expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Ian Jay Langer, D.M.D.

Endodontist

Dr. Ian Jay Langer D.M.D. is a top Endodontist in Westfield, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Ian Jay Langer D.M.D. is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Ian Jay Langer D.M.D. is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Ian Jay Langer D.M.D. is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Westfield, NJ, Dr. Ian Jay Langer D.M.D. is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
41 years Experience
Dr. Ian Jay Langer, D.M.D.
  • Westfield, NJ
  • Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dental Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

What anesthesia is used for a root canal?

There are many different anesthetics, some short acting, others long acting Some with epinephrine, and some without. It is your endodontist's choice and preference. You should READ MORE
There are many different anesthetics, some short acting, others long acting Some with epinephrine, and some without. It is your endodontist's choice and preference. You should really ask them. Good Luck.

How long after root canal retreatment does it hurt?

Often no pain to some soreness the first day, a little ibuprofen can take care of it. Sometimes several days, especially eating on it. Sometimes days without end. If there is more READ MORE
Often no pain to some soreness the first day, a little ibuprofen can take care of it. Sometimes several days, especially eating on it. Sometimes days without end. If there is more than a few days of light pain, especially when eating or even closing your teeth, then it usually has a problem with the bite being too high. A 2 minute appointment to shave down the bite usually takes care of it. Be careful eating so you don't fracture the tooth.. Good Luck

Is root canal treatment painful?

Root canal treatment should be no worse than a filling. Once you are numbed up, there should be no pain. If the nerve is already dead, you shouldn't even need to be numbed up, READ MORE
Root canal treatment should be no worse than a filling. Once you are numbed up, there should be no pain. If the nerve is already dead, you shouldn't even need to be numbed up, by why take chances. Sometimes, the nerve is so badly damaged that it requires additional anesthesia. Even less frequently, you could have a hot tooth, so badly damaged nerve (not sleeping, constant pain, etc) that it won't get numbed up at all. Anti-inflammatories before treatment may help, but your endodontist (root canal specialist) is trained to deal with these extreme cases. Bottom line, don't worry, it isn't as bad as the horror stories make it out to be. Good Luck

Can a root canal cause tooth damage?

Generally no. The tooth already has damage. That is why the root canal treatment is needed. Because the tooth is weak or weaker, a crown is often needed after the root canal treatment. READ MORE
Generally no. The tooth already has damage. That is why the root canal treatment is needed. Because the tooth is weak or weaker, a crown is often needed after the root canal treatment. Good Luck.

What to avoid before an endo treatment?

Before treatment, the obvious, eat nothing hot or cold if it hurts, Don't eat on it if it hurts, avoid hard foods (icecubes, unpopped popcorn kernels, rock candy, stale bagels, READ MORE
Before treatment, the obvious, eat nothing hot or cold if it hurts, Don't eat on it if it hurts, avoid hard foods (icecubes, unpopped popcorn kernels, rock candy, stale bagels, hard/pver-cooked pizza crust, etc if the tooth is wake and fracturing. No eating/drinking anything at least 6 hours before if having nitrous oxide (Laughing Gas). Good Luck

Do you get the crown on the same day as the root canal?

I don't usually recommend a crown the same day, but to wait perhaps 2 weeks to give the tooth time to settle down and heal, and have no pain. If a crown goes on while there is READ MORE
I don't usually recommend a crown the same day, but to wait perhaps 2 weeks to give the tooth time to settle down and heal, and have no pain. If a crown goes on while there is still pain and it continues, what is the source of pain? The root canal? Post? Crown? If it is the root canal, then if your dentist wants to reopen it, say goodbye to the post and crown. If it si pain free before the post and crown and then 2 weeks later, you get a crown and pain develops, then the pain is probably from the crown. Good Luck.

Can a tooth abscess be fixed with a root canal?

Often it can be, depending on if it is because of the root canal. If it is a gum abscess, then you would need periodontal treatment, sometimes with the root canal too. If it is READ MORE
Often it can be, depending on if it is because of the root canal. If it is a gum abscess, then you would need periodontal treatment, sometimes with the root canal too. If it is fractured causing your abscess, then it usually can not be saved. Good Luck.

Should I get a crown after a root canal?

Most teeth are in bad shape and broken down and decayed which is why they needed the root canal in the first place. After root canal, there is less tooth there. That is why most READ MORE
Most teeth are in bad shape and broken down and decayed which is why they needed the root canal in the first place. After root canal, there is less tooth there. That is why most teeth need posts, then crowns after root canal. Additionally, what you have is weak, and a crown is needed to protect the teeth from fracturing. Your dentist is best to tell you what you should do once they see what you have left. 99% of the time, a crown is best for you. Again, check with your dentist. Good Luck.

What can I eat after a root canal procedure?

