(203) 857-1285
WELCOME
Specialized Endodontic Care
PHILOSOPHY
Kintsugi, Japanese for "golden joinery," is a form of ceramics restoration that focuses on the beauty of repair and values preservation above replacement.
The difference between endodontic procedures and other treatment options is that we seek to preserve and repair your original tooth. While we do not use gold lacquer and the tooth will look completely natural when restored, the principles of Kintsugi are at the core of our approach to patient care.
ABOUT
Dr. Trisha Charland has been practicing dentistry since 2007, first as a general dentist and later specializing in endodontics in 2012. She has been a Board-Certified Diplomate in the American Board of Endodontics since 2013. Dr. Charland earned her undergraduate degree from Emory University and completed both her doctorate and endodontic specialty training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers School of Dental Medicine).
Dr. Charland is a second generation dentist; she believes her experience growing up around her father's practice and her time spent as a general dentist have provided her with a unique perspective when coordinating care with patients' primary dentists.
Dr. Charland opened Coastal Endodontics in 2022.
PROCEDURES
ROOT CANAL THERAPY
Keeping your natural tooth is important for your health and important to us. When patients experience pain or there is evidence of an infection, your dentist will perform a series of diagnostic tests to evaluate whether root canal therapy is possible.
For the procedure, it is first necessary to clean out the diseased tissue and bacteria from your tooth, then the space is filled and sealed off. Root canal therapy performed by an endodontist has a 97% success rate.
RETREATMENT
In cases where the initial root canal treatment is unsuccessful, an infection recurs. These subsequent infections can be due to variety of factors, such as residual bacteria remaining in the canal system or a fracture in the root of the tooth. If possible, another root canal treatment (retreatment) is recommended to eliminate the bacteria while retaining your natural tooth.
APICOECTOMY
An apicoectomy is a surgical procedure used to address infections in teeth when conditions preclude traditional root canal therapy treatment or retreatment options and is based upon consideration of a variety of factors. Common considerations include the complexity of the root anatomy, the presence of an existing restoration (crown or bridgework), and the extent of infection in the surrounding jaw.
During an apicoectomy, an incision is made in the gum to access the roots through the jaw. The tip of the root is resected (removed), the root canal system is cleaned and sealed via the resected root tip, and finally the incision is sutured. The procedure may also include a bone graft at the site of the surgery to assist the jaw in healing.
REGENERATIVE ENDODONTICS
When a child needs root canal therapy, their roots may not yet be fully developed. Regenerative procedures allow these immature roots to continue to develop before completing the root canal treatment. The resulting increases in thickness and strength of the root walls greatly decrease future chances of root fractures and has the highest success rate for retaining the tooth throughout the patient’s adult life.
INTERNAL BLEACHING
Internal bleaching is a cosmetic procedure to correct discoloration due to staining inside of a tooth. The type of staining that the procedure addresses does not respond to traditional external teeth whitening options.
TECHNOLOGY AND CERTIFICATION
CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CBCT)
The CBCT scan is an incredibly powerful diagnostic tool that has revolutionized endodontics. The imaging allows us to step through a three-dimensional model of the internal anatomy of your tooth at a microscopic level.
We can now identify important details such as fractures, calcified canals, resorption (a type of tooth or bone structure loss), detailed locations of an infection and disease, unusual tooth or bone structure, or any combination of these circumstances that are very difficult or impossible to diagnose from conventional two-dimensional imaging. CBCT scans give us a complete set of microscopic blueprints before your procedure begins.
DENTAL OPERATING MICROSCOPE
All treatment is completed using a microscope. The magnification allows us to operate on a very detailed scale. We can create the smallest possible opening in your tooth to perform the root canal treatment, conserving tooth structure, and saving existing restorations such as crowns.
GENTLEWAVE BY SONENDO
Among the tools available to endodontists, the GentleWave machine is a cleaning system used to rinse the microscopic surfaces of the pulp chamber and root canals once the tooth has been opened. During the procedure, an instrument forms a seal over the top of the tooth and uses sound waves to irrigate the inside of tooth with specially prepared fluids.
DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY
Digital X-rays are an electronic version of conventional two-dimensional radiographs. Modern digital radiography equipment exposes the patient to 80% less radiation than traditional film methods and the immediate availability of imagery provides real time diagnostic value. At Coastal Endodontics, we commonly use in-room digital X-rays to evaluate progress during treatment.
AMERICAN BOARD OF ENDODONTICS
Dr. Charland is a board certified endodontist. Less than 15% of endodontists are board certified. In order to become a Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics (ABE), an endodontist must successfully complete a series of rigorous examinations and submit cases demonstrating clinical excellence. In addition to the board certification, Dr. Charland believes it is important to stay current with all new academic research and technological advancements in the field in order to provide her patients with the absolute highest possible standard of care.
LOCATION + HOURS
By Appointment: Monday through Friday | 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Riverview East Building
148 East Avenue
Suite 2F
Norwalk, CT 06851
(203) 857-1285