Root Canal

Just the words “root canal” can make patients feel anxious and nervous. Let the skilled team at Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood, led by Robert A. Scherrer, DMD, help. The practice offers minimally invasive, hassle-free root canals to treat tooth infections in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Root canals don’t cause pain; they relieve it. Call the office or book a consultation online today to learn more about this tooth-saving procedure. 

What are root canals?

A root canal is a dental procedure that treats the root cause of an infected tooth and restores its health. If your tooth becomes critically infected from the inside, the team at Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood removes any harmful bacteria.

This procedure can save your natural tooth, relieves the pain associated with an infection, and helps restore your oral health and smile.

Why do I need a root canal?

The roots and soft tissue inside your teeth can become infected with bacteria as a result of an injury or from a cavity that leads to severe decay. Poor oral hygiene is often the root cause of decay, leading to an infection of the soft tissue.

Cases of decay can spread into the root or pulp of your tooth, causing an infection. If left untreated, it can cause many other oral health issues and can even lead to tooth loss. Acting quickly can help save your natural tooth, so don’t wait to seek help.

What are the signs of an infection inside my tooth?

Certain signs indicate that the pulp in your tooth is infected. You could experience a significant amount of discomfort as well as:

• Inflamed gums
• Tooth soreness while chewing
• Tooth sensitivity to cold and hot
• Bad breath
• Pus coming from around the tooth
• Painful aching in your mouth or jaw
  
  

If you notice any of these signs, let the team at Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood know as soon as possible.

What's the process of a root canal?

A root canal is a relatively short procedure. The team at Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood can restore your tooth in just 1-2 office visits.

First, your dentist numbs the area with a local anesthetic to make the procedure comfortable for you. Next, they place a small layer of rubber — a dental dam — around the tooth to keep it dry during the procedure.

Once your tooth is prepared, your dentist makes a tiny hole to access the infected area inside the pulp. Then, they use special dental instruments to carefully remove the damaged and diseased pulp. After that, they clean the area thoroughly to wash away any debris. Finally, your dentist seals up your tooth. In most cases, you’ll return to have a dental crown placed.

If you think you’re experiencing signs of an infection inside your tooth, call the office or book an appointment at Advanced Dental Care of Ridgewood online today.