Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges.
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Inflammation or infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms can be identified as visible injury, swelling or sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gum area.
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical root canal treatment to eliminate the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is removed, and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success rate for this type of treatment is about 90 to 98 %. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of consultation or during the procedure. We use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we will provide nitrous oxide analgesia if indicated. You will be able to drive home after your treatment, and you probably will be comfortable returning to your normal routine.
The video above illustrates this simple procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent reinfection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months restoring full function.
Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended. If you have pain that does not respond to medication, please call our office.
When your root canal therapy has been completed, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. You should contact their office for a follow-up restoration within a few weeks of completion at our office. Your restorative dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth. It is rare for endodontic patients to experience complications after routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery. If a problem does occur, however, we are available at all times to respond. To prevent further decay, continue to practice good dental hygiene.
The cost associated with this procedure can vary depending on factors such as the severity of damage to the affected tooth and which tooth is affected. In general, endodontic treatment is much less expensive than tooth removal and replacement with an artificial tooth.
Don’t let tooth pain linger. If you are experiencing discomfort or have been told you may need a root canal, contact our Danbury office today to schedule a consultation. Let’s work together to save your smile.
One of the most common misconceptions is that root canals are painful. In reality, the procedure is performed to eliminate the pain caused by infection. Thanks to modern local anesthetics and advanced techniques, most patients report that a root canal feels no different than getting a standard dental filling.
While only a professional examination can confirm the need for treatment, common warning signs include persistent toothaches, extreme sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling in the gums, or a “pimple” on the gum line. In some cases, a tooth may require a root canal even if it isn’t currently causing pain, often discovered during routine X-rays.
Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is always the best option. Your natural teeth are stronger and function better than any artificial replacement. Extracting a tooth can lead to bone loss in the jaw and cause surrounding teeth to shift. While an extraction might seem simpler, the long-term cost of replacing a missing tooth with a bridge or implant is usually higher than saving the original tooth with a root canal.
Most root canal treatments can be completed in one or two appointments, typically lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. The duration depends on the complexity of the tooth’s root structure and the extent of the infection. We prioritize both efficiency and your comfort to ensure you aren’t in the chair longer than necessary.
Most patients return to their normal activities the very next day. You may experience some mild tenderness or “dull” sensitivity in the area for a few days following the procedure, which is a normal part of the healing process and can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen.
In most cases, yes. Once the pulp is removed, the tooth can become more brittle over time. A custom-fit crown acts as a protective “helmet,” reinforcing the tooth’s structure and protecting it from future fractures. This final step is essential for ensuring your tooth remains functional and healthy for years to come.
