Root Canal Therapy
Root canals have long been one of the most feared procedures in dentistry.
Today, dentistry has evolved to the point where root canal therapy is no longer the painful procedure it once was. It’s time to look past the bad reputation of the root canal and see it for the valuable, pain-relieving procedure it actually is.
Root Canal Therapy
The root canal is the area of the tooth that houses the pulp and the nerve. Sometimes this part of the tooth can become infected.
When this happens, not only is the tooth extremely painful and sensitive, the infection can also spread to other areas of the mouth and to other teeth. The most effective way to treat this infection is root canal therapy.
Once the anesthetic takes hold and you are completely numb, your dentist will create a small hole in your tooth. Working through the hole, the infected material will be drained out along with the pulp and any other debris. The interior of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned out to make sure that no infection is left. An antibiotic medication may be placed inside the tooth to prevent further infection.
Your tooth will then be filled and a cap or crown will be placed. This is necessary because the structure of the tooth will be weakened, and a restoration will protect the tooth from breakage and also allow you to chew comfortably.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
If you have been experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, call our office immediately. You may have an infection and could require treatment.
- Severe pain in one or more teeth
- Pain that is aggravated by chewing or other pressure
- Pain and sensitivity aggravated by hot or cold temperatures
- Darkening of one or more teeth
- A raised bump on the gums
- Swelling and tenderness in the gums that may radiate to the cheek
Call our office to make an appointment. Root canal therapy may be necessary to get rid of your pain and reduce your stress.
Highly Recommended
Today was my first visit at Southampton Dental. I'm 57 and I have not been to the dentist in a while and I knew I had some major issues to take care of. I was hesitant to go to the dentist because I was actually embarrassed that it had been so long since I had been to a dentist. Dr. Rochvarg and Southampton Dental was highly recommended by another dental professional I know. I couldn't be happier with the care and education I received today from Dr. Rochvarg and Alison, the dental hygienist. They made me feel at ease right away and made me very comfortable about my decision to get in to see a dentist. If you are hesitant to see a dentist because it's been a while and want to try someone who will totally make you feel at ease regardless of how long it may have been since your last dental visit, I highly recommend Southampton Dental. They gave me a prioritized treatment plan that was fully explained and simplified. Also, the receptionist and the scheduler, Lauren, is extremely competent, personable and pleasant, like everyone I met at Southampton Dental.
-Kevin M.
Frequently Asked Questions
When the interior of your tooth is infected, it can cause a lot of pain and is likely to damage the nerve. If left untreated, the infection could spread to other teeth. Root canal therapy removes the infection and relieves the pain, restoring the tooth and allowing us to save it.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Rahool Patel
Dr. Rahool Patel holds a DDS degree with Honors from the New York University, New York. He completed a one-year residency program at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, NJ, where his research project on TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) was awarded first place. He has been practicing general dentistry for over a decade.
He stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in dental technology, and his emphasis on patient comfort enables him to provide you with the best quality of dental care in the field. Dr. Patel has a wide range of experience in different areas of dentistry, ...