Endodontic

Root Canal Therapy

Save your natural tooth with gentle root canal treatment. We remove infection, relieve pain, and restore your tooth to full function—often in just one or two comfortable visits.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. To save the tooth, we remove the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay. The resulting space is then filled with special, medicated dental materials that restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that would otherwise die and need to be removed. Many patients believe that extracting a problem tooth is the solution, but removing a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime. On occasion, a tooth may need to be retreated due to new infections, but this is rare.

When Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?

Signs and symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal:

An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
Sensitivity to hot and cold
Severe toothache pain
Swelling and/or tenderness
Sometimes no symptoms are present

Common reasons for root canal therapy:

Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
Infection or abscess has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
Injury or trauma to the tooth

What Does Root Canal Therapy Involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed comfortably at our West New York office.

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth, and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling.

At the next appointment—usually a week later—the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth are filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling is placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This protects the tooth, prevents it from breaking, and restores it to full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth heals.

Caring for Your Tooth After Root Canal Treatment

You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will help your root canal treatment last a lifetime.

If you're experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, contact Hudson Dental Center today at (201) 662-1922 to schedule an appointment.

How it works

Diagnosis & Numbing

We numb the area completely and place a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it clean and dry during treatment.

Cleaning & Removing Infection

We create a small opening and carefully remove the infected pulp, nerve tissue, bacteria, and any decay using specialized instruments.

Filling & Sealing

The tooth is thoroughly cleaned, then filled and sealed with medicated dental materials. A temporary or permanent filling is placed.

Crown Placement

After healing, we place a crown (cap) to protect the tooth, prevent breakage, and restore it to full strength and function.

Common questions

Is root canal therapy painful?+

No. We numb the area completely before starting, so you shouldn't feel pain during the procedure. Most patients report that a root canal feels similar to getting a filling. After treatment, you may have some sensitivity as the tooth heals, but this subsides quickly.

Why can't I just have the tooth pulled instead?+

While extraction might seem simpler, removing a tooth leads to more problems and costs down the road. Adjacent teeth can shift, you may need a bridge or implant, and chewing function is compromised. Saving your natural tooth with a root canal is almost always the better long-term solution.

How long does root canal treatment last?+

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime. Occasionally a tooth may need retreatment due to new infection, but with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, your treated tooth should serve you well for many years.

Related services

Root Canal Retreatment

When a previously treated tooth becomes painful or infected again, root canal retreatment can save your natural tooth by reopening, cleaning, and resealing the canals.

Composite Fillings

Tooth-colored composite fillings repair cavities, chips, and cracks while blending naturally with your smile. Durable, comfortable, and completed in a single visit.

Dental Exams & X-Rays

Comprehensive dental exams and diagnostic x-rays help catch problems early, protecting your smile and preventing costly treatments down the line.

Get in touch — West New York, NJ

Ready when you are — let's get you smiling.

New patients are always welcome. Give us a call, and we'll find a time that fits — gentle care, honest answers, no pressure.

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