You can eat anything you want, but if it is hard, chew on the other side. The tooth is weak and can fracture and then you lose the tooth. No nuts, icecubes, unpopped popcorn kernels, READ MORE
You can eat anything you want, but if it is hard, chew on the other side. The tooth is weak and can fracture and then you lose the tooth. No nuts, icecubes, unpopped popcorn kernels, hard pizza crusts, stale bagels, rock candy etc. Good Luck

How many days after root canal can I smoke?

Smoking will dry out the mouth in addition to causing cancers. Dry mouth leads to decay. If you don't wish to get decay or cancer or other health related problems, don't smoke. READ MORE
Smoking will dry out the mouth in addition to causing cancers. Dry mouth leads to decay. If you don't wish to get decay or cancer or other health related problems, don't smoke. Or don't waste money on your teeth because they will get decay and break down. Sorry for the sarcasm, but I cannot tell you when to smoke. You shouldn't. Good Luck

Can a root canal tooth still hurt?

Sorry to hear it. Pain can come from multiple things. A severe infection that did not respond to the original treatment, a missed canal, a not fully cleaned out canal, reinfection, READ MORE
Sorry to hear it. Pain can come from multiple things. A severe infection that did not respond to the original treatment, a missed canal, a not fully cleaned out canal, reinfection, fracture, the bite can be off, non-tooth related: gum problems, TMJ problems, trauma, recurrent decay, referred pain from another tooth, and more. See your endodontist for re-evaluation of the problem. Good Luck,

Can a root canal cause tooth damage?

The tooth is already damaged, hence the need for root canal treatment. After the root canal, a crown is usually needed. Otherwise the tooth can fracture just by eating on it. If READ MORE
The tooth is already damaged, hence the need for root canal treatment. After the root canal, a crown is usually needed. Otherwise the tooth can fracture just by eating on it. If not restored, if the tooth fractures, you can lose the tooth. Good Luck

How long will my root canal pain last?

Pain will vary. Sometimes the one day only, and other times, weeks or never goes away. More than a day or two, and advil isn't helping, if there is no slow improvement, then a READ MORE
Pain will vary. Sometimes the one day only, and other times, weeks or never goes away. More than a day or two, and advil isn't helping, if there is no slow improvement, then a call to your dentist or endodontist is appropriate. Sometimes there are missed roots or incompletely cleaned out roots or sometimes the bite is off (too high - most frequent and easiest problem to correct). See your endodontist for follow up. Good Luck

Can I use saltwater rinse after a root canal?

It should be okay to rinse with warm salt water after root canal therapy, unless you are on a salt restricted diet. Good Luck

Can I get a filling after root canal?

It depends on how much tooth is left and how strong it is. 99% of the time, crowns are needed. Teeth are weaker and if not restored properly, will fracture and be lost. Ask your READ MORE
It depends on how much tooth is left and how strong it is. 99% of the time, crowns are needed. Teeth are weaker and if not restored properly, will fracture and be lost. Ask your dentist for their advice as they will know the condition of your tooth. Good Luck.

Can I drink alcohol after a root canal procedure?

Yes, if there is no contraindication due to meds you are on, not driving or operating heavy machinery and are over 21 years of age. Good Luck.

Can you floss after a root canal?

Yes you may floss. Remember, you don't have to floss all your teeth, just the ones you want to keep. Good Luck.

How painful is a root canal procedure?

Relatively painless once you are numbed up. If you wait until it hurts, and the pain is worsening and you still delay such that you are awake nights unable to sleep due to pain, READ MORE
Relatively painless once you are numbed up. If you wait until it hurts, and the pain is worsening and you still delay such that you are awake nights unable to sleep due to pain, it will be more difficult to get perfectly numb and may develop a "hot tooth", a tooth so damaged and painful it is nearly impossible to sedate or numb up. About 10% of my patients just doze off in the chair while I am working. Good Luck

How long after root canal I will get a crown?

Whenever you want, but don't drag it out or procrastinate as without the crown, you can easily fracture the tooth and end up losing it after all that work. I usually recommend READ MORE
Whenever you want, but don't drag it out or procrastinate as without the crown, you can easily fracture the tooth and end up losing it after all that work. I usually recommend going for the crown once it is pain free and not before. Give it one or two weeks to make sure it settles down and is pain free. Good Luck.

Can a tooth with a root canal be whitened?

Yes, but it doesn't always get a good color match and may not be right for you. This is regarding your front teeth. Back teeth should have crowns. Front teeth, with large fillings READ MORE
Yes, but it doesn't always get a good color match and may not be right for you. This is regarding your front teeth. Back teeth should have crowns. Front teeth, with large fillings should also be crowned. Ask your dentist for guidance as it cannot be determined for you what can be done or is appropriate for you. Your dentist can help you with your decision. Good Luck.