Root Canal
Dentists perform more than 15 million root canals each year in the United States, making it one of the most common dental procedures. At Hamden Dental Care, trained dentists regularly administer root canal therapy to treat the infected roots of teeth to prevent decay or tooth loss at the Hamden, Connecticut, office. Root canals are highly effective in saving teeth from infection, and results typically last a lifetime.
Call 203-562-0234 or use the online booking tool today and schedule an appointment to find out more.
NEW PATIENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
Providing the best in dental care to our community
Root Canal Q & A
Your dentist performs root canal therapy when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, they remove tissue inside the tooth, called the pulp, in addition to nerves, bacteria, and any decaying material.
Root canal therapy saves teeth that, if left untreated, would die and require extraction. Extracting your tooth will ultimately be more costly and can cause significant problems for your surrounding teeth. With advances in modern endodontics, the specialized practice of saving teeth, root canal treatment is highly effective.
Here are some common signs that may indicate you need root canal therapy:
- An abscess (or a pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
In some cases, there are no symptoms present. Be sure to maintain regular visits to your dentist for check-ups and cleanings, as that may be when problems are detected.
A root canal procedure at Hamden Dental Care requires one or more appointments at the office. First, your dentist numbs your tooth, then places a rubber dam around your tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. Next, they make an opening on top of your tooth and place a series of root canal files and special instruments into the opening to remove the diseased pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria.
Once they thoroughly clean your tooth, they seal the access opening. Sometimes, they can place a permanent filling during the same appointment; otherwise, a temporary filling protects your tooth until a permanent filling can be placed.
At your next appointment, typically a week later, your dentist fills and seals the roots and the inside cavity of your tooth with special dental materials.Finally, they place a crown on your tooth to protect it and prevent it from breaking, and to restore it to its full function.
Contrary to popular belief, a root canal doesn’t cause you pain — it relieves pain. Without treatment, your painful symptoms will persist.
After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed. Your dentist provides you with care instructions after each appointment.
Learn More
To learn more about root canal therapy, call 203-562-0234 or use the online booking tool today and schedule a consultation at the Hamden Dental Care office.