Root Canal Treatment in Pennsauken, NJ
A root canal removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth so you keep your natural tooth instead of losing it. At AZ Dental Spa, that means real anesthesia, sedation if you want it, and the same spa-like comfort as every other visit.
It's there to end the pain, not cause it
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, then cleans, fills, and seals the space so the tooth can stay in your mouth instead of being pulled.
Every tooth has a soft inner layer called pulp: nerves and blood vessels packed into the center of the tooth. When that pulp gets infected, usually from deep decay, a crack, or one dental procedure too many, it hurts. Left alone, it can turn into an abscess or cost you the tooth.
Not the same as a filling. A filling patches a hole in the outer tooth. A root canal treats an infection deep inside it, which is why it's only needed once decay has reached the pulp.
How do you know if you need a root canal?
The clearest sign is pain that doesn't let up, especially with heat, cold, or pressure. A few other signs are worth watching for too. Any one of them on its own is worth a call, since an infection doesn't fix itself.
What happens if you don't treat it?
Nothing good. An infected tooth doesn't heal on its own. The infection can spread into the jawbone, form an abscess, or eventually cost you the tooth entirely. Waiting also tends to make treatment more involved, not less, since a bigger infection takes more work to clear. If you're in pain now, that's your body telling you not to wait.
Does it matter which tooth is affected?
A little. Molars usually have more canals to clean out than front teeth do, which changes how long treatment takes and what happens afterward.
Molars (back teeth)
- Usually 3–4 canals to clean and seal
- Takes a bit longer, occasionally two visits
- Almost always needs a crown afterward
Front Teeth
- Typically just 1 canal
- Usually quicker and more straightforward
- Sometimes skips the crown if enough tooth remains
What happens at your appointment
Here's what actually happens once you're in the chair.
Exam and digital X-ray — we confirm the diagnosis and see how far the infection has spread.
Numbing — local anesthesia numbs the tooth. If you're anxious, we also offer sedation dentistry.
Removing the infected pulp — the damaged tissue is removed from inside the tooth.
Cleaning and shaping — the canal is cleaned out and shaped so it's ready to be filled.
Filling and sealing — a biocompatible material seals the tooth so infection can't get back in.
Crown, if needed — many back teeth need a crown afterward for added strength.
Most root canals run 60 to 90 minutes and are finished in a single visit. Molars with several canals occasionally need a second appointment.
Will you need a crown afterward?
Probably, if it's a back tooth. Molars and premolars do most of the chewing work, and removing the pulp that once nourished the tooth from inside leaves it more brittle over time. A crown caps the tooth and protects it from cracking. Front teeth sometimes skip the crown if enough natural structure is left, but we'll only know for sure once we see the tooth. A properly treated and crowned root canal can last a lifetime.
Two options when a tooth is infected
Saving the tooth is usually the better call. Extraction still has its place, but it's rarely the first move if the tooth can be saved.
Root Canal
- Keeps your natural tooth in place
- Preserves your natural bite
- Keeps neighboring teeth from drifting
- Skips the cost and time of an implant later
Extraction
- Sometimes necessary if a tooth can't be saved
- Usually means replacing the tooth later
- Replacement options include implants or bridges
Are there alternatives? Sometimes. If decay is caught before it reaches the pulp, a filling or pulp capping can occasionally avoid a root canal altogether. Once the pulp is infected, though, a root canal is usually the most predictable way to save the tooth.
Does a root canal hurt?
No more than getting a filling. You're numb for the procedure, and sedation dentistry is there if you want it. What actually hurts is the infection you came in with — the treatment is what makes that stop.
During treatment
You're numb, so you shouldn't feel pain, just some pressure.
Right after
Mild soreness for a day or two is normal as the anesthesia wears off.
If pain gets worse
That's not typical — call us. It usually just needs a second look.
What to do (and skip) afterward
Most people are back to work, driving, and eating normally within a day. If you had sedation, you'll need someone to drive you home that day; otherwise, driving right after is fine.
Do
- Take pain relief as directed, even before soreness starts
- Stick to soft foods for the first day or two
- Rinse gently with warm salt water if it feels tender
- Keep brushing and flossing normally around the tooth
Don't
- Chew on that side until a crown or filling is in place
- Skip your crown appointment if one's scheduled
- Ignore pain that's getting worse instead of better
- Wait it out if throbbing pain sets in — call us
Can a root canal fail?
