Root Canal Treatment

Endodontic Treatment is often necessary to help save the life of a tooth. Infected or inflamed tissue can threaten the health and longevity of a tooth and can even lead to complete tooth loss. A root canal treatment involves the removal of the infected nerve and tissue. This helps to reduce localized swelling and stop internal tooth erosion and decay. A root canal also helps to prevent the spread of swelling and infection to other areas of your mouth, potentially prolonging the life of the surrounding teeth and gums.

An endodontic treatment is nothing to be feared. If you’re experiencing swelling and/or pain in your gums, jaw, neck or head, or have any visible abscesses in your mouth, you may be in need of a root canal treatment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Endodontist?

An endodontist is a dentist with two years of additional specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp (nerve) and surrounding structures as well as oral and facial pain.

General dentists often perform endodontic treatment in their offices and refer patients to a specialist only when the case is difficult or complex. We perform these procedures all day every day, so we’re usually able to do them faster and much more comfortably than a general dentist can.

How do you know that I need a root canal?

Indications for endodontic (root canal) treatment include:

prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
discoloration of the tooth
pain on biting
swelling or tenderness of the tooth or adjacent gums
the appearance of an abscess on an x-ray

Unfortunately, sometimes there are no signs and symptoms. We will discuss the necessity of a root canal with you at our office since these cases vary a great deal from person to person.

Do you need to take x-rays of my teeth for a root canal?

Yes. While x-rays will be necessary during your endodontics treatment, we use an advanced non-film computerized system, called digital radiography, that produces radiation levels up to 90 percent lower than those of already low-dose conventional dental x-ray machinery.

What happens during a root canal?

The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp (nerve) from the inside of the tooth, carefully cleans and shapes the root canal, and then seals the prepared space. Most procedures are now performed in a single appointment ranging from 60-90 minutes (depending on the complexity of the case). However, some teeth may require additional appointments, particularly if the tooth is found to be inflamed or infected.

Once treatment is completed, you will be instructed to return to your dentist for a permanent crown or filling. This permanent restoration of the tooth is an important part of treatment because it seals the cleaned canals from the rest of your mouth, protects the tooth, and restores it to function.

How will I feel after a root canal treatment?

Tooth pain is the main reason patients often seek treatment; therefore, many patients may experience discomfort prior to having endodontic treatment. Fortunately, modern anesthetics can make the procedure pain-free in most cases.

Seeking treatment early makes the procedure more comfortable so don't wait. When caught early, treatment should feel no different than having a regular filling. For the first few days after treatment, there may be some sensitivity to biting and tenderness in the gums and jaw, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. Our doctors will typically prescribe high-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, to minimize post-operative sensitivity. Occasionally, stronger pain medications and/or antibiotics are also prescribed as needed.

Meet Our Doctor:

A. Jayson Tengonciang DMD

Dr. A. Jayson Tengonciang received his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware. He then received his degree in General Dentistry at Temple University, where he graduated with honors.

After his tenure at Temple University, Dr. Tengonciang spent a year in a general practice residency program at the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He then returned to the university to complete his 2-year specialty training in Endodontics and has served on the faculty as an adjunct clinical assistant professor. Tengonciang is an active member of the American Association of Endodontists, California ...

Root Canal Treatment Before & After

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