Root Canal

Root canal (endodontics) is the process of removing the nerves from the roots of an infected tooth — often, it’s the only way to save the tooth. It used to be that a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had to be removed. In 95 percent of the cases today, however, this is no longer true. At Tavormina Dentistry we believe in saving teeth instead of removing them. We make every effort to help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

Infections of the tooth nerve can be due to a very deep cavity that extends into the nerve, a trauma to the tooth that exposes the nerve, or a crack in the tooth that extends into the nerve of the tooth. If an infected tooth remains untreated for some time, a painful abscess can form. This shows up on x-rays as a dark spot at the tip of the root. It is actually bone loss in the jaw, so it’s extremely important to correct this problem quickly.

Signs You Need a Root Canal

  • Moderate to severe lingering toothache when consuming hot or cold liquids or foods
  • Moderate to severe pain when biting
  • Sensitivity to tapping or pressure on the tooth
  • Toothache that wakes you from a sound sleep
  • A pimple on your gum that may release pus or blood
  • Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another

    • Procedure

    First, we’ll anesthetize the affected area, then make a small hole through the top of the tooth into the inner chamber. The canal enclosing the decayed nerve is then cleaned and shaped in preparation for the filling material. Once done, the canal is filled with an inert material called gutta percha, then sealed shut. The tooth is then ready for a restoration, which is usually a crown. A root canal stops the infection process and repairs the damage it caused. While the procedure may take two or more visits to complete, in many cases, we can finish root canal therapy in just one visit.

    Tavormina Dentistry has extensive experience with root canal treatment and has provided this service to many patients from Millburn, Short Hills, Springfield, West Orange and throughout northern New Jersey. We pride ourselves in providing root canal to our patients at our Millburn office without the need to refer this service to an endodontist, as is quite common in most offices offering general dentistry.

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