Rarely, but it happens. Root canals succeed in the large majority of cases. When one does fail, usually from a missed canal, a new crack, or a new infection, it doesn't mean starting over from scratch. Retreatment, or in some cases a minor surgical procedure, can often save the tooth a second time. If pain returns months or years after a root canal, that's worth getting checked, not ignored.
What a root canal costs
Cost depends on a few things: which tooth is involved (molars cost more than front teeth since they have more canals), how advanced the infection is, and whether you need a crown afterward. We accept most major dental insurance and offer payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club. Ask us for a real number before you commit to anything.
Payment plans also available through CareCredit & Lending Club.
Dr. Aurangzaib Khan, DMD
Founder & Lead Dentist, AZ Dental SpaDr. Khan has been treating patients in Pennsauken Township since 2005. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University and completed his General Practice Residency at Kings County Hospital, one of the region's busiest trauma centers. Root canals are routine work for him at this point, not a rare procedure.
Root canal care in Pennsauken Township
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What our patients say
“Dr. Khan takes away any anxiety of a dental visit and takes the time to explain everything. His dedication and knowledge are exceptional and his friendly personality puts you at ease. I would highly recommend him.”
“Dr. Khan and his staff went out of their way taking care of my emergency root canal! His caring way of including me in every aspect of my care goes a long way, and one of the best parts, NO pain.”
“I recently had a root canal done there. They are all so kind and professional. Dr. K is a real guy, a person who has nothing to hide.”
“I've always had a strong fear of the dentist, but Dr. AZ Khan completely changed that for me. His gentle approach and genuine care have transformed my entire perception of dental visits. Truly a 5-star experience!”
“I recently cracked a tooth and Dr. AZ took care of me right away! The procedure was pain-free and I felt like I was priority #1. Never felt as comfortable in any other dentist office.”
“I've been going to AZ Dental since 2011. Dr. Khan meticulously explains the treatment options and every staff member is courteous, knowledgeable and attentive. I wholeheartedly recommend AZ Dental Spa.”
Questions about root canal treatment
How much does a root canal cost?
It depends on which tooth is involved, how advanced the infection is, and whether you need a crown afterward. We accept most major insurance and offer payment plans — ask us for a specific estimate.
Does a root canal hurt?
Not during the procedure. You're numbed with local anesthesia, and sedation dentistry is available if you want it. Mild soreness for a day or two afterward is normal.
How long does a root canal take?
Usually 60 to 90 minutes, often finished in a single visit. Molars with several canals occasionally need a second appointment.
Root canal or extraction — which is better?
In most cases, saving the natural tooth with a root canal is the better long-term option. Extraction is sometimes necessary, but it's rarely the first choice when the tooth can be saved.
Will I need a crown afterward?
Probably, if it's a back tooth — molars do heavy chewing work and are more brittle after a root canal. Front teeth sometimes skip the crown. We'll know for sure during your exam.
Do you accept insurance for root canals?
Yes, we accept most major dental insurance plans and offer payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club.
What's the difference between a root canal on a molar and a front tooth?
Molars usually have three or four canals and take a bit longer to treat. Front teeth typically have one canal, so treatment is often quicker and more straightforward.
Can you eat after a root canal?
Yes, once the numbness wears off. Stick to soft foods for the first day or two and avoid chewing on that side until any temporary filling or crown is in place.
Can you drive after a root canal?
Yes, if you only had local anesthesia. If you had sedation, you'll need someone to drive you home that day.
Can a root canal fail?
Rarely, but it can happen, usually from a missed canal or a new infection. Retreatment can often save the tooth a second time. If pain returns months or years later, get it checked.
Are there alternatives to a root canal?
Sometimes. If decay is caught before it reaches the pulp, a filling or pulp capping can occasionally avoid the need for a root canal. Once the pulp is infected, a root canal is usually the most predictable way to save the tooth.
How long does a root canal last?
A properly treated and restored root canal can last a lifetime. Getting a crown when one's recommended goes a long way toward that.
In Pain? Let's Fix That.
Root canal treatment shouldn't wait. Book your visit and we'll take it from there.