth.

When your new crown arrives, you return for your second visit. Your dentist confirms a solid fit and then cements your crown into place to complete your restoration.

If you think you might be a candidate for a root canal, call Calandra Family Dentistry for an evaluation or book an appointment online today.