Root Canal Treatment, Ho-Ho-Kus NJ

When tooth pulp becomes infected or dies, root canal therapy is necessary. It is a generally comfortable treatment that can save your tooth and keep your mouth healthy.

Symptoms of Infection

Signs of an infected tooth include: sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting or applying pressure, throbbing or severe tooth pain, swollen gum tissue, and/or a bad taste in your mouth.

Cause of Infection

Tooth pulp is a soft tissue made up of nerves and blood vessels. The pulp chamber extends from the middle of the tooth down through the tooth roots.

A cracked tooth, decay or trauma may cause bacteria to invade the tooth’s inner layers, causing an infection or abscess. Infection occurs most commonly through a deep cavity that allows bacteria to enter through the enamel and dentin layers and into the pulp. Sometimes pulp dies due to a fracture or a blow to the tooth.

Left untreated, you may experience:

• Cheek swelling
• A pimple-like area in the gum tissue
• And/or severe pain in the tooth

Diagnosis and treatment

Infected pulp is diagnosed through a thorough examination. This exam often includes radiographs. It may also include checking the pulp’s health with a pulp tester, applying heat or cold, tapping lightly on the tooth to test sensitivity, looking for changes in tooth color, or pressing gently on the gums near the tooth to check for pain.

If you have an infected tooth, we will talk with you about root canal therapy to remove the infection and save the tooth. This may be done in our office or we may refer you to an endodontist, who specializes in root canal therapy.

At Ho-Ho-Kus Dental Associates, our highly trained professionals use the most advanced techniques and technology to safely and effectively treat deep decay and prevent further damage through root canal therapy. Your root canal with us will be:

• Safe and long-lasting
• Done using the most advanced techniques and innovative equipment
• Done with your comfort and health as our top priorities

When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, root canal therapy is necessary to restore health and function to the affected area. Without a root canal, this inflammation or infection can lead to deep decay and further oral complications. A root canal is completed by making a small opening in the pulp chamber of the tooth before cleaning that area and filling it with a biocompatible material and specialized cement to ensure the sealing of the chamber. Once completed, the treated tooth will function normally and healthily for years.

Frequently Asked Questions