Root Canal Therapy

When a tooth’s inner pulp becomes infected or inflamed, root canal therapy can save the tooth and eliminate pain. This endodontic treatment removes damaged tissue, cleans the root canal system, and seals the tooth to prevent future infection. While the procedure has an intimidating reputation, modern techniques and anesthesia make root canal therapy a comfortable solution for preserving your natural tooth.

At Rockland Dental Specialists, our team performs root canal therapy with precision and care. Dr. Lisa Nava Cohen brings endodontic training to every procedure, working alongside Dr. Shalom Mintz and periodontist Dr. David Peto to provide comprehensive dental care in Rockland County. With over 24 years of combined experience in periodontics, implants, and endodontics, our providers use advanced technology to deliver optimal results with minimal discomfort.

What Causes the Need for Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy becomes necessary when bacteria penetrate the tooth’s protective layers and reach the pulp. An abscessed tooth occurs when bacteria enters the pulp through decay, periodontal disease, or a cracked tooth, causing infection and pus buildup. Deep cavities create pathways for bacteria to travel into the pulp chamber. Chips, cracks, or fractures in the tooth enamel expose the inner tissue to harmful bacteria. Even repeated dental procedures on the same tooth can compromise its structure and increase infection risk.

Trauma to a tooth can damage the pulp without visible cracks or chips. An impact might sever the blood supply to the pulp, causing it to die over time. This internal damage may not produce immediate symptoms but will eventually require treatment. Early intervention saves the tooth before infection spreads to surrounding tissues or bone.

How Does the Root Canal Procedure Work?

Root canal therapy typically requires one or two appointments, depending on the complexity of your case. The procedure begins with local anesthesia to numb the affected area completely. You should feel no pain during treatment. Dr. Cohen places a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it dry and isolated from saliva.

Using specialized instruments, she creates a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. She carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp tissue and cleans the root canal system thoroughly. The canals are shaped and enlarged to accommodate filling material. A disinfecting solution flushes away debris and kills remaining bacteria.

After cleaning and shaping the canals, Dr. Cohen fills them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This rubber-like substance seals the canal system to prevent future bacterial invasion. She places a temporary filling to protect the tooth between appointments if additional treatment is needed. Most root canal cases require a permanent crown to restore the tooth’s structure and function. Your general dentist will typically place this crown after the endodontic treatment is complete.

What Symptoms Indicate You Need Root Canal Therapy?

Persistent tooth pain is the most common sign that you might need root canal therapy. The discomfort may be constant or may come and go, but it typically worsens when you bite down or apply pressure to the tooth. Pain that lingers after eating hot or cold foods signals potential pulp damage. Healthy teeth return to normal temperature quickly, but infected pulp remains sensitive long after the stimulus is removed.

Swelling in your gums near a painful tooth suggests infection spreading beyond the root. You might notice a small pimple-like bump on your gum that releases pus when pressed. Discoloration of a tooth, particularly darkening or a grayish tint, indicates dying pulp tissue. Even without pain, these visual changes warrant evaluation. Some infected teeth produce no symptoms at all. Regular dental checkups can catch these silent infections before they cause serious complications.

How Do You Care for Your Tooth After Root Canal Therapy?

Recovery from root canal therapy is typically straightforward with proper care. You may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain medication usually provides sufficient relief. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until Dr. Cohen places the permanent restoration. The temporary filling is not designed to withstand normal biting forces.

Continue brushing and flossing as usual, but be gentle around the treated area for the first few days. Good oral hygiene prevents new infections from developing. Attend all follow-up appointments so Dr. Cohen can monitor healing and complete your treatment. Most root canal patients return to normal activities immediately after their appointment.

Once your general dentist places the permanent crown, treat the restored tooth like any other tooth in your mouth. With proper care, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can last a lifetime. The procedure has a success rate above 95% when performed correctly and followed by appropriate restoration.

Why Choose Root Canal Therapy Over Extraction?

Saving your natural tooth through root canal therapy offers significant advantages over extraction. Natural teeth maintain the integrity of your jawbone through normal chewing forces. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate from lack of stimulation. This bone loss can change your facial structure over time and make future tooth replacement more complicated.

Your natural tooth root also helps maintain proper spacing in your mouth. Adjacent teeth tend to shift into gaps left by extractions, creating alignment problems that may require orthodontic treatment. Root canal therapy preserves your natural bite and prevents these cascade effects. While dental implants serve as excellent replacements for missing teeth, they require additional surgery and healing time. Saving your natural tooth through root canal therapy is typically faster, less invasive, and more cost-effective than extraction followed by implant placement.

What Should You Expect During Recovery?

Most patients return to work or school the day after root canal therapy. The local anesthesia wears off within a few hours of your appointment. You might feel numbness in your lip, tongue, or cheek during this time. Avoid eating or drinking hot beverages until sensation returns completely to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.

Some tenderness around the treated tooth is normal for several days. This discomfort comes from inflammation in the surrounding tissues as they heal. Apply ice packs to your cheek in 20-minute intervals during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. Contact our office if pain intensifies or persists beyond a few days, as this might indicate an issue requiring attention.

Stick to soft foods for the first day or two after treatment. Tips to prepare for a root canal include planning meals ahead of time so you have appropriate foods available during recovery. Gradually reintroduce harder foods as comfort allows. Maintain your regular oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing carefully around the treated tooth. Clean teeth heal faster and are less likely to develop new problems.

Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation at Rockland Dental Specialists

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t delay seeking treatment. Early intervention can save your tooth and prevent complications. Our high-end office in Rockland County features large dental chairs, complimentary coffee, and in-room entertainment to optimize your comfort. 

We offer complimentary insurance verifications and create custom payment plans that cater to each patient’s individual needs. Contact us online today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Cohen and learn more about root canal therapy.