Endodontics & Root Canal Therapy Little Falls, NJ
Endodontics, also known as a root canal (therapy), is a treatment of the tooth aimed at clearing infection, as well as protecting the tooth from subsequent infections. If root canal therapy is not performed, the infection will spread (causing more severe pain) and eventually compromise the overall health of the tooth. Once the tooth is compromised, extraction will be necessary.
So, it’s important if you’re experiencing any tooth pain, sensitivity, or other symptoms that you see your Little Falls, NJ dentist as soon as possible to determine the best course of treatment and if your situation requires root canal therapy. We use state-of-the-art technology such as digital imaging, ultrasonic instrumentation, fiber optics, rotary files, and magnification loupes to treat our patients quickly and comfortably.
Root Canal Procedure
The purpose of root canal therapy is to eradicate the infection inside your tooth and preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. The first step in the procedure is to make sure your tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic. This will provide you with immediate relief from your pain and ensure a more pleasant experience while we work on your tooth
Our dentist in Little Falls, NJ will start by drilling a small hole in your tooth to gain access to the interior chamber of the tooth where the infection is present. With special equipment and a gentle touch, Dr. Giordano will carefully remove all traces of infected material from inside the tooth. Once the tooth is free of infection, it will be thoroughly disinfected and filled with a substance called gutta-percha to fill the hollowed-out space inside your tooth and strengthen the structure of the tooth. After that is applied, the tooth will be sealed and a temporary filling placed until you can return to our office for a more permanent restoration.
Restoring the Tooth
After about two weeks of healing time, you’ll return to our Little Falls dental office for the final step in the process. While having a root canal can save the structure of your natural tooth, removing the infected material can weaken the integrity of the tooth so it’s important to protect it with a restoration such as a dental crown.
Dental crowns are made from hard, durable materials such as porcelain and completely cover the exterior of your tooth down to the gum line. Crowns are a great way to surround the existing tooth and strengthen it so you can enjoy normal oral function again for many years to come.
