Our primary goal is to save your natural teeth whenever possible. Our practice specializes in Endodontics, commonly referred to as root canal therapy. Endodontics is the treatment of the pulp and surrounding tissues of a tooth. When root canal therapy is performed the pulp chamber of the tooth is removed and then filled with a suitable filling material. Root canals are most often necessary when decay has reached the nerve of the tooth or the tooth has become infected. People have anywhere from 1 to 4 canals in a tooth. Extra canals may branch out and are called accessory canals. The number of canals and anatomy of a tooth can vary. The word endo comes from the Greek language and means inside or within. Endodontists work with the inside of a tooth.
Occasionally a tooth that was treated months or years ago may develop new problems. In some cases a tooth that has received endodontic treatment fails to heal or continues to have pain. You may have another chance to save the tooth with a second endodontic procedure.
In some cases it may be necessary to remove the infected root tips or apex and the nearby tissue. This is known as a apical surgery or an apicoectomy. The area around the apex of the tooth that is infected is cleaned, and the tip of the root is resected and sealed. Sutures are placed and an ice pack is applied. Medication is prescribed to help alleviate any pain or discomfort and it is best to plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Most patients will have some minor swelling and occasional bruising with some numbness.
Symptoms of a cracked tooth are varied and may include pain when chewing, temperature sensitivity or pressure sensitivity or a combination of these. Because the pain often comes and goes, it can be very difficult to recognize what is causing the problem. It can sometimes even be difficult to identify exactly which tooth is causing the discomfort.
Even small movement of the cracked tooth pieces during chewing can cause irritation to the tooths pulp, which causes pain. Similarly, when the bite is released, the crack can close quickly, causing sharp pain. Over time, the tooth pulp will become damaged. As this happens, the tooth will hurt more consistently. Cracks can sometimes lead to infections in the pulp tissue and spread to the surrounding gum and bone.
Traumatic injuries can result in the need for dental treatment. Fractured or cracked teeth, a displaced tooth, or even a tooth that has been knocked out (avulsed) are common results of dental trauma. Each of these conditions requires specific treatment, dictated by the effect of the injury on the tooth, whether or not the tooth is deciduous (a baby tooth) or permanent (adult), and the time between the injury and treatment, among other considerations. Any dental trauma requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment. Treatment may include a splint, medication, a root canal or other procedures. Once treated, your tooth will be monitored to ensure it is healing as expected and so that any injuries or infections can be quickly resolved.
The blood vessels, nerves, and tissue that keep a tooth healthy and alive are located in the tooths pulp, which is protected by the outer enamel and tooth structure. Sometimes the pulp can become infected. The infected pulp can be removed with a pulpotomy. A medicated dressing is then placed in the tooth chamber to prevent further infection and to promote the healing of the remaining pulp. The chamber is then sealed. Because this procedure is often performed on deciduous (baby) teeth, it is sometimes referred to as a baby root canal.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 11 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestDanielle Corrigan
2 years ago
Dr . Shur and his lovely assistant provided excellent care for my first root canal. Painless, quick, and easy! They have a great team.
Katy Hollander
2 years ago
I just had my first experience with this practice and am so grateful my 'regular' dentist gave me a referral for my root canal. I was anxious and have always considered myself to have a low threshold for pain. If you're at all like me, please know that they will take excellent care of you. Never had such a pain free local injection, let alone root canal! I mean, who writes a review for root canal?! But, it was THAT easy. Great appreciation to the entire team. Five stars. Will (sadly) come here again, without hesitation.
Joell Jacob
2 years ago
While on vacation in Maine from CT, I was in need of an emergency root canal. I called so many places on a Sunday and Dr. G actually called me back! She helped me figure out how to survive the pain until someone could see me the next day as I figured I could make it through the night. The front desk staff were friendly, patient and helpful. Dr. Todd Mellin was very kind, informative and proficient with the help of his cordial assistant Kalen. This was my first root canal and it was over so quickly and efficiently. I'm eternally grateful to Dr. Mellin and staff. They squeezed my appointment in and I was able to continue on with my much needed vacation. Highly recommended!
Carissa Devar
2 years ago
Best endodontist I've ever been too...Ask for Dr. G.
Elisabeth Allison Jamieson
2 years ago
There office is clean and comfortable, the front desk staff kind, helpful and were able to get me right in when I was in dire need of a root canal. The Dr's were amazing - I have had 3 root canals done over the course of 4 years and every time the service was fabulous. I felt the Dr's were compassionate, patient and thorough. The procedure itself (while nerve wracking for me personally) was seamless. They made me feel as physically comfortable as possible and explained the steps of the procedure so I was mentally comfortable. Additionally, the Dr made certain to go over the follow up care thoroughly to make certain there was no confusion. The next day, I received a follow up call from the Dr to confirm I was feeling better and to address any questions or concerns. Hands down, this office and its practitioners are professional, compassion and very good at what they do.
