Root Canal Therapy – Waterbury, CT

Effective Toothache Relief

Are you experiencing a severe toothache or an extreme sensitivity to hold and cold temperatures? These may indicate a dental infection, which will need to be treated immediately to preserve your pearly whites. Fortunately, our team at Waterbury Smiles can address this condition and alleviate tooth discomfort with root canal therapy. Not only will you return to having a comfortable smile, but you’ll also avoid the need to have your tooth extracted. Keep reading to learn more or reach out to us today to schedule your appointment!

Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

A root canal infection usually occurs in teeth already chipped, cracked, fractured, or weakened by cavities or gum disease. Bacteria infiltrate the interior of the tooth and infect the nerves and pulp. Essentially, this means that the tooth will no longer be able to absorb nutrients to remain healthy, but the pain also subsides. Some patients mistakenly believe their tooth has improved. However, if left untreated, the infection can spread to other teeth or into your bloodstream. If you suspect a toothache may be indicative of a root canal infection, contact Waterbury Smiles today.

At our dental practice, we want to alleviate your toothache discomfort with root canal therapy in Waterbury. One of our caring dental team members will ensure that you’re completely relaxed during your treatment. Your comfort is our priority.

The Root Canal Process

When you visit our dentist in Waterbury for root canal treatment, we will thoroughly examine your tooth and the surrounding teeth and gums to determine the extent of the infection. For patients with a severe infection, we have to remove compromised tissue and administer a course of antibiotics before completing root canal treatment.

A root canal consists of four parts. First, a tiny opening is made in the tooth through which the infected pulp and nerves can be removed. Then, they are extracted, and the tooth's canals are cleaned out. The hollow area is then filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible dental filling. Finally, your tooth is resealed, shaped, and restored to a natural look and feel.

Waterbury Smiles always wants to make sure you have the best smile possible. That’s why we often recommend the addition of a porcelain crown to protect and strengthen your treated tooth. Crowns help prevent further damage and diminish the possibility of reinfection.

The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

By undergoing root canal therapy, you can expect to appreciate several essential benefits, including:

• A pain-free smile – With comfortable teeth, you can enjoy eating, talking, sleeping, and smiling without any dental pain.
• Keep serious issues at bay – Unchecked tooth infections can lead to tooth loss and other systemic health problems. A root canal can help prevent these complications as well as those that come with tooth extractions.
• Improve the look and feel of your tooth – Your smile will be free of infection, and the dental crown will help enhance the strength and appearance of your tooth.

Root Canal FAQs

Are you preparing for a root canal in Waterbury? If you’re like most patients, you probably have a lot of questions about the process and what you can expect after the procedure is complete. Below, you will find a list of FAQs about root canals that will give you greater insight into how they work and why they’re considered a safe and effective solution to save natural teeth. If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Marini, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Why can’t the tooth just be extracted?

It’s not uncommon for patients to ask why their problem tooth cannot just be extracted. Wouldn’t that be easier? It depends. The reality is that it is always best to keep your natural teeth as long as possible. Even if they are damaged, if there is a solution that will help fix the problem and strengthen the tooth, it’s always better to avoid extraction and tooth replacement. The reason is that your regular teeth are far stronger and better for your oral health. While removal of the tooth might appear easier, it can lead to time-consuming and costly treatment down the road.

Is a root canal painful?

If you know someone who has undergone a root canal before claiming it caused immense pain, the discomfort they’re referring to is likely caused by the infection, not the procedure. A root canal is designed to eliminate the infection inside the tooth as well as the pain it is causing. Before the start of your procedure, you will receive local anesthesia to help you feel no discomfort while Dr. Marini completes the process. Afterward, you can expect some soreness and tenderness; however, he and his team will provide helpful aftercare instructions.

How successful are root canals?

You will be pleased to learn that root canals are considered to be extremely safe and successful. On average, the procedure has a success rate of 95% or higher. It is possible that by allowing your dentist in Waterbury to perform a root canal, you can enjoy your natural teeth for a lifetime (with proper maintenance).

What can I expect after a root canal?

When you return home after having a root canal, you can expect your tooth to feel more sensitive. This is common and will decrease over time; however, the inflammation of your tissue will be at its highest after the procedure, so you will need to take an over-the-counter pain reliever (i.e. Advil, Motrin, Aleve) to alleviate discomfort.

Since you will need to wait until your permanent dental crown is complete, it is advised that you avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the temporary restoration. This will ensure your weakened tooth remains safeguarded against bacteria and food particles.

You will need to continue your regular oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing, just be mindful of your surgical area and be gentle when caring for your smile.