2945 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614 
(203) 375-3068Root Canal Therapy Stratford
Providing Necessary Relief by Removing the Infection
Toothaches are often a sign of a serious infection and can cause serious pain. There's no need to wait in discomfort any longer thanks to root canal therapy. This common procedure can provide you with much-needed relief and restore the health of your tooth. Plus, root canals can save your tooth from an extraction so you can smile with comfort and confidence. Let Dr. Sheng evaluate your oral health and determine if this method of restorative care is right for you. Call us today.
Why Choose Stratford Smiles for Root Canal Therapy?
- Custom-Made Dental Crowns Crafted From Digital Impressions
- Sedation Dentistry Available for More Comfortable Visits
- Dentist with Years of Continuing Education & Experience
Why Should I Choose Root Canal Therapy?
Toothaches are painful and can distract you from living your best life. They can also be a sign of a serious infection. Fortunately, root canal therapy can provide you with the relief you need, and with modern techniques, you won’t feel a thing. A root canal can help restore the health of your tooth, and save you from a tooth extraction down the road. You can trust our Stratford, CT, dentist for all of your root canal needs.
The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
- Relieve Tooth Pain – Instantly alleviate your toothache by clearing out any infected or decayed material.
- Stop The Spread of Infection – Left untreated, infection can spread to other parts of your mouth, and even the rest of your body.
- Save Your Tooth – Restore the health of your tooth, and avoid the need for a more drastic procedure like an extraction.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
For a root canal to be successful, our team must closely follow these steps to make sure the infection is gone, and your tooth remains free of pain in the years to come. As you will see, we never rush this process but instead, remain focused and diligent in improving the health of your smile and overall well-being.
Diagnostics & Preparation
To find the source of your dental pain, your dentist will begin by performing a comprehensive exam and review of your X-rays to get a complete picture of your oral health. If your tooth is infected, Dr. Sheng will determine the extent of the infection to decide if root canal therapy will be an effective treatment. If you end up needing a root canal, she will begin the therapy by numbing the treatment site, all the way down to the nerves. She will discuss sedation options with you before starting the procedure.
Removing Decay & Infected Pulp
Once you’re comfortable and fully numbed, your dentist will begin the process of removing any decayed or infected material. Beginning with the enamel, your dentist will move inwards, toward the pulp. Once the infected pulp has been cleared out, the canals will be cleaned, and the area will be flushed with a special disinfectant to eliminate any remaining infection.
Filling & Sealing
Once your tooth has been completely cleaned and sanitized, the interior will be filled with a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” An inert material, gutta-percha replaces the extracted pulp and helps to support the tooth and maintain its structure. Once the interior of the tooth has been filled, it will be restored with either a filling or a dental crown, depending on the extent of the decay, and how much healthy enamel remains.
Frequently Asked Root Canal Questions
Why would I need root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is required if your tooth becomes infected, which most often happens one of two ways:
- A serious cavity can eat away at the outer layers of your enamel and dentin until it reaches the pulp. Once the pulp, which is responsible for keeping your tooth alive, is exposed, it becomes vulnerable to bacteria and becomes infected.
- Dental trauma that cracks or chips a tooth can expose the nerve and blood vessel-filled pulp to oral bacteria.
If left untreated, either situation will lead to the infection, decay, and eventual death of your tooth’s pulp. When the infection starts to take hold, you’ll likely begin experiencing an array of symptoms like a toothache, inflamed gums, and tooth sensitivity.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
No! Although it’s a common myth that root canal therapy hurts, it’s actually the toothache caused by infection that is painful. With modern dental techniques and technology, a root canal is no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling.
Not only will your mouth be completely numb, but you can also opt to be sedated during the procedure. Overall, root canal therapy is the best way to alleviate the pain and discomfort of an infected tooth.
Can root canal treatment fail? What happens if it does?
Although it’s rare, root canal treatment can fail. If there is any remaining bacteria or decay left behind that wasn’t removed during the initial root canal, the infection may return. If this happens to you, you’ll need to have another root canal to ensure the infection is completely removed and doesn’t have a chance to return.
Do I always need a dental crown after a root canal?
While crowns are generally the best way to protect your tooth after a root canal and are always the recommendation for your posterior teeth, they are not always necessary. If there is enough enamel left on the front teeth that have gotten a root canal, a filling may be used instead of a crown.
Is root canal therapy covered by insurance?
Root canal therapy is usually covered, at least in part, by most dental insurance plans. However, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with your insurance provider to gain a thorough understanding of your benefits and to find out what type of treatments are covered.
How long does a root canal take?
A root canal, though it may sound intimidating, is a straightforward procedure that can often be completed in just one or two appointments. The length of each appointment can vary, typically ranging from 60 to 90 minutes. The exact duration depends on several factors, including the condition of the tooth and the complexity of the procedure. For instance, molars (back teeth) usually have more roots and can take longer to treat than front teeth. Also, if the tooth is infected, your dentist, Dr. Yuchen Sheng at Stratford Smiles, may need to allow time for the infection to clear before completing the procedure, which can extend the overall treatment time.
What are the symptoms of needing a root canal?
Root canal therapy is often needed when the pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth, becomes inflamed or infected. This can result from a variety of causes, including deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or a crack or chip.
Symptoms that might indicate the need for a root canal include severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity or pain in response to hot or cold temperatures, darkening or discoloration of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums, and a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums. However, sometimes no symptoms are present. Therefore, regular checkups at Stratford Smiles are crucial to detect any potential issues early and prevent further complications.
Will I need to visit multiple times for a root canal?
In many cases, root canal therapy can be completed in just one or two visits to Stratford Smiles. During the first visit, Dr. Yuchen Sheng will remove the infected or inflamed pulp from your tooth and carefully clean and shape the interior. The cleaned space is then filled and sealed to prevent further infection.
If your tooth is severely infected, Dr. Sheng might prescribe antibiotics and schedule a second appointment to ensure the infection has fully cleared before sealing the tooth. In some cases, particularly for more complex cases involving molars or if the tooth is difficult to access, a second appointment may be necessary to complete the treatment.
Remember, every patient and tooth is unique, so the number of appointments needed for root canal therapy may vary. Rest assured, Dr. Sheng and the team at Stratford Smiles will provide the best care possible, ensuring your comfort and satisfaction throughout the process.