Young man clutching mouth in pain

Root Canal Infections

Do you have a tooth with nagging sensitivity or acute pain? Both are possible signs of a root canal infection. Timely root canal treatment can ease the pain and help you avoid tooth extraction or expensive follow-up procedures. Kasperowski Family Dentistry in Westfield, MA, uses gentle dental techniques to relieve root canal pain and restore your oral health.

Are You in Acute Pain?

A root canal is a dental emergency. If your root canal infection has advanced to the point where you are in acute pain, we will arrange care as soon as possible. Don't tough it out. Request an appointment now.

"Hands down the best dentist."

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Sam Browne

2019

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I'm a new patient here, had my first cleaning yesterday. After leaving my childhood dentist for a slew of horrible things I won't get into, I was very nervous to go to a new dentist. They made me feel right at home as soon as I walked in the door...

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Kyle Majerowski

2019

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Hands down the best and only dentist I will ever go to. Everyone there is nice and very careful I’ve never had a bad experience there and I absolutely hate the dentist. They are the best and I can’t thank them enough.

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Do I Need a Root Canal?

While acute pain is the signal no one misses with a root canal infection, there are other, more subtle signs that a root canal is needed.

Severe Toothache

Swollen Gums or Cheeks

Bad Taste in Your Mouth

Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

Pain When Biting or Chewing

Chronic Bad Breath

Tooth Discoloration

The Pain Stopped Do I Still Need a Root Canal?
 

In a word: Yes. When an infected tooth stops hurting, it doesn't mean that the infection cleared up on its own. It just means that the nerve inside your tooth has died. The infection is still present in the soft tissue and blood vessels inside your tooth. From there, the infection can spread to the gums, other teeth, and jaw. Left unchecked, the infection can even spread to your bloodstream, which is a medical emergency.

If you've experienced symptoms of an infected tooth, the dentists at Kasperowski Family Dentistry in Westfield, MA, will take dental X-rays and examine your mouth to confirm that you need a root canal before recommending treatment.

The Advantage of Studying Endodontics You Don't Have to Wait for Treatment From an Endodontist

Endodontics is the field of dentistry that concerns dental pulp, tooth roots, and the tooth chamber. Root canal treatment is considered endodontic treatment and can be completed by a general dentist or endodontist.

If you need root canal therapy to alleviate your pain, save your tooth, and treat any abscesses, you don't have to familiarize yourself with an endodontist. Our dentists, Bryan Kasperowski and Meghan Kelley, can help you. They have both undergone extensive training in the field of endodontics and can provide you with the same advanced techniques you would receive from an endodontist. With their gentle application, root canal treatment is about as painful as getting a temporary filling.

If you need an endodontics procedure, contact Kasperowski Family Dentistry today

Patients Enjoy Our Westfield Dental Office

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Michelle Cretella

2021

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Meghan Kelley is the best dentist I have ever had! Very professional, personable, and cares about your comfort and concerns. Takes the time to explain everything and answer all questions asked thoroughly. Highly recommend!!

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Michael Leganza

2020

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Great dental care. Dr Al and Dr Brian provide friendly, professional quality care. The office staff is friendly and helpful. The hygienists take time to make sure all is good with every checkup. If you have emergencies or questions, as a regular patient they get you right in and take care of any questions, concerns or problems that need attention. If you need a great dentist, call Kasperowski up!

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Are There Any Alternatives  to Root Canal Treatment?

The only alternative to root canal treatment is extraction, which is sometimes required if the infection is severe and the tooth can't be saved. If your tooth must be extracted, you will require a dental implant to prevent shifting teeth and diminishing jawbone tissue, oral health problems that occur after losing a tooth.

If you do need a tooth extraction, Dr. Alan Kasperowski can place a dental implant, provided that you have enough jawbone density. While nothing compares to your natural tooth, a dental implant is the strongest option for patients with missing teeth.

Though our Westfield dentists can replace a missing tooth with a dental implant and restoration, we recommend not allowing your infection to progress that far. You can save yourself time and money by treating your root canal infection promptly.

