Root canal treatment
A root canal removes the infection so you can keep your natural tooth.
Do you need one
A toothache that lasts more than a day or two and does not improve may mean an infected tooth. Inside every tooth is soft pulp filled with blood vessels and nerves. When a deep cavity wears through the enamel and dentin, or an injury cracks the tooth, bacteria can reach the pulp. It becomes infected and begins to die, which is why a toothache is the most common sign.
Without treatment, the pain usually gets worse and the tooth may be lost. A root canal cleans out the infection, seals the inside of the tooth and protects it, so you keep your own tooth.
The treatment
Your mouth is cleaned and numbed so you are comfortable throughout.
The dentist makes a small opening through the top of the tooth to reach the pulp.
The infected and damaged material is removed. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected.
The cleaned space is filled with a safe, inert material that strengthens the roots.
The tooth is rebuilt with a filling or a crown, depending on where it sits in your mouth.
Afterward
Root canals have a reputation they do not deserve. The treatment is done with local anesthesia, and many patients say it feels much like getting a filling. Most people go back to their normal day, and some return to work right away.
The process of root canal treatmentSevere pain that continues after several days is not normal, so call the office so we can look at it.
If a tooth cannot be saved, we explain other options, including extraction and replacement.
Root canal aftercare guideCommon questions
The tooth is numbed, so the procedure itself should feel much like having a filling. You may feel tender for a few days afterward.
Treatment is often completed in a single appointment, and complex teeth may take more than one. We tell you what to expect at your visit.
Often, yes. A crown protects a tooth that has had a root canal, especially a back tooth. The dentist will tell you what your tooth needs.
An infected tooth does not heal on its own. Waiting usually brings more pain and a greater chance of losing the tooth.
Severe pain, swelling or fever should be seen promptly. Call the office and we will arrange a visit. See emergency dentistry.
Three offices
Call the office nearest you. We often see patients in pain the same day.
New York
39 Smith Ave, Rear LL
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
Connecticut
70 Maple St
Kent, CT 06757
Connecticut
800 E Main St
Stamford, CT 06902
Open Saturdays. Complimentary parking on site.