Endodontics in Hackensack

Endodontics is an area of dentistry. The focus of this sub-specialty is the dental pulp - the living tissue found at the center of every tooth. An endodontist is a type of dentist specializing in saving teeth.

You would never take your car in for repairs without understanding the situation and what is needed to repair it. It is even more critical that you fully understand what is involved with dental procedures so that you can make informed decisions about your health. However, today's dental world provides a dizzying array of treatment options. So you will need some solid information to help guide your choice.

Root Canals

The root canal is an often misunderstood procedure involving the removal of infected dental pulp. Whenever your tooth is severely infected, we use a root canal procedure to take out the decay and fill it in using a special material. This protects it from further damage and saves the tooth. Normally, a dental crown is then placed over the tooth that received the root canal.

The root canal is not actually a treatment; it is an important part of a tooth. It is found in the center of the tooth containing nerve tissue and blood vessels, which is called the dental pulp.

A tooth consists of its crown and roots. The crown part of the tooth is found mainly over the gum line, and the roots are beneath. The roots are the part of the teeth attaching the tooth to the jawbone.

Within the tooth is found the dental pulp, which provides nourishment to the tooth, as well as moisture to surrounding tissues. Dental pulp nerves sense surrounding temperatures and pain.

The Root Canal Procedure

Here are all of the steps involved with the root canal procedure:

1. Root Canal Cleaning

After administering local anesthesia, we begin by removing everything found within the root canal. We will then make a hole in the outer part of your tooth to allow access for dental instruments. Next, we will carefully remove the infected pulp tissue using tiny files.

2. Root Canal Filling

Step Two is when we clean, shape and disinfect the inside of the tooth with the use of small files and medical solutions. We then fill the tooth with a rubbery material and seal the canals completely using an adhesive cement.

3. Addition of Crown or Filling

A tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure is weaker than it was before. Since it no longer contains a dental pulp, it's nourishment will come from the ligament attaching your tooth to the bone. Although this supply is adequate, it is still suboptimal. So eventually, the tooth can be expected to become somewhat brittle. The placement of a crown or filling provides protection.

Root Canal Aftercare

Once your procedure is complete, you will be sent home with detailed instructions for caring for your tooth and dealing with any pain while you are recovering. You may also have a follow-up visit scheduled so that we can check on your progress. It is extremely important that you carefully adhere to your instructions so that you heal completely and rapidly.

Contact Us

Would you like to receive more information about endodontics or schedule a consultation? Are you experiencing pain that you worry may result in endodontic treatment? We encourage you to contact Aesthetic Dental Center in Hackensack at your convenience.