Root Canals

A very painful or sensitive tooth is something that’s hard to ignore and will probably get worse if you don’t address it. Dentist Charanjit Sandhu, DDS, performs root canals to remove a painful nerve and tissue from an injured tooth at All Smiles Dental Care in Hazlet, New Jersey. Call All Smiles Dental Care for more information, or schedule a treatment consultation online today.

What is a root canal?

A root canal, also called root canal therapy, is a treatment that alleviates tooth pain and sensitivity. These symptoms often come from an inflamed or infected pulp, which is the soft tissue inside your tooth (including blood vessels and nerves) that support its growth. 

Once an adult tooth has fully erupted, it no longer needs the pulp for support. If the pulp becomes inflamed and causes pain, a root canal can remove the pulp to relieve your symptoms. 

During a root canal at All Smiles Dental Care, your dentist creates a small hole in the tooth through which they remove the soft tissue. They then clean and sanitize the empty insides of the tooth before filling and sealing it. You may need a crown after getting a root canal to give the tooth additional support. 

How will I know if I need a root canal?

There are many possible mouth symptoms that could indicate your need for root canal therapy at All Smiles Dental Care. You should book an appointment immediately if you experience severe tooth pain either constantly or when biting down. Other possible symptoms include:

• Sensitivity to extreme temperatures
• Pimple-like bumps on your gums
• Visible chips or cracks on a tooth
• Darkening gums
• Swollen gums

Some of these symptoms can come from other dental complications too, so it’s important to get an examination and possible X-rays to find out what exactly is wrong with your tooth. 

What should I expect after my root canal?

All Smiles Dental Care makes sure you understand the treatment process, including what to expect when you leave your root canal appointment. The recovery time is usually less than a week, but during that time, you’ll have to make some adjustments to your typical routine. You can expect to:

• Eat soft foods only for the first couple days
• Introduce more solid foods gradually
• Avoid smoking for some time after your root canal
• Return to work or school the next day

Before a root canal or any other invasive dental treatment, you need to discuss sedation options with your dentist. If you opt for oral sedation, you must arrange for someone to pick you up from your appointment since you won’t be able to drive. 

Call All Smiles Dental Care or book an appointment online to find out if you need a root canal today.