Root canal therapy is a solution for teeth with infected pulp. This allows Dr. Victor Gittleman to save your natural tooth. After carefully removing the infection, he uses a special biocompatible cement to strengthen the tooth from the inside. Keeping a natural tooth in place also preserves your bite structure. It also often avoids the more complex issues from an extracted tooth.
At our Morristown, NJ, office, we handle every step of your root canal treatment right here. From diagnosis to crown placement, you never need to travel to a specialist or coordinate care between multiple providers. We use advanced 3D imaging, high-quality bio-ceramic materials, and a gentle approach to make sure you leave our office comfortable and confident in your results.
Root canal therapy is a general dental treatment that removes infected or damaged tissue inside the tooth. This will alleviate pain, stop the spread of infection, and preserve the natural tooth structure.
The Root Canal Procedure at our Morristown Dentist Office
Dr. Gittleman typically performs the root canal treatment in a single visit. The first step is to check and diagnose the tooth using 3-D imagery in our office. These high-resolution images provide a clear map.
We can pinpoint the infection, check the tooth’s health, and see how it’s affecting the area around it. This is an important part of ensuring a safe and successful outcome.
To begin treatment, Dr. Gittleman first numbs your mouth with local anesthesia. Then, he creates a small hole in the tooth to carefully remove the infected portion of the tooth, the dental pulp. In many cases, we prescribe antibiotics to ensure we completely remove the infection.
Once your dentist removes the infected portion of the tooth, he will seal the space with bio-ceramic cement. Bio-ceramic cement is a revolutionary material that strengthens a tooth after a root canal. To ensure long-term stability for the tooth and your bite, we recommend placing a custom dental crown after the root canal. Our team custom designs crowns and fillings that blend naturally with your existing teeth.
Why do I need a root canal?
A root canal is for patients with infected tooth roots. A tooth infection can spread to the tooth’s center, or the dental pulp. Inside the pulp are a series of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Patients often report tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, or overall discomfort when the infection reaches the pulp.
Dental pain can appear suddenly, but there are often early warnings. These include new temperature sensitivity or a tooth turning gray. If you see any changes, don’t wait. Addressing it early often allows for a simpler, more conservative treatment.
Why choose Dr. Gittleman for my root canal?
A successful root canal requires advanced training, experience, and modern technology. Dr. Gittleman combines all three. Using in-office 3D scans and high-quality materials, he can save your natural tooth and relieve your pain.
He earned his dental degree with honors from Boston University School of Graduate Dentistry, one of the most respected dental programs in the country. Dr. Gittleman has treated patients in the Morristown area for over 30 years and has the experience to handle both routine and complex cases with confidence.
In our office, we use the Carestream CBCT scanner to take detailed 3D images of your tooth before treatment begins. This gives Dr. Gittleman a precise picture of the infection and the surrounding bone so he can plan your care with accuracy. We use bio-ceramic cement to seal and strengthen the tooth, and we place a custom ceramic or porcelain crown right here in our office so you never need a separate specialist visit. From start to finish, your care stays consistent, personal, and all in one place.
Patient Review
Root Canal FAQs
Many people fear root canals because they have a reputation for being painful. However, the procedure will help you find relief from your pain. To help you feel prepared, Dr. Gittleman has put together a list of frequently asked questions about what to expect. Contact us if you have more questions about root canals.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
A root canal procedure typically takes Dr. Gittleman about 90 minutes to complete. However, this can vary depending on the case’s complexity and which tooth requires treatment. For example, molars have more roots and will require more time to treat. Treating a molar with root canal therapy may take two or more appointments and last about 30 to 90 minutes.
What should I expect after a root canal treatment?
Most people feel some discomfort and mild pain for a few days after a root canal treatment. You can manage this pain with over-the-counter pain relievers. If an infection or inflammation is present, your tooth may feel sensitive. It’s important to avoid chewing on the tooth until your dentist fully restores it with a dental filling or crown.
Does dental insurance cover a root canal?
Your dental insurance will most likely cover root canal treatment. However, the extent of the coverage varies from plan to plan. Most dental plans cover part of the cost of a root canal. To understand your cost, check your policy for its coverage limits, deductible, and co-pay.
What are the alternatives to a root canal?
Alternatives to a root canal include tooth extraction, which we can follow with a replacement tooth. We offer several procedures to replace missing teeth, including dental implants, bridges, and partial dentures. These options can prevent the shifting of adjacent teeth and maintain jaw structure, but may involve more extensive procedures. A root canal is a good treatment option that will help preserve your natural tooth for as long as possible.
Do I have to get a dental crown after my root canal?
It’s common to protect a tooth with a crown after a root canal. This is crucial for back teeth like molars, as they absorb the most pressure from chewing. A crown provides protection, restores the tooth’s strength, and prevents it from breaking.
Teeth treated with root canals can become weak to make them more prone to fracture. A dental crown will give the tooth strength and preserve its functionality. Your dentist will assess if a crown is necessary based on the tooth’s condition and location.
What is the success rate of root canal treatments?
Root canal treatments are highly successful, with success rates ranging from 85% to 97%. Factors that affect the success include the extent of infection and the tooth’s root structure. Correctly performed root canals with good sealing and timely restoration with a crown or filling can last a lifetime. Some cases may eventually need retreatment or surgical intervention.
Is a root canal procedure painful?
Contrary to popular belief, a root canal procedure is relatively painless. The pain you are experiencing is from the infection. This treatment eliminates the infection in your tooth. You will feel relief from the pain almost right away.
How do you know if I need a root canal?
Dr. Gittleman is the only one who can tell if you need a root canal or just a filling. If you have extreme tooth pain in a localized area in your mouth, you should see our dentist near you as soon as possible. You don’t want to wait too long or overuse tooth pain relievers, which can cause more issues than help.
Is dental sedation necessary for a root canal?
You have the option to receive dental sedation during a root canal, but Dr. Gittleman will not “put you to sleep” during the procedure. The procedure is not as invasive and painful as you think. Most patients do not need dental sedation for this procedure and can be completely comfortable using a local anesthetic.
Schedule a Root Canal Therapy Procedure
At Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry, we work with you to restore health and beauty to your smile after a root canal. If you are experiencing dental pain or tooth sensitivity, visit our Morristown dental office for a consultation.
We proudly serve patients in Chatham, Madison, Mendham, and many surrounding communities. To schedule your appointment, call (973) 287-3337, or request an appointment online.