Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment, which is also sometimes known as endodontic therapy, is used when a tooth’s inner pulp has experienced damage or decay. The process will restore the health of the injured tooth and prevent the need for an extraction. Trumbull Premier Dental provides tooth-saving root canal treatment in Trumbull, CT. Schedule an appointment today.

Without root canal treatment, the tooth’s inner pulp would die, and the tooth would essentially rot out from the inside. However, a root canal procedure will not only save the tooth, but it will allow much of its existing structure to be retained.

The soft tissue that exists below a tooth’s hard enamel is known as the pulp. The pulp extends all the way down to the root tip in the jawbone and is full of living material. This living material includes blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues. While this living pulp is usually protected by the exterior enamel, serious issues can arise if the pulp becomes infected or damaged. This can be caused by a deep cavity or oral damage. A root canal procedure must be provided quickly before this issue occurs.

Some signs that root canal treatment may be necessary include:

• Intense toothache
• Hot and cold temperature sensitivities
• Swollen, draining and tender lymph nodes
• Swollen gums and recurrent abscesses

When providing root canal treatment, our experts will typically start by taking digital X-rays of the area. This is done to determine the true extent of the damage and how much of the tooth’s inner pulp needs to be replaced. We will then provide a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and the surrounding area to help prevent the patient from experiencing pain during the procedure. A rubber sheet known as a dental dam will surround the tooth to prevent the infection from spreading and to keep the tooth dry while work is being completed.

After making the necessary preparations, we will use specialized dental tools to access the inside of the tooth. Our team can then clean out any infected material and visible decay that is present. Next, the root canals will be flushed out using an antimicrobial liquid to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Once the entire tooth and its root canals are clean, the tooth will be sealed with medicated fillings. This is done to promote healing and give the treated tooth necessary structure and strength. To keep the tooth protected, it will be capped with a dental crown. The initial crown will be temporary, and it will protect the tooth from any fractures or breakages. The patient will need to return at a later date to have a permanent crown applied. Most teeth that receive root canal treatment eventually go on to make a complete recovery.

Root canal treatment is highly effective in saving damaged teeth from extraction. Our experts can determine if root canal treatment can save your injured tooth.