Dental implant

Gentle Root Canal Treatment Steps Procedure Timeline

Our dentists are trained in endodontic treatments and have extensive training in oral surgery, pain management, and implant surgery
Our dentists are trained in endodontic treatments and have extensive training in oral surgery, pain management, and implant surgery

Consultation

Our dentist will assess your mouth, taking X-rays and performing other tests to confirm you need a root canal treatment.

Anesthesia

To quickly reduce any pain you are experiencing and ensure you remain comfortable throughout treatment, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic.

Removing the Infection

Next, the dentist will create a small opening in the tooth to reach the infected soft tissue inside. The dentist will then remove the pulp and disinfect the interior.  If you have an abscess, our dentist will drain it. 

Filling the Tooth

After the pulp has been removed, the dentist may insert pins into the root canals to strengthen them. For added support, the tooth will be filled with a rubber-like dental material. A temporary filling will then be used to seal the hole and protect your tooth until your crown can be placed.

Crown Preparation

Most patients will need a dental crown to protect the treated tooth. A crown encases the tooth to strengthen it and protect it from bacteria. Your dentist will reshape the treated tooth so that the crown easily slips over it.

Impressions

Next, the dentist will use an intraoral camera to capture a 3D image of the tooth. Our patients appreciate not having to sit with goopy impression material in their mouths. These precise 3D images help the dentist design a crown with a precise fit. The dentist will carefully shade-match the crown to your other teeth for a natural-looking appearance. 

Fabrication

It generally takes about a week for our trusted lab to create your permanent crown, so we will create a temporary crown for you to wear during this time.

Crown Placement

When you return to our Westfield practice we'll place the crown, testing it for fit and appearance. When both you and the dentist are pleased with the result, the crown will be cemented in place. Your crown is designed to withstand normal chewing and give you years of reliable service.

Aftercare 

​After your root canal treatment at our Westfield dental office, we recommend you:

Rest

For the first few days after your procedure, you should give the treatment site time to heal. You will likely experience some swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter medication and a cold compress can help you manage your symptoms.

Eat Soft Foods

Hard foods can irritate the treatment site, so we recommend eating soft foods like applesauce and mashed potatoes that require little to no chewing. Over the next few days, sensitivity in the mouth should fade and you can return to your normal diet.

Be Gentle

You should continue to maintain good oral hygiene but be gentle. Continue brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to maintain your oral health and minimize your risk of needing another root canal treatment in the future.

If you experience prolonged pain, swelling, or bleeding, contact our Westfield dental office so we can examine your treatment site.

What Causes Root Canal Infections?

Untreated Cavity

Untreated cavities just get bigger and bigger and will eventually reach the pulp inside the tooth.

Loose Fillings

A loose filling can lead to new decay and an opportunity for bacteria to infect a tooth's root canal.

Cracks

A crack can be an open door for bacteria to find its way to a tooth's pulp, necessitating a root canal.

Trauma

Dental trauma can damage both the hard exterior of a tooth and the pulp inside.

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits

Root canals often start as simple cavities. But the cavities keep growing and growing until they pierce the hard outer shell of your tooth and reach the tissue inside. Regular dental visits can help you avoid this by catching cavities when they're still small.

"The most friendly, competent, and dedicated staff."

1

Russ Sweeny

2018

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I travel an hour for the most friendly, competent, and dedicated staff. Not many places around where the staff genuinely know each patient. Dr's. Alan and Brian always impress me. All I can say is thank you.

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Carri Greenman

2018

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I have been avoiding the dentist for years because of fear from past experiences. The entire staff at Kasperowski Dental has made me feel so comfortable from the moment you walk into the office until you leave. They listen to you and make the entire experience a pleasant one. Dr. Bryan is the BEST!

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Kasperowski Family Dentistry

At Kasperowski Family Dentistry, our priority is providing an exceptional dental experience by focusing on:

  • Comprehensive treatment
  • The needs of patients of all ages
  • A comfortable environment
  • Personalized, patient-centric care

To schedule a consultation, contact us online or call us at (413) 562-5494​.

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