Root Canal Therapy
in Ocean Township

Treating tooth decay and infection

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure used to treat tooth decay and infection of the nerve of the tooth. If the infection is not treated it can not only destroy your tooth, but can also cause pain and swelling. Also, the bacteria which cause these infections can spread to the rest of your body.

There are many reasons why root canal treatment is necessary. In some cases a small fracture in one of the teeth may occur, which leads to an infection inside the tooth structure. Other times, bacteria can penetrate through a cavity and remain inside the dentin layer which underlies enamel in your teeth. Bacteria can also be picked up from microleakage under crowns, bridges, or even fillings.

Root canal treatment involves removing the nerve from the affected tooth and disinfecting the roots. The roots are then filled with a biocompatible material, maintaining the health of the tooth.

Many times your dentist may advise you to also have a crown placed over the tooth once the root canal treatment has been completed. This will help to strengthen your tooth and protect it from further damage or decay.

The overwhelming majority of root canal treatments are painless and are very much like sitting for a long dental procedure.