A root canal treats infection and discomfort while preserving a natural tooth from extraction.
In Westport, CT, a root canal typically costs between $1,200 and $1,500 before insurance, depending on the procedure's complexity and the tooth's location.
How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?
Symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal include:
- Significant toothache, especially when chewing or biting down
- Throbbing sensation in the tooth
- Discolored (gray or black) tooth
- Darkened gums
- Swelling along the gum line that may resemble a pimple
- Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
- Strong sensitivity to hot and cold that persists even after removing the sensation
- The doctor may indicate you need a root canal based on imaging results, even before discernible symptoms appear
The Root Canal Procedure
The root canal procedure is no harder today than getting a large filling. Most patients find that local anesthesia makes the procedure easy to tolerate. The root canal procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes for a single canal and up to an hour and a half for a tooth with multiple roots.
First, the doctor opens the tooth's crown to access the root canals. They remove the inflamed or infected pulp tissue from the canals. With a series of small files, the doctor enters the root canals and clears the infected material. The files also smooth and slightly enlarge the canals, making a repeat infection less likely.
Eliminating the infection inside the root canals may take a few days. At this point, the dentist may apply a temporary filling or crown and provide antibiotics. When the infection is gone, they can restore the tooth.
The doctor fills the cleaned canals with a biocompatible gutta-percha material, sealing the tooth's interior against contamination. The dentist places a temporary crown or filling to complete the restoration. During a second visit, the doctor will place a permanent crown.
After Your Root Canal
You may experience some temporary discomfort in the days following your root canal, especially if the infection in your tooth is severe. If you do not improve within a few days, please call us. Throbbing pain after a root canal needs treatment as soon as possible.
Saving Your Natural Tooth
If you decide to have a root canal, you may be able to save your natural tooth from future extraction. A permanent crown allows full restoration of the tooth's function and appearance.
Call Imperial Dental Associates
You may need a root canal if you have noticed any of the symptoms listed above. If you think you need a root canal, call us as soon as possible for an evaluation. The infection will only worsen if left alone. Please call our Westport, CT office at 203-227-2520 for a prompt appointment.