Root Canal Therapy

At Comprehensive Dental Health in New Haven, CT, we provide safe, gentle root canals to help our patients preserve damaged teeth and prevent the spread of infection. Many patients may be nervous at the prospect of a root canal, however, we love showing everyone we treat that the procedure is no big deal! A routine dental technique that many, if not most people will experience at some point in their lives, root canals are highly effective at salvaging damaged or infected teeth so that we don’t need to worry about extracting the tooth instead. If you are experiencing symptoms of a struggling tooth, like discomfort, aching, or pain, schedule a dental exam today by calling our friendly team or booking an appointment online!

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy, commonly referred to as just a root canal, is a procedure meant to rehabilitate a damaged or infected tooth that is in danger of needing to be extracted, or taken out. A routine dental procedure that is performed millions of times a year, a root canal allows your dentist to save a tooth that you might otherwise lose. 

During a root canal, your dentist will make a small incision in your affected tooth (after making sure that you’re comfortably numb, of course!) Once inside, your dentist will gently clean out the inside of the tooth, removing the pulp (the soft nerve tissue that grows underneath the hard exterior of the tooth) along with any bacteria that have colonized the interior. 

After thoroughly cleaning the inside of the tooth, your dentist will then pack it full of a dental filler material and seal the incision with a filling or a crown. This will essentially restore full function to your tooth and prevent any infection from spreading, preserving both the treated tooth and protecting your gums and nearby teeth as well.

When Do I Need a Root Canal?

If you are experiencing symptoms of an infected tooth or have a tooth that has been heavily damaged by trauma (like a forceful impact), you may need a root canal to save the tooth. Infection can occur if a cavity is left untreated or as the result of ongoing tooth decay from gum disease, poor oral hygiene, or simple bad luck. Whatever the cause, a root canal can help clean up the infection and preserve your tooth.

What Are Symptoms I Should Look Out for?

Symptoms of an infected tooth can include:

  • Discomfort or pain in the tooth
  • Aching feelings
  • Bleeding gums 
  • Increased sensitivity

If you are experiencing symptoms like this, we suggest scheduling a dental exam so we can evaluate your needs and give you accurate treatment recommendations.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

A root canal can typically be completed during a single appointment, which will often last roughly an hour, depending on whether you need one or several root canals. Typically, you’ll feel completely back to normal after a few days at most.

What If I Feel Nervous?

Root canal procedure

We encourage you to talk to us about how you are feeling! Anxiety around dental work is totally normal — and our whole team wants to support you in feeling safe and comfortable. Let us know how we can help!

Schedule an Appointment Today to Get Started?

Need a dental checkup? Book an appointment today by calling our friendly team or scheduling online!

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