Mallory Evans
3 years ago
I cannot speak more highly of Dr. Coppola and the excellent treatment I received from he and his staff. They took me on as a new patient with an emergent root canal need. He and his staff helped me figure out the treatment costs and how to afford it all, as I wasn't ready for this expensive problem to arise! But Dr. Coppola was so kind and understanding, his staff helped me figure out payment options. The office is top of the line, so clean, and so careful with Covid-safe regulations. His website is beautiful and easy to use. The office is so well-located in Portland, no parking issues. I am so glad I got into contact with Dr. Coppola during my root canal needs, I was in such pain and he got antibiotics prescribed for me right away. He fixed the root canal so thoroughly and my molar feels stronger than ever. I will be using Dr. Coppola for all of mine and my family's endodontic needs!
Elisabeth Allison Jamieson
3 years ago
There office is clean and comfortable, the front desk staff kind, helpful and were able to get me right in when I was in dire need of a root canal. The Dr's were amazing - I have had 3 root canals done over the course of 4 years and every time the service was fabulous. I felt the Dr's were compassionate, patient and thorough. The procedure itself (while nerve wracking for me personally) was seamless. They made me feel as physically comfortable as possible and explained the steps of the procedure so I was mentally comfortable. Additionally, the Dr made certain to go over the follow up care thoroughly to make certain there was no confusion. The next day, I received a follow up call from the Dr to confirm I was feeling better and to address any questions or concerns. Hands down, this office and its practitioners are professional, compassion and very good at what they do.
Mallory Evans
3 years ago
I cannot speak more highly of Dr. Coppola and the excellent treatment I received from he and his staff. They took me on as a new patient with an emergent root canal need. He and his staff helped me figure out the treatment costs and how to afford it all, as I wasn't ready for this expensive problem to arise! But Dr. Coppola was so kind and understanding, his staff helped me figure out payment options. The office is top of the line, so clean, and so careful with Covid-safe regulations. His website is beautiful and easy to use. The office is so well-located in Portland, no parking issues. I am so glad I got into contact with Dr. Coppola during my root canal needs, I was in such pain and he got antibiotics prescribed for me right away. He fixed the root canal so thoroughly and my molar feels stronger than ever. I will be using Dr. Coppola for all of mine and my family's endodontic needs!
Katelyn Gilleo
4 years ago
Dr. Coppola was amiable and professional, and the assisting, Heather, was phenomenally friendly and absolutely the best. The office was friendly and up-front about how much the procedure would cost, and I felt at home at every stage in the game. Highly recommend.
Kate G.
4 years ago
The endodontist is always professional and kind, and the staff is lovely and so helpful. I've been working through a lot of dental work due to an accident and they are by far the most pleasant experience I've had so far. The hygienist who worked with me was Heather and she was exceptional. I always feel like a person here, rather than just a patient.
Katelyn Gilleo
5 years ago
Dr. Coppola was amiable and professional, and the assisting, Heather, was phenomenally friendly and absolutely the best. The office was friendly and up-front about how much the procedure would cost, and I felt at home at every stage in the game. Highly recommend.
Kate G.
5 years ago
The endodontist is always professional and kind, and the staff is lovely and so helpful. I've been working through a lot of dental work due to an accident and they are by far the most pleasant experience I've had so far. The hygienist who worked with me was Heather and she was exceptional. I always feel like a person here, rather than just a patient.
Amy Semon
5 years ago
Very Nice and caring
Janette Johnson
5 years ago
I came in today for a root canal with Dr. Todd Mellon I was so nervous. He came in to meet me and with great bedside manner he had me feeling calm and even excited to be out of this horrible pain. They were able to see me the day I called because of the amount of pain I was in. Such wonderful staff very welcoming and helpful. I can't thank Dr. Mellon enough for the kindness he showed me. Thank you!!! I feel amazing! No more pain!
Amy Semon
6 years ago
Very Nice and caring
Janette Johnson
6 years ago
I came in today for a root canal with Dr. Todd Mellon I was so nervous. He came in to meet me and with great bedside manner he had me feeling calm and even excited to be out of this horrible pain. They were able to see me the day I called because of the amount of pain I was in. Such wonderful staff very welcoming and helpful. I can't thank Dr. Mellon enough for the kindness he showed me. Thank you!!! I feel amazing! No more pain!
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