The Root Canal Procedure

Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling, and/or drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gum tissues. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms and this is why it’s important to visit Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS for routine checkups.

The words “root canal” alone is scary for most people, but most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. To start the procedure itself, the area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic. Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the canal where he will be able to remove the infected tissue and clean the canal. After the infection has been removed, the empty space is filled with a sealant called “gutta-percha.” In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The filling will be removed before the tooth is fully restored.

If you have questions regarding an upcoming root canal, give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

Explaining the Root Canal Procedure

When a tooth’s nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. Before the bacteria can cause an infection or an abscessed tooth, Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS may recommend a root canal. A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. If you’ve been told that a root canal is right for you, we’d like to explain the process to make you feel calmer about the procedure itself.

The root canal procedure requires one or more office visits and can be performed right here in the office. The first step in the procedure is to take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Once anesthesia is administered, Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS will make an opening in the crown of the tooth. Very small instruments are then used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling. After the empty space is cleaned and shaped, he will fill the root canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. There may be some soreness after the procedure, but that is perfectly normal.

If you have a tooth that is causing you pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Rudolph, DDS in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533. 

Why Do Root Canals Have a Bad Rep?

The term “root canal” is bound to send shivers down your spine, especially if you need one performed, but why? Preconceived notions that root canal treatment is filled with pain and discomfort are nothing more than outdated myths. In fact, root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain, it actually relieves it. This is because when Dr. Keith Rudolph performs a root canal he is saving your tooth in the process.

Root canal or endodontic treatment is necessary when the inside, or pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels – essentially they keep the tooth alive. It is through the pulp that temperature and pain are perceived. The inflammation or infection can have many causes but mostly are the result of deep decay or trauma. Not only can a root canal procedure protect your mouth from further damage, but it eliminates the pain you may have been experiencing because of the infection.

If you have questions about root canal therapy as well as other dental services that Dr. Keith Rudolph provides at the office, give us a call, or visit www.drkeithrudolph.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Keith Rudolph in Fairfield, CT, call 203-254-9533.