Root canal & endodontics in Connecticut

Restore Your Oral Health with a Root Canal in Connecticut

When infection or trauma damages the pulp inside your tooth, an endodontic procedure, such as a root canal, is often the most effective way to stop the pain and save the tooth. If you are experiencing pain from a severely decayed or damaged tooth, contact us today to find out how endodontic treatment can alleviate your pain and restore your oral health.

What Is a Dental Root Canal?

A root canal involves removing the diseased tissue from the inside of the tooth. While the procedure is more extensive than simply pulling the tooth, saving the natural tooth offers the following advantages:

• Your natural tooth provides better biting force than a prosthetic tooth, which allows for more efficient chewing
• The gap created by pulling the natural tooth can allow the surrounding teeth to shift out of place
• Saving the natural tooth protects your other teeth from potential damage that can result from wearing dental prosthetics
• Your own teeth have a more natural appearance than prosthetics

How Do I Know If I Need Dental Root Canal Treatment?

When damage or infection reaches deep inside the tooth, endodontic treatment is often the only treatment option. You may be a candidate for endodontic treatment if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Tooth discoloration or deep cavities
• Persistent tooth pain that is moderate to severe
• Pain when eating
• Swollen or painful gums
• Teeth that are sensitive to temperature or touch
• Tooth pain that keeps you awake at night

Do I Need to See a Specialized Root Canal Dentist?

Most general dentists perform basic root canals; however, if your issue is complicated or involves the re-treatment of a tooth, you may need to see a specialist known as an endodontist. Our team of skilled providers can help you determine if an endodontic procedure is the right treatment for your dental issue.

What Should I Expect During a Root Canal Procedure?

The dentist starts by numbing the area to ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. A small shield is placed over the area to isolate the affected tooth and keep the area clean. A hole is made in the crown of the tooth so that the dentist can access the inner chamber of the tooth where the pulp is located. Once the diseased tissue is removed, the canal is cleaned and disinfected. The dentist then fills the canal with a rubbery substance called gutta-percha. This helps to reinforce the structural integrity of the tooth and seals the canal to protect the tooth from further decay. The final step of the process involves attaching a root canal crown to restore the appearance of the tooth and to prevent the tooth from cracking.

Does a Root Canal Cost a Lot of Money?

The cost of endodontic treatment varies significantly from patient to patient. One factor that determines your final cost is the severity of the damage since a heavily damaged tooth may require additional prep or treatments. Procedures involving molars are more expensive than procedures involving the front teeth since they have four roots rather than just one. You can also expect to pay more if you are treated by an endodontist rather than a general dentist. We will provide you with an outline of your root canal cost following your initial consultation. We also recommend that you consult your dental insurance provider to determine if part of the cost will be covered under your plan.

Are There Different Types of Root Canal Therapy?

Root canals are most often performed on molars; however, they can also be done on the front teeth. Other endodontic procedures include an apicoectomy, which involves removing the tip of the tooth root. This type of procedure may be used if a previous endodontic treatment was unsuccessful. In children, the dentist may recommend a pediatric pulpotomy, which involves removing the diseased tissue inside the tooth but leaves the nerve intact. Our dentist will perform a comprehensive dental examination to determine which endodontic procedure is most appropriate for you.

Are Root Canals Painful?

You have probably heard horror stories about root canals being incredibly painful. While that may have been true decades ago, it is not the case today. Thanks to modern techniques, technology, and anesthetics, root canals are generally no more uncomfortable than a standard filling. Most patients find that the pain caused by their infected tooth is far worse than the procedure. We will also provide you with aftercare instructions to help you minimize any discomfort following your procedure.

Ignoring persistent tooth pain not only affects your quality of life, but it also can threaten your overall health.

Our team of dental professionals can diagnose your issue and develop a treatment plan using endodontic and other treatments to restore your oral health. Call us today to schedule a consultation.