Do I Need a Root Canal Linden, NJ
Root canals can save or repair teeth that have been damaged by infection or decay. When a tooth does not get needed root canal treatment, the surrounding tissue may become infected and surrounded by abscesses. Root canals consist of removing the inflamed and infected nerve and pulp of the tooth.
Root canals are available at Unique Family Dentistry in Linden and the surrounding area. Do not put off saving your tooth. Call us today at (908) 772-8640 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
Resolving Pain With Root Canals
The dental issues that cause the need for root canals often make patients uncomfortable. At the bare minimum, patients will experience an excruciating toothache. These toothaches may be spontaneous, occurring even when the patient is not using the tooth. Eventually, this may evolve into a severe headache. Many patients often do not make the connection between the toothache and the headache.
A tooth that is still alive will also be sensitive to heat and cold, even after the patient has removed the stimulus. The tooth may be particularly susceptible to heat sensitivity. Patients with teeth that are already dead and have become abscessed will cause pain when the patient chews or otherwise puts pressure on the tooth. Any abscesses may produce swelling or bleeding, even to the point of requiring emergency care.
“The underlying causes of root canals can often make patients uncomfortable.”
When to See a Dentist About Root Canals
Many different factors may contribute to a patient needing a root canal. These conditions can manifest themselves as various symptoms. These include chips or cracks in teeth, pain while eating or touching the tooth, persistent pain, sensitivity to heat and cold, and swollen gums.
Chips or cracks in the tooth allow empty spaces for bacteria to settle in and cause infection and inflammation, while tooth sensitivity may be a sign of severe decay or nerve damage. In general, toothaches are a sign a patient should see a dentist.
Tooth sensitivity may linger longer when the blood vessels and nerves in the tooth have become infected or damaged. Swelling may also come and go. It is frequently associated with abscesses, which may be accompanied by unpleasant taste and odor.
Infected teeth may also feel looser than healthy teeth, due to nerve death softening the bone. Furthermore, teeth may turn grayish-black when the roots have been damaged and the internal tissue has been broken down.
“These conditions can manifest themselves as various symptoms.”
When a Root Canal is Necessary
Other signs that root canals are necessary include when a patient has a chipped or cracked tooth, a deep cavity goes to the root, or the patient is experiencing issues from a previous filling. In many cases, a patient may not know themselves that they need a root canal. That is why it is crucial that patients visit their dentist biannually for routine check-ups and any time they are experiencing moderate to severe pain.
Root canals become necessary when a patient experiences or notices persistent pain, swollen gums, sensitivity to hot and cold stimuli, tooth discoloration, a chip or crack, and tooth mobility. These symptoms occur as a result of an ungrounded tooth with little to no healthy foundation. A root canal treatment may not reverse these conditions, but it will stop them from progressing and save the tooth in question.
“Root canals become necessary when a patient experiences or notices persistent pain, swollen gums, sensitivity to hot and cold stimuli, tooth discoloration, a chip or crack, and tooth mobility.”
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Alternative Treatments
A root canal is the only treatment that can help save a tooth that requires a patient has enough natural tooth structure to work with. For cases in which the patient does not, the only alternative treatment is an extraction with tooth replacement options that include a crown, bridge, or implant.
Extractions are necessary when a patient has a root fracture, an insufficient amount of remaining tooth structure, a significant amount of tooth resorption, or multiple past root canals. An extraction can preserve surrounding teeth, gums, and bone by preventing the infection from spreading. Without root canal treatment or extraction, the entire area becomes at risk.
“Root canals become necessary when a patient experiences or notices persistent pain, swollen gums, sensitivity to hot and cold stimuli, tooth discoloration, a chip or crack, and tooth mobility.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What kind of pain can be addressed by a root canal treatment?
Q. Do I need a root canal procedure?
Q. Do I need an emergency root canal?
Q. When is a root canal necessary?
Q. Are there any alternatives to root canals?
People Also Ask
Q. How common are root canals?
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Q. How can I cope with dental anxiety or phobia?
Q. How can you save a tooth with a root canal?
Q. Are pain and tenderness when touching the teeth or chewing a sign of a problem?
Q. What are the services offered endodontists vs. general dentist?
Emergency Root Canals
Since every tooth that requires a root canal is in the process of dying, patients should consider every root canal an emergency procedure. Delaying treatment will only increase the chances of pulp necrosis, or having the pulp of the tooth die off entirely. Only a root canal procedure or tooth extraction can reverse the symptoms of pulp necrosis. When left untreated, pulp necrosis may put patients at risk for infection, fever, jaw swelling, cellulitis, abscesses (including those in the brain), sinusitis, periodontitis, and bone loss. Contact our office immediately if you are experiencing severe toothaches when biting down or chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures (especially hot), darkening or discoloration of the teeth, swelling or tender gums, and pimples on the gums.
“Since every tooth that requires a root canal is in the process of dying, patients should consider every root canal an emergency procedure.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do root canals hurt?
A. Root canals today are similar to a deep filling treatment and should not hurt. With local anesthesia, we keep patients comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure and a few hours after. We will also prescribe pain-relievers and antibiotics to help the site heal quickly.
Q. How often will I need a root canal?
A. Once a root has been removed and replaced, it will no longer need retreatment. However, if decay lingers in the site, an extraction may be necessary later down the line. Tooth replacements may need replacement every 5-10 years, depending on its type and maintenance by the patient.
Q. How long does it take to get a root canal?
A. This varies on a case-by-case basis. However, most patients can expect one or two 90-minute appointments.
Q. How much do root canals cost?
A. Root canal treatment differs for everyone depending on the location of the tooth, severity of the condition, and amount of work needed to be done. On average, a root canal treatment can cost anywhere from $750 to $1,500. We recommend communicating with your insurance provider to understand your plan and coverage.
Q. How does a root canal treatment work?
A. Using X-rays from the initial consultation, we can see how the roots are shaped and where exactly the infection lies to ensure we only remove what is necessary. During the treatment, we will remove the entire pulp chamber and any infected roots. Then, we will replace them with artificial roots, clean the inside, place back the pulp chamber (if unaffected), and seal the tooth.
Q. How can I prevent root canal treatment?
A. As root canals are a result of severely decayed or damaged teeth, it is important to exercise basic oral hygiene habits to prevent even a small cavity. Cavities are the earliest sign of decay and going without treatment allows this decay to develop and reach the tooth's roots. It is important to practice good oral hygiene, visit the dentist regularly, and avoid foods and beverages that cause cavities.
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Dental Terminology
Learn More Today
For many patients, a root canal procedure is just what they need to save their tooth. We at Unique Family Dentistry may be able to help. Call us today at (908) 772-8640 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
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