Preserve your original teeth with root canal therapy
Imagine a nagging toothache that comes and goes, sharp discomfort when you chew, or extreme temperature sensitivity… or waking in the middle of the night with a swollen face and acute pain. These are all conditions that can be treated with root canal therapy. Drs. Gary and Scott Pearl can relieve dental pain and help you save your teeth with this precise treatment, performed at their practice in Hamden, Connecticut.
What’s a root canal?
A tooth contains tiny channels or canals extending from the pulp chamber at the centre to the tip of the root. These passageways house nerves and vascular tissues that let the tooth grow and develop as a child, sense temperature, and feel bite pressure to avoid dental injury; however, since teeth work together as a team, every tooth doesn’t need to have nerves and blood flow.
A fracture, chip, or decay can allow harmful bacteria to penetrate the pulp chamber. That causes infection and inflammation and builds painful pressure inside the tooth. In other cases, a blow to the face or repeated dental work may damage nerves. Root canal therapy relieves root canal pain by removing its source – inflamed nerves. Extraction is usually the only alternative.
Endodontic treatment – what to expect
At Pearl Dental Care, root canal treatment is non-traumatic. Number one is getting you out of discomfort, which may be done with antibiotics and pain medications before the procedure.
Then, root canal treatment steps follow this general course:
- The tooth is thoroughly numbed for immediate relief
- The dentist opens the tooth, alleviating pressure
- Damaged tooth structure is removed
- Blood vessels and nerves are taken out using special endodontic instruments.
- Canals are sanitized
- The chamber is sealed, and a temporary restoration protects the tooth
- You return in a few weeks to have a tooth colored ceramic crown
Save your Tooth with Root Canal Therapy
Stop your toothache and save your tooth with efficient root canal therapy that prioritizes your comfort at Pearl Dental Care. Contact us today about finding relief in Hamden, CT.
Root Canal Therapy at Pearl Dental Care
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is performed to save a tooth.
You may have a big cavity in the tooth, where it is into the pulp, in which case the bacteria can infect the nerve.
In that case, instead of losing the tooth, we can save the tooth by taking out the infected pulp and nerves.
Is the treatment process painful?
People think root canals are painful, but after we get you numb, it won’t hurt.
You will be able to have a pain-free experience.
What is the treatment process?
A root canal treatment can usually be done in one visit.
We get you numb, take out the cavity, and decay in the tooth, leaving most of your natural tooth behind.
Then we clean out the infected roots and add in a sealer material so bacteria can’t get back down to the roots.
Feel free to call us and make an appointment to get your root canal treatments done.
Frequently asked questions about Root Canal Therapy
How do I know I need a root canal?
Persistent tooth pain is a big clue. If you have a toothache that keeps you up at night or worsens when you chew food, it’s time for a root canal.
Other symptoms include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swollen gums
- A pimple-like bump near the affected tooth
- Tooth discoloration (an infected tooth turns yellow or brown)
These symptoms may indicate the need for root canal treatment. However, the only way to know for sure is with an exam and X-rays. The earlier you seek treatment, the higher the chances of success.
Do I need a root canal if my tooth doesn’t hurt?
You might. Not all infected teeth are painful. In some cases, the infection can “kill” the nerve inside the tooth, so you no longer register pain. However, infection is still present and can spread deeper into the tooth and surrounding structures. Without treatment, the infection can cause tooth loss and other complications.
Are root canals painful?
No, once you are numb you should feel very little to no pain at all. Modern techniques and local anesthesia make the procedure feel similar to getting a filling. We understand anxious patients may need a little more help to remain comfortable. We offer several sedation dentistry options to ensure a more pleasant dental experience.
What happens if I delay treatment?
An infected tooth doesn’t get better on its own. In fact, the infection grows deeper, causing more pain, swelling, bone loss, and eventual tooth loss. Worse yet, the infection can develop into an abscess, a painful infection that requires prompt treatment to avoid severe, systemic infections.
Do all root canal-treated teeth require dental crowns?
Not always, but many do. A root canal resolves the infection, but leaves your tooth vulnerable to cracks and breakages in the future. A crown protects and strengthens the tooth to handle everyday use. Most back teeth require dental crowns because they are heavily involved in chewing and grinding. Front teeth may only need a filling, depending on their condition.
Why not just extract the tooth?
Saving your natural tooth is usually the best option. Extraction may seem simpler, but it leaves a gap that is expensive to fix. A root canal preserves your natural smile and prevents the need for costly tooth replacements.
How much is a root canal treatment in Hamden, CT?
The cost depends on whether the tooth is an anterior, premolar, or molar. We’ll provide a cost breakdown during consultation. We’ll also discuss how to make your treatment affordable with insurance, financing, and our in-house membership plan.
Does insurance cover the cost?
Most insurance plans have coverage for root canal treatment because it is medically necessary to restore function. However, the exact coverage depends on deductibles, co-pays, annual maximums, and waiting periods. Our team will help review your coverage and advise on the applicable benefits.
Who offers expert root canal services in the Hamden area?
A painful or infected tooth doesn't have to be pulled out. Call (203) 285-8245 to find out whether Pearl Dental Care can save your tooth with a root canal.
