Root canal & endodontics in Moorestown

Why Would I Need a Root Canal?

Root canals are endodontic procedures that address infection in the roots of teeth or damage to nerve systems within the root canals. Some of the warning signs that you may have an infection or other issue that requires a root canal are listed here:

• Severe dental pain or pain in the jaw
• Darkening of the tooth enamel
• Swollen gums or jawline
• Increased pain when tooth is exposed to heat, cold, or pressure
• Sensitivity to heat or cold

Endodontists vs. Root Canal Dentists: Which Should I Choose?

Endodontists take advanced training in the structures of the interior of the tooth and can handle even the most advanced root canal procedures. A Moorestown root canal specialist will provide the same high level of care for your teeth. If your issue is complex or requires additional expertise, your dentist may recommend that you see an experienced endodontist to resolve your problems effectively.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

For most patients, the first step in a root canal is the evaluation of the tooth that is causing problems. Your dentist may recommend a course of antibiotics or other medications to relieve pain and reduce swelling in the jaw before your root canal. When these preparations are complete, your dentist will schedule your root canal appointment and will begin the procedure:

1. Numbing the area of the root canal is usually the first step. In most cases, local anesthesia is used to eliminate pain and to allow you to stay alert throughout the procedure. If needed, sedation or other anesthesia may be applied to help you stay as comfortable as possible during your root canal.
2. The tooth will be isolated using rubber sheets that ensure that no saliva or other debris can enter the area. Your dentist will take steps to eliminate bacteria from the tooth before isolating it for further treatment.
3. Your root canal dentist will drill a small hole into the tooth either at the back or on the chewing surface to allow access to the pulp of the tooth and to complete the root canal procedure.
4. Specialized tools will be used to shape the root canals of your tooth to smooth them out and to remove all bacterial infections and dental debris from this area. Your dentist will then use a specialized rinse to remove all traces of infection and other material from these canals before filling them with an inert dental substance. Gutta-percha is most often used for these procedures.
5. Your dentist will apply a temporary filling to the tooth to protect it while we fabricate a crown. Once the crown is ready, Moorestown Dental Professionals will schedule an appointment to apply your crown. This will allow you to bite, chew, and speak with greater confidence.

Until your crown is applied, your dentist will recommend chewing on the other side of your mouth. In some cases, a temporary crown may also be applied to provide added support for very fragile teeth.

Are Root Canals Painful?

While the procedure itself is not usually painful for most patients, you may need to 
use over-the-counter pain relievers for a few days after your root canal. Your dentist in Moorestown will provide you with instructions on how to care for your teeth after your root canal procedure.

What Kinds of Root Canals Are Available?

Along with standard root canal procedures, the dentists at Moorestown Dental Professionals can provide apicoectomy procedures to correct a previous failed root canal. We also perform root canal procedures on baby teeth that are known as pediatric pulpotomies. These procedures remove only the infected portion of the interior of a tooth to preserve the roots and to hold the space for permanent teeth later on in the child's life.

Where Can I Find the Right Dentist for Root Canal Near Me?

If you need immediate help to manage dental pain, the root canal specialists at Moorestown Dental Professionals are here to help you. Give our team a call today at (856) 212-0975 to schedule your root canal procedure in Moorestown. Our skilled and knowledgeable root canal dentists are here to help you show off the brightest smiles and the healthiest teeth now and in the future.