If you are experiencing extreme sensitivity to hot and cold, and/or feel pain in one or more of your teeth, you may have an infection that needs immediate treatment. An infected tooth can also sometimes lead to a dental abscess forming in the area. If left untreated, an infected tooth or abscess can lead to tooth loss and can potentially cause more serious overall health issues – it can even be a life-threatening condition.
Root Canal Therapy, commonly referred to as a root canal, remains one of the most crucial procedures within endodontics, a specialized branch of dentistry focused on the study and treatment of the dental pulp. This procedure is not only pivotal in relieving dental pain but also plays a significant role in preventing the spread of infection within the tooth. The therapy involves the removal of inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it to prevent further infection.
The process of Root Canal Therapy is meticulous and demands high precision. Initially, the dentist or endodontist administers local anesthesia to numb the area. A small protective sheet called a "dental dam" is then placed over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure. Through a small opening in the crown of the tooth, the infected or inflamed pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped. Afterward, the interior of the tooth is disinfected, filled, and sealed with a biocompatible material. A temporary filling may be used to seal the opening, which will be removed before the tooth is restored.
After receiving a root canal, most patients experience immediate relief from pain. It is common to feel some sensitivity or discomfort in the days following the procedure, but this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. It's crucial for patients to follow their dental professional’s aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. This includes avoiding chewing on the treated tooth until it has been fully restored by a dentist, to prevent recontamination and to restore the tooth's full functionality.
Root Canal Therapy plays an essential role in saving teeth that would otherwise have to be removed. This procedure can effectively relieve pain caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth. By preserving the natural tooth, root canal therapy helps maintain the patient’s natural bite, prevents the shifting of surrounding teeth, and contributes to overall oral health.
At Dental Professionals of Fair Lawn, the commitment to patient comfort and use of cutting-edge technology stands at the forefront of our endodontic treatments. Our experienced dental professionals employ advanced techniques and materials to ensure the most effective and pain-free root canal treatments possible. We understand the importance of educating our patients about their procedures and are dedicated to providing comprehensive care that addresses not only the symptoms but the underlying causes of dental discomfort. Our goal is to restore health, function, and aesthetics to our patients' smiles with minimal discomfort and optimal results.
Dr. Mendia is a Dentist Anesthesiologist and the founder of the Advanced Dental Anesthesia Services Group. A New Jersey native, he attended Rutgers University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Nutrition. He then earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Directly following Dental School, Dr. Mendia completed a rigorous postdoctoral residency program in Dental Anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). Dr. Mendia’s anesthesia training involved hospital rotations through various specialties providing general anesthesia in the areas of dentistry, general surgery, otolaryngology (ENT), pediatrics and obstetrics. Lastly, he received specialized training for office-based anesthesia.
Today, Dr. Mendia has found his niche in ambulatory anesthesia with pediatric and special needs patients. He is also a local, national and international guest lecturer who provides continuing education courses on sedation and medical emergencies in the dental office.
Dr. Mendia is a Diplomate of the National Board of Dental Anesthesiology and a Fellow of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology. In addition, he is also a part of the following: American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists,
New Jersey Dental Association, and American Dental Association. He holds certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and is a Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider, training local dental offices for certification.
Get to Know Dr. Mendia:
Dr. Mendia resides in northern New Jersey with his wife and three children, all of which keep him very busy! A fun fact about Dr. Mendia, is that he loves following the weather and when he was younger, he wanted to be a meteorologist! His personal interests vary; he enjoys taking the kids to the zoo and Central Park; in the Fall you’ll find him at sporting events. He enjoys traveling to Long Beach Island and to warmer climates in the Winter.
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