Root Canals in Fairfield, CT

If you’re still experiencing pain after a root canal, you may be wondering why. Aren’t root canals meant to take your pain away? There are many reasons why your tooth may still hurt. It is possible that the base of your tooth root (periapical) is still slightly tender or that your pain is caused by a temporary filling that is a bit too high. In these cases, taking OTC painkillers, preferably ibuprofen, may be all you need to alleviate your pain while your root canal heals.

However, if you’ve had a root canal at our practice in Fairfield, CT and are still experiencing pain that is severe or persistent, you should call our office immediately. Dr. Keith Rudolph may need to prescribe you an antibiotic to make sure the infection does not remain, or he may need to perform retreatment.

At your follow-up appointment, the dentist will want to know what type of pain you are experiencing. Is your tooth sensitive to hot and cold? Is it the tooth root that is sensitive or the gums that are over the tooth? Is it a constant ache, or does it only hurt when biting? Is there any swelling, drainage or pus? The answers to these questions will give Dr. Rudolph the information he needs to diagnose your pain.

Root canals don’t always work, and there are many reasons for this, including fractures of the root, convoluted or twisted root structures and failure to protect the root canal after the procedure. If this occurs, you may need further treatment. If the root canal was successful, it should feel normal most of the time.

To schedule an appointment with our office, call 203-930-1214. For more information, please visit www.drkeithrudolph.com.

Teeth Whitening with Dr. Keith Rudolph

Keeping your teeth white can be a lot harder than you might think. Even with diligent brushing, flossing and dental cleanings, teeth can still lose their gleam. This is because your teeth are constantly in contact with the acid in food and drinks, which can cause them to become dull and stained despite proper oral care. However, surface staining is reversible, and teeth whitening services from our office in Fairfield, CT can help you restore the luster to your smile and help you achieve the megawatt smile you desire.

Teeth whitening services are becoming more and more popular, and as the demand for whiter teeth increases, patients are realizing that over-the-counter techniques just aren’t as effective as options offered by their dentist. Dr. Keith Rudolph offers the take-home tray system, an effective teeth whitening method that can give patients exceptional smiles in only a few sessions.

When providing these services, Dr. Rudolph will start by taking an impression of your teeth for crafting the custom whitening trays—trays that you will be able to use again and again. After the trays have been completed, you will be able to apply the gentle, whitening gel to the trays and wear them for a short period of time, usually around 40 to 60 minutes. After you have completed a few sessions spaced out over a couple of days, you should see your smile whiten by four to eight shades!

Whitening your teeth is an easy and dramatic way to improve the look of your smile. Call 203-930-1214 to schedule an appointment. For more information, please visit www.drkeithrudolph.com.

Dental Crowns in Fairfield, CT

Crowns are used to protect and strengthen teeth that have become extremely weak, decayed or fractured. Covering your affected tooth and restoring it to its original shape and size, dental crowns (sometimes called caps) can help reduce pain, save your tooth from needing to be extracted and keep your smile beautiful and functional. At our office in Fairfield, CT, Dr. Keith Rudolph can see if a crown is necessary to save your smile.

Over time, as your teeth begin to weaken, they become more susceptible to problems, including decay, cracks and discoloration. Crowns are usually only necessary if decay has reached the point where the tooth structure has become compromised. At our office, we use CEREC restorations, which are made of compressed porcelain and are stronger than the layered porcelain crowns created in a laboratory. In addition to being stronger and longer-wearing, CEREC restorations can also be created and installed in only one visit, unlike laboratory restorations, which can take weeks to complete and require a temporary crown or restoration to be placed in the meantime.

The placement procedure for a CEREC restoration is easy and doesn’t require you to bite on any goopy and uncomfortable impression material. First all the decay is removed from your teeth, and then the dentist shapes the tooth in preparation for the digital 3D video impression that is taken with a digital camera. The camera is attached to a computer screen, which displays the 3D image, allowing the dentist to design the restoration in front of you. Then the CEREC machine creates the crown in about 15 minutes, and the dentist adheres it to the abutment. The entire process, from design to installation, takes around an hour for each tooth.

To schedule an appointment, call 203-930-1214. For more information, please visit www.drkeithrudolph.com.