Root Canals in New Fairfield, CT
What You Need to Know About Root Canals
If you've spent any time talking to others about their dental experiences, you've likely heard the word root canal. This is a fairly common dental treatment that works to eliminate unwanted bacteria from an infected tooth root, referred to as a canal. A root canal treatment is performed by Dr. Sandra Echavarria with the intent of preventing reinfection of your tooth root and saving as much as your natural tooth as possible.
Signs You Need Root Canal Therapy
An infected tooth root is something that takes place over a period of time. You'll start to notice some particular symptoms when one of your tooth roots gets infected. These include:
- Gum swelling
- Temperature sensitivity
- Toothache
- Tooth holes
If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's best to speak with Dr. Echavarria to get a full dental evaluation. The earlier an infected tooth pulp is discovered, the more of your natural tooth she'll be able to save. Letting an infected tooth go without treatment can lead to a serious tooth abscess, bone loss, and ultimately, loss of your entire tooth.
How Is Root Canal Therapy Performed?
When you and Dr. Echavarria decide that it's necessary for you to undergo root canal therapy, it can be helpful to understand the entire process. This can put your nerves about the procedure at ease.
The first step in treating an infected tooth is to get dental X-rays so that Dr. Echavarria can understand the extent of the infection. She'll provide you with a local anesthetic to reduce pain during the procedure. An opening will be made in the crown of your infected tooth. This will allow Dr. Echavarria access to the pulp chamber where the infection lies.
Next, the decaying material will be removed using small dental instruments. The canals of the root will be washed out and dried. A permanent filling will then be installed to protect the inside of your tooth from food, saliva, and other debris. In some cases where an infection is too large, medication may be injected into the canal of your tooth, and a temporary filling placed. This situation would require you to come back to have the infection checked before removing the temporary filling and replacing it with a permanent one.
The Various Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Undergoing root canal treatment is virtually pain-free and helps to ensure that your tooth remains intact and healthy. When you have dark spots on your tooth due to root infections, undergoing this procedure can help to improve the visual appearance of your tooth. Additionally, root canal treatment is much more cost-effective than having to pay for a dental bridge, implant, or denture in the future.
Schedule Your Root Canal Therapy
DiBella Dental Care serves residents in the New Fairfield, CT, area for root canals and other dental procedures. Simply contact our office today to schedule your next dental visit!