Root Canal in Matawan, NJ
A root canal may sound intimidating, but it’s often the best way to relieve pain and preserve your natural tooth. We’ll walk you through each step so you know what to expect and feel comfortable throughout the process. If you come to us in pain, our priority is to get you relief as quickly as possible—even if that means beginning treatment that day to remove the inflamed or infected nerve tissue and help you feel more comfortable.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Vin Rajan, DDS, MS and Dr. Veronica Rajan, DDS|Updated October 2026
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Do You Need a Root Canal?
Call us if you notice:
- Tooth pain that keeps coming back or wakes you up.
- Sensitivity that lingers after something hot or cold.
- A swollen bump or drainage near a tooth.
- A tooth that becomes darker, especially after an injury.
- Pain or tenderness when you bite or chew.
These signs don’t always mean you need a root canal. We’ll examine the tooth and find the cause. Some teeth that need treatment show no obvious symptoms.
FROM OUR DOCTORS
What is a root canal?
A root canal removes infected or irreversibly inflamed pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth, then cleans, disinfects, and seals the canals so you can keep your natural tooth. At Matawan Dental Galleria in Matawan, NJ, we do root canals in our office and then restore the tooth with a filling or crown as needed to protect it. If you’re in pain, we offer same-day emergency appointments.
Tooth and Gum Abscesses
An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by infection. There are two common types:
- Periapical abscess: Infection inside the tooth spreads to the area around its root tip.
- Periodontal abscess: Infection starts in a gum pocket and the tissues that support the tooth.
Where the infection starts matters, because each type needs different treatment.
If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling in your face or neck that’s spreading quickly, get emergency medical care right away.
Treatment Options for an Infected Tooth
Saving a Tooth With Root Canal Treatment
If enough healthy tooth remains to support a restoration, a root canal may let you keep the tooth for biting and chewing.
A gum-pocket infection needs gum infection treatment, not necessarily a root canal.
Retreatment for a Previously Treated Tooth
A tooth can have problems months or years after a root canal. Untreated canal anatomy, new decay, or a leaking filling or crown can let infection linger or come back.
Retreatment means removing the old filling material from the canals, cleaning them again, and resealing them. We offer retreatment and will tell you whether it’s a reasonable option for your tooth.
When Extraction May Be Needed
If the tooth is damaged beyond repair or can’t be reliably restored, tooth extraction may be the better choice. Then we’ll talk about replacement options, including dental implants, based on your health and the condition of the area.
What Can I Expect?
Examining the tooth.
We review your symptoms and health history, test the tooth, and take imaging as needed.
Numbing and isolating the area.
Local anesthesia numbs the tooth, and a dental dam keeps it isolated during treatment.
Treating the canals.
We remove the affected pulp, clean and shape the canals, then fill and seal them.
Restoring the tooth.
A permanent restoration closes the opening. A dental crown may follow, if needed, to protect what’s left of the tooth.
Caring for Your Tooth Afterward
The tooth may feel tender, or your jaw may be sore, for a few days. Mild discomfort usually fades in two to three days, and most patients feel back to normal within a week. Follow our instructions, including any guidance on medication.
- Wait until the numbness wears off before chewing.
- Avoid hard foods and heavy biting on the tooth until it’s fully restored.
- Brush and floss gently around the area.
- Keep your follow-up visits so we can finish treatment and restore the tooth.
Call us if you have any questions about your recovery.
Why Matawan Dental Galleria for Root Canal Care?
Root canals are one of both Dr. Vin and Dr. Veronica’s areas of focus.
Whether you're experiencing tooth pain or need treatment to save a damaged tooth, you can feel confident knowing that both doctors can help restore your comfort while preserving your natural smile.
Your care stays in one office.
If the tooth needs a crown afterward, or can’t be saved and needs an extraction or implant, we do that here too, so you won’t have to start over somewhere else.
We explain before we treat.
