Norwich Endodontic Services

What To Expect

As a general rule, we like to begin with a “consultation visit” which includes state of the art imaging and testing in order to properly diagnose your problem. In many cases, we do not truly know the extent of your problem until this imaging is completed and testing performed.  This visit also allows you to meet our team and have a chance to discuss your situation with one of our doctors. We encourage asking questions so that you are comfortable with the treatment plan proposed for your tooth.  In many cases, we find that root canal is not the only option so this visit helps us to determine what the best plan is for you. 

 If you are to return for root canal therapy, you will see the same doctor that you met during your consultation visit and they will do their very best to insure you have a pleasant and comfortable experience! You can drive yourself to and from the visit (unless otherwise instructed) and can eat normally before your visit. We use a local anesthetic to numb the area so you will not be asleep. A dental dam is used to keep the area clean and isolated; it also protects you from swallowing anything. Believe it or not most people really like it! If you are claustrophobic or have any other issues that concern you about the dam, please discuss these at your visit as we lots of tricks to make things more comfortable. We have bite blocks, or “tooth pillows” as we like to call them, to help if your jaw gets sore from holding open or if you have any issues with your joint (TMJ). The tools we use can be a little loud so feel free to bring ear buds or head phones. It is hard to say how long the procedure will last as every tooth is different but an hour is a good estimate. We generally schedule longer than we need so plenty of time to get things really numb!

Some teeth require more than one appointment with us. Your doctor will let you know if this is the case for your tooth. If so, you will have a temporary filling between appointments and should not have any issues eating as long as you wait a few hours before chewing directly on the tooth.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay, infection or inflammation. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need of dental implants or bridges. At the center of your tooth is pulp. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Typical symptoms of an inflamed nerve include sensitivity to hot, cold and percussion. If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment from an endodontist to eliminate the diseased pulp. The injured pulp is removed and the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in more then 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to endodontic treatment or the chance of success is unfavorable, you will be informed at the time of your consultation or when a complication becomes evident during or after treatment.

Endodontic Retreatment

With proper care, most teeth that have had endodontic (root canal) treatment can last as long as other natural teeth. However, in some cases, a tooth that has received endodontic treatment fails to heal as expected due to reinfection or other complications. A retreatment is similar to an initial root canal but instead of removing the pulp tissue, the doctors will remove the old root canal filling material and reinstitute root canal therapy.

Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy, also called root end resection, is a surgical procedure intended to remove infection from the root tip and the surrounding tissue. It is necessary when an infection and inflammation continues after root canal therapy or endodontic retreatment. During this procedure, an incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the bone and surrounding inflamed tissue. The damaged tissue is removed along with the end of the root tip. A root-end filling is placed to prevent re-infection of the root and the gum is sutured. The bone naturally heals around the root over a period of months, restoring full function. Following the procedure, there may be some discomfort or slight swelling while the incision heals. This is normal for any surgical procedure. To alleviate any discomfort, an appropriate pain medication will be recommended.

Cracked Teeth

Cracked teeth display a variety of symptoms, including erratic pain when chewing, possibly with release of biting pressure, or pain when your tooth is exposed to temperature extremes. In many cases, the pain may come and go, and your dentist may have difficulty locating which tooth is causing the discomfort. Chewing can cause movement of the cracked pieces of your tooth, and the pulp within the tooth becomes irritated. At the same time, when biting pressure is released, the crack can close quickly, resulting in sharp pain. Eventually, the pulp will become damaged and the symptoms will worsen or become more constant. Cracks can lead to infection of the pulp tissue.

Digital X-Rays and Microscopic Technology

Using the most advanced dental technology possible is just as important as staying up-to-date on the latest treatment techniques. Because our practice is dedicated to providing you with the safest and most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital X-ray and microscopic technology in our office. Digital X-rays provide several advanced imaging options designed to save time, provide clearer dental photos, and expose patients to 90% less radiation than with traditional X-ray technology.

Dislodged Teeth

Injuries to the mouth can cause teeth to be pushed back into their sockets. If the tooth is pushed partially out of the socket, Drs. Amaro may re-position and stabilize your tooth. If the pulp remains healthy, then no other treatment is necessary. However, if the pulp becomes damaged or infected, root canal treatment will be required. Root canal treatment is usually started within a few weeks of the injury and a medication, such as calcium hydroxide, will be placed inside the tooth. Eventually, a permanent root canal filling will be placed and the canal will be sealed.

Avulsed Teeth

If an injury causes a tooth to be completely knocked out of your mouth, it is important that you seek treatment immediately! It is important to keep the avulsed tooth moist. If possible, put it back into the socket. A tooth can be saved if it remains moist. You can even put the tooth in milk or a glass of water (add a pinch of salt).The doctors may start root canal treatment based upon the stage of root development. The length of time the tooth was out of your mouth and the way the tooth was stored may influence the type of treatment you receive and how successful the outcome.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide, known to many as laughing gas, is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry. It is administered by having the patient inhale the gas, which is carefully monitored by your doctor. You will fall into a euphoric state and feel completely relaxed. All feelings of fear and anxiety fade away, leaving you to sit back peacefully while your dental procedure is performed. In most cases all dental work can be completed in one visit while you are sedated.

CBCT 3D Imaging

Our office is proud to utilize the technology of CBCT 3D imaging. 3D digital x-rays, also referred to as Cone Beam CT imaging, are digital CAT scans of the areas of the mouth and jaw. These scans are created quickly and efficiently, and they allow us to know more about your anatomy during the planning phase, so that we can perform less invasive procedures.