Root Canal Treatment – Jersey City, NJ

Stopping Your Toothache and Saving Your Tooth

Group of smiling endodontic experts at root canal treatment in Jersey City

Despite what many people think, root canal treatment is nothing to fear. Not only does the treatment have very little discomfort associated with it, but it is often the key to putting a stop to serious toothaches and saving your teeth from extraction. If you have been suffering from tooth pain that will not go away, you may benefit from having root canal treatment performed in the near future; contact Endodontic Group of Jersey City today in order to set up a visit.

Why Choose Endodontic Group of Jersey City for Root Canal Treatment?

  • Endodontic Treatments with Virtually No Discomfort
  • Able to Schedule Same-Day Visits in Urgent Situations
  • Trustworthy, Experienced Endodontic Experts

Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?

Woman in dental chair grinning at her dentist

The purpose of root canal treatment is to address a problem with dental pulp, which is a collection of connective tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. Dental pulp can potentially become infected, which can result in a lot of pain and put the tooth at risk of needing to be extracted.

How will you know if you need root canal treatment? Some possible warning signs include:

  • Significant, persistent tooth pain.
  • A bump resembling a pimple near the tooth in question.
  • Increased sensitivity to temperature (meaning the tooth hurts if it touches something hot or cold).
  • Swollen or darkened gum tissue.
  • A tooth that is visibly damaged.

The Root Canal Process

Model of tooth showing the layers inside of it

A local anesthetic will be administered to keep the treatment area numb. To ensure that the tooth stays dry while we’re working on it, we will place a small rubber dam. Next, we will create a hole in the tooth so that we can access the pulp, which will be carefully taken out. A cleaning will be performed to get rid of any remaining bacteria that may still be in the tooth. A biocompatible substance will be used to refill the tooth once the cleaning is complete. After your root canal treatment, you will most likely need to get a dental crown; this is typically necessary to strengthen and protect the tooth in question.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

Dental patient listening to her dentist

Infected dental pulp won’t heal by itself, so removing it is often the best option for protecting your smile. Getting rid of the source of the infection will allow you to save the affected tooth, and it will help keep your other teeth safe as well. Our team will take advantage of the latest advancements in the field of endodontics to make sure that you stay comfortable. Finally, you will once again be able to use the tooth in question to chew all kinds of foods after it has been treated and restored with a dental crown.

Understanding the Cost of Root Canals

Male endodontic patient sitting in chair

Not all root canal treatments are exactly the same, so the cost of the procedure tends to vary. We’ll take the time to explain the factors that influence the final price and give you an estimate. Keep in mind that the benefits of a root canal treatment – namely, stopping your pain and saving your tooth – make it well worth the cost in the long run, especially if you’re taking advantage of your dental insurance.

Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost 

Holding plastic see-through model of tooth

We can’t give you a reliable estimate of the cost of root canal treatment over the phone; we need to examine your mouth first and gather more information about your situation. Here are a couple of the questions we’ll need to answer in order to figure out what you can expect to pay for the procedure:

  • Where is the tooth located? The teeth near the back of your mouth have more roots, which can make the root canal treatment more complex (and thus costlier).
  • Are additional services needed? Once your root canal treatment is complete, it may be necessary to get a dental crown to protect the tooth. It goes without saying that dental crowns (and any other treatments you might need) have their own price tag to think about.

Is it Cheaper to Pull My Tooth?

Illustration of a tooth being extracted

Upon being told that they need a root canal treatment, some patients question whether it would be better to just have the tooth removed instead. On paper, a tooth extraction is the cheaper option. However, this does not account for the effect a removed tooth can have on your overall oral health. When your smile is incomplete, your remaining teeth will start to drift out of alignment; you may also find it more difficult to chew properly and speak clearly.

You can have an extracted tooth replaced, but this means paying for a separate procedure. As such, root canal treatment is generally the better option. Not only will it allow you to avoid the downsides of a tooth extraction, but it will also mean you don’t have to fit a bridge, partial denture, or dental implant into your budget.

Remember, time is of the essence when your tooth is infected. If you put off a root canal treatment for too long, the tooth may end up passing the point of no return, meaning you’ll ultimately have no choice but to have it removed.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?

Dental benefits claim form with glasses and a pen

You should always double-check your dental insurance benefits to confirm that the treatment you need is covered. A root canal treatment is typically classified as a major procedure, and many insurance plans will pay around 50% of the cost. (This is, of course, assuming you have met your deductible for the year.) We can review your dental insurance plan with you if there’s anything you don’t understand; after all, we want you to be able to get the absolute most out of your benefits.

Root Canal FAQs

Can I Eat Before a Root Canal?

Yes, you can eat before a root canal, and in fact, we recommend having a light meal beforehand, especially if the procedure will be done under local anesthesia. Eating before the appointment can help ensure you’re comfortable, as your mouth may be numb for several hours after the procedure, making it difficult to eat immediately afterward.

However, avoid heavy or large meals right before your visit. Stick to something light and nutritious. Also, avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can affect your body’s response to anesthesia. It might also be smart to fast if you’re unusually prone to nausea from sedation. After the procedure, we’ll provide instructions on what and when you can eat based on how your mouth feels.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

A typical root canal procedure usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete, depending on the complexity of the case. For a single-rooted tooth, like a front tooth, the process may be quicker and closer to the 60-minute mark. Molars, which have more roots and canals, may take longer.

During the procedure, we’ll first numb the area, clean out the infected or damaged pulp, disinfect the canals, and then fill and seal them. In some cases, we may place a temporary filling or crown and have you return for a permanent restoration.

If multiple teeth require treatment, or if there are complications like a severe infection, additional appointments may be necessary. However, most root canals are completed in just one visit.

What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?

If you wait too long to get a root canal, the infection or decay in the tooth can worsen, potentially leading to more severe problems. The infection could spread to the surrounding tissues, including the gums, jawbone, and even other parts of the body in rare cases. This can cause increased pain, swelling, and abscess formation, which may require more extensive treatment, like oral surgery.

Delaying a root canal also increases the risk of tooth loss. If the tooth becomes too damaged, we may not be able to save it, and extraction could be necessary. In some cases, untreated infections can lead to systemic health issues, so it’s best to address the problem early to avoid complications and preserve your tooth.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal if My Tooth Doesn’t Hurt?

Even if your tooth no longer hurts, you may still need a root canal because the underlying infection or damage could persist. When a tooth's nerve dies due to infection or trauma, pain may temporarily subside, but the problem doesn’t go away. The infection can still spread to the surrounding tissues, leading to more severe complications like an abscess, bone loss, or even tooth loss.

In these cases, we recommend a root canal to remove the infected tissue, clean the canals, and save the tooth before more damage occurs. Ignoring the issue could lead to more extensive treatment later on, so it’s important to address the problem even if the pain has diminished.