We’ll show you what the X-rays show, tell you whether we can save the tooth, and review your options.
We are with you every step of the way.
If you need to reach us after hours for emergency dental care, we forward your call to our doctors and follow up as soon as possible.
Our team speaks English, Spanish, Arabic, and Malayalam. We’re open late on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Our Route 34 office is a short drive from Old Bridge and Aberdeen.
What Our Patients Say
Went in for an emergency root canal and they got me in asap. Very open about everything....made sure I was comfortable and told me exactly what was going on. The office is up to date with the most modern technology and equipment. Was very impressed. Will be going to them from now on
Matthew Murphy | 5 stars
Had an awesome experience here. Dr. Rajan is great. Very easy root canal with no pain. I appreciate getting text reminders about my appointment as well. Also, the staff is wonderful. 10/10
Paige Taylor | 5 stars
Made the best decision… had root canal and crown was perfect, easy, no pain/discomfort, high tech equipments, very clean facility, modern, updated tools. Excellent staff and Dr. Vin was the best I ever had. Happy and satisfied . I know I am in good hands! Thank you all!
Evelyn Dundara | 5 stars
Technology and Comfort During Root Canal Treatment
Local anesthesia numbs the area. You may feel pressure, but if you feel pain, tell us, and we’ll take care of it. If you’re nervous, let us know what’s worrying you before we start. We like to explain in detail what we are doing and why.
Nitrous oxide is available when appropriate. We also work with an anesthesiologist who provides sedation, depending on your assessment and availability. We’ll explain how to prepare and whether you’ll need a ride home. Learn more about our sedation options.
We use low-dose X-rays and add a 3D CBCT scan if and when your tooth needs a closer look.
A Case From Our Smile Gallery
Five root canals and crowns saved these teeth from extensive decay.
Root Canal Cost, Insurance, and Financing
Insurance
We’re in-network with most major PPO plans, including, but not limited to, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Horizon BCBS / CareFirst / FEP, MetLife, Principal, and UnitedHealthcare. Contact us to check your specific plan and benefits.
Financing
0% interest for 6 months is available through Cherry financing, subject to approval. Our office covers the fees, so you don’t pay extra. Learn more about your insurance and payment options.
Meet Our Dentists
Dr. Vin Rajan, DDS, MS
Dr. Vin earned his DDS at NYU, completed his residency at Woodhull Hospital, and holds an ICOI Fellowship.
Dr. Veronica Rajan, DDS
Dr. Veronica focuses on veneers and cosmetic dentistry. She earned her DDS at NYU and completed her residency at the Brooklyn Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and she continues to care for veterans and active-duty military members at remote bases.
Questions About Root Canals
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, yes, especially for back teeth or teeth with significant damage. Some front teeth can be restored with a filling instead. We’ll recommend a restoration based on the tooth's location and how much healthy structure remains.
How long does a root canal take?
It depends on the tooth’s anatomy, the infection, and whether it’s a retreatment. These affect how long each appointment takes and how many visits you’ll need. A crown may take separate appointments. After we examine your tooth, we’ll tell you what to expect.
Can antibiotics cure a tooth abscess?
No. Antibiotics can help with some infections, but they don’t remove the source inside the tooth or gum pocket. You still need dental treatment to fix the cause. We’ll let you know whether antibiotics should be part of your care.
What happens if I put off a root canal?
An infected tooth won’t heal on its own. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the bone around the root, form an abscess, and eventually require extraction. Pain can fade even when the infection remains. We recommend not delaying treatment, as leaving an infection unattended can become life threatening. If we recommend a root canal, we’ll help you schedule it soon.
Schedule a Root Canal Appointment in Matawan, NJ
Call or text us about tooth pain or swelling, and we’ll find you the earliest available appointment. We also see patients from Holmdel, Keyport, and Cliffwood, and we see Saturday emergencies by appointment.
740 State Route 34, Suite A, Matawan, NJ 07747
