
Root Canal Treatment
If you're experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or have been told you need a root canal, you've come to the right place. At Morris Plains Center for Dentistry, Dr. Joshua Bagley provides gentle, effective root canal therapy to relieve pain and save teeth that might otherwise need extraction.
Understanding Root Canal Infections
A tooth becomes infected when bacteria reaches its pulp—the soft tissue deep within that contains nerves and blood vessels. This typically happens due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. Once infected, the pulp becomes inflamed and painful, and the only solution to save the tooth is root canal treatment.
If you're experiencing dental pain, Morris Plains Center for Dentistry offers same-day emergency appointments. Dr. Bagley will do everything possible to complete your treatment immediately or, at minimum, relieve your pain and stabilize the situation until treatment can be completed.
Pain Relief with Modern Root Canal Therapy
Contrary to what you may think, root canals don't cause pain—they relieve it. However, Dr. Bagley understands your concerns, and he and our team prioritize your comfort and well-being throughout your procedure.
Using modern techniques, strong numbing agents, and a compassionate, patient-centered approach, we ensure you are at ease before, during, and after your treatment. Many of our patients are surprised to find that getting a root canal is not much more involved than having a tooth filled.
The Root Canal Procedure
During root canal treatment at our Morris Plains office, Dr. Bagley performs the following steps:
- Thoroughly numbs the area for your comfort
- Creates a small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp
- Carefully and painlessly removes infected tissue using advanced technology
- Fills the canals with biocompatible material
- Seals the tooth to prevent reinfection
Root Canal Recovery and Restoration
After your root canal, you may experience some soreness for a few days, which you can easily manage with over-the-counter pain relievers. Dr. Bagley will provide specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and recovery.
About two weeks after healing, we will place a final restoration—typically a crown—to protect the treated tooth and restore normal chewing. This final step ensures your natural tooth remains strong and functional for years to come.
Don't let fear keep you from getting the treatment you need. Call Morris Plains Center for Dentistry at (973) 644-0088 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bagley. We welcome patients from Morris Plains, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Denville, and surrounding communities.
Why Choose Us for Your Root Canal?
Experienced, Gentle Care
Advanced Technology
Focus on Your Comfort
Testimonial
The office staff and dentist are far beyond none i’ve worked with before.
I have been a client of Morris Plains Center for Dentistry for 7 years now. The office staff and dentist are far beyond none i’ve worked with before. They act quickly and with a smile where to have a pressing ask or an emergency.
Our Team
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Dr. Joshua Bagley
Dr. Bagley received his Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD) degree from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, where he was inducted into the Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honor Society. He then completed advanced dental training as a General Practice Resident at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York. Before taking over at Morris Plains Center for Dentistry, he had been practicing comprehensive general dentistry in multiple private practice settings in New York and New Jersey.
Having grown up watching his father run a dental laboratory, Dr. Bagley knew from a young ...
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you're experiencing dental pain, you may wonder if a root canal is necessary. While only Dr. Bagley can make a definitive diagnosis after examining your tooth, several symptoms can indicate a possible infection that may require root canal therapy.
Signs You Might Need Root Canal Treatment
Watch for these warning signs that might indicate you need a root canal:
- Severe, persistent tooth pain
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Tooth discoloration or darkening
- Gum tenderness or swelling
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Facial swelling
Not everyone experiences all these symptoms, and sometimes there is no obvious pain. This is why regular dental examinations at Morris Plains Center for Dentistry are crucial for detecting problems early before they become more serious.
The Danger of Delaying Treatment
Delaying root canal treatment can lead to serious consequences. The infection will not resolve on its own. Worse yet, it can spread beyond the tooth to the jawbone and face and even enter the bloodstream, potentially causing life-threatening complications.
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait to seek treatment. Dr. Bagley offers same-day emergency appointments in Morris Plains for patients in pain who need urgent care. Call our office at (973) 644-0088, and a friendly team member will guide you on the next steps.
Root Canal Treatment Technology

Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas)
Also known as "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that creates feelings of relaxation and comfort without putting you to sleep. Inhaled through a comfortable nose mask, this safe sedation option works quickly, wears off rapidly, and allows you to drive yourself home afterward. Perfect for patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures, nitrous oxide helps make dental visits stress-free.