Questions, answered plainly.

An endodontist is a dentist who has completed additional years of specialty training in diagnosing tooth pain and treating the inside of the tooth. Root canal treatment is what we do every day, and our offices are equipped specifically for it.

Endodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases and conditions affecting the inside of the tooth — particularly the pulp. Our endodontists use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to help patients keep their natural teeth.

Our endodontists are skilled, experienced specialists who use the latest technology and techniques — together they have treated more than 40,000 endodontic cases. With two practices, Rockland Endodontics in Pearl River, NY and Northern Jersey Endodontics in Woodcliff Lake, NJ, care is close to home, with flexible scheduling. Our friendly team is committed to making every visit comfortable and relaxed, from the first consultation to follow-up.

Root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment, treatment of cracked teeth, apexification, care for dislodged and knocked-out teeth after an injury, and diagnosis of tooth pain. Our goal is always to help you keep your natural tooth. See all services.

A root canal removes inflamed or infected pulp from inside a tooth. The inside is cleaned, shaped and sealed, and the tooth can then be restored by your dentist so it keeps working like any other tooth.

Treatment is performed under local anesthesia, and many patients say it feels much like having a filling. The goal of treatment is to relieve the pain an infected or inflamed tooth causes. Some tenderness for a few days afterward is normal and usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Common signs include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, swelling or tenderness near the gums, or a tooth that has darkened after an injury. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. An endodontic evaluation determines the cause.

You'll leave with a temporary filling or a build-up. See your general dentist within about two weeks for the permanent restoration — usually a crown for back teeth. If the temporary comes out, contact your dentist right away.

It relieves pain and discomfort, stops the infection from spreading and lets you keep your natural tooth. With proper care — including a timely crown or filling from your dentist — a tooth treated with root canal therapy can last for many years. We also offer sedation options to help patients relax during treatment; just ask when you call.

We numb the area with local anesthesia so you're comfortable, then use specialized instruments to reach and clean the inside of the tooth, removing the inflamed or infected pulp. The canals are shaped, disinfected and sealed. Treatment typically takes about 30–60 minutes per tooth, depending on the complexity of the case.

Most patients feel back to normal within several days to a week. Some discomfort or sensitivity is normal and usually eases with over-the-counter pain relievers. Follow your post-treatment instructions carefully — and see your dentist for the permanent restoration — to help the tooth heal well.

Root canal therapy is generally very safe. As with any procedure there are some risks, such as infection, tooth fracture or lingering sensitivity. Our endodontists take every precaution to minimize them, and we offer follow-up visits to check your healing and answer any concerns.

Many treatments are completed in a single visit. Some take two, and occasionally three, depending on the degree of infection and the complexity of the tooth. We'll tell you what to expect at your consultation.

Please bring your insurance card, a list of the medications you take, and any referral form or X-rays from your dentist. We'll review your health history together before any treatment.

Call the office nearest you, send us a text, or use the online request form and we'll call you back. If you're in pain, please call.

Unless we tell you otherwise, avoid eating and drinking for at least 30 minutes before your appointment, and bring a list of the medications you take. Our team will walk you through anything else you need to do before your visit.

Yes. We're in network with many major dental plans and our team will contact your insurer to help you maximize your benefits. See the insurance page for the current list, or call either office.