Root Canals in Torrington, CT

Dr. Munroe’s Dental Center provides root canal treatment in Torrington, CT. Call 860-482-4041 to learn more and schedule your appointment.

If your tooth is badly damaged or decayed, root canal treatment may be able to save it. Although root canals are commonly feared, modern techniques have rendered this common procedure nearly pain-free. Here’s what you need to know.

Each tooth has one to four root canals filled with tooth pulp—a blend of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. We can treat one, some, or all of the canals in a single procedure, depending on your needs.

First, we will use local anesthetic to thoroughly numb the tooth. Then, we will drill a small hole through the crown of the tooth into the root chamber, exposing the canals. We will clean out all the damaged or infected tissue, and use a series of files to gently reshape the canal. We will then insert a post if needed to support the remaining tooth structure, and seal the canal with a biocompatible material. Finally, we will place a temporary crown or filling for you to wear while your final crown is custom made.

Occasionally, a tooth that needs a root canal shows no clear symptoms. Most of the time, though, you will experience some or all of the following signs:

• Tooth discoloration
• Pain, especially when chewing
• Swelling in the gums
• Temperature sensitivity in the tooth

If the tooth remains untreated, it is likely to become abscessed. Signs of an abscess include intense pain, severe swelling, significant bleeding, and worsening damage to the tooth and its support structures. Over time, you can even develop a system-wide bodily infection.

Unfortunately, if a tooth needs a root canal, there is no other option except pulling it. Dental implants and other restorations are good substitutes for teeth that cannot be saved, but your own teeth are always best. If a root canal will save the tooth, this is the right solution.

Although it is highly feared, a root canal is no more painful or difficult than any other dental technique. In fact, since infected teeth tend to cause severe pain, many patients feel significant relief as soon as the procedure is over. It is normal to feel some discomfort in the first 24 hours after your root canal, which typically responds well to over the counter painkillers.

Try not to chew directly on the tooth until you receive your permanent crown. It may be sensitive, and temporary fillings or crowns are not as strong as permanent crowns. However, you should be able to go back to work the next day, and you should feel back to normal within three days. If you do happen to have any unusual pain or bleeding, be sure to call us immediately.

If you need a root canal in Torrington, call 860-482-4041 to schedule your appointment.