General Dentistry and Preventative Care Services
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Root Canal Therapy
There is a myth that root canals are painful, but this is untrue. Root canals are painless. The problem resulting in the need for this treatment is where the pain comes from, whereas root canals take away the agony.
Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and a hard layer named dentin, there is a soft tissue called pulp. Pulps help grow the root of your tooth while it develops. When pulp becomes infected or inflamed and you have discomfort or swelling, it may be time for you to visit our team at Stoney Trail Dental for a root canal.
What is root canal therapy?
In order to prevent discomfort and infection, the infected or inflamed pulp is removed during this dental surgery, and the interior of the tooth is meticulously cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed with a sterile rubber filling in the root canal.
Pulp tissue is located inside your tooth, beneath the dentin and white enamel. Throughout its development, the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue found in this tissue aid in the growth of your tooth's root. Because the tooth is still being fed by the tissues around it, a fully mature tooth can live without the pulp.
Your natural tooth's pulp, or soft tissue, is composed of blood vessels and nerves. It can sustain damage or profound degradation that causes irreversible illness.
Signs You Need a Root Canal Treatment
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Painful chewing or biting
- Pimple-like bump on the gum
What happens during root canal treatment?
During a root canal procedure, several steps are taken to treat an infected or damaged tooth. Here's an overview of what happens during a root canal, If a completed root canal treatment fails, then there will be a need to book a second session with us. During the second session, we will shape and fill the canals:
Initial Examination:
Your dentist will examine your tooth and may take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage or infection.
Anesthesia:
Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring you're comfortable during the procedure.
Isolation:
A rubber dam or dental dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva during the procedure.
Accessing the Tooth Pulp:
The dentist creates an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp chamber.
Removing Infected Tissue:
Specialized dental instruments are used to carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals.
Cleaning and Shaping:
The root canals are cleaned and shaped using small files and irrigation solutions to remove bacteria from the tooth.
Disinfecting the Canals:
Antimicrobial solutions are used to disinfect the root canals and eliminate any remaining bacteria.
Filling and Sealing:
The cleaned and shaped root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal them and prevent recontamination. The opening in the tooth's crown is also sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
Restoring the Tooth:
In some cases, a dental crown may be placed over the tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance.
Follow-up Care:
Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure the success of the root canal treatment. Proper oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups, is essential for maintaining the health of the treated tooth.
Overall, a root canal procedure aims to save a tooth that would otherwise require extraction due to infection or damage. With advances in dental technology and techniques, root canals have become more comfortable and successful, helping patients preserve their natural teeth and oral health.
What happens after a root canal?
After a root canal procedure, patients typically experience a brief recovery period during which some tenderness or discomfort around the treated tooth may occur, usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications. Follow-up appointments are scheduled by the dentist to monitor the tooth's healing process and ensure there are no signs of infection or complications. If a temporary filling was placed, patients should avoid chewing on that side until a final restoration, like a dental crown, is fitted. Maintaining good oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use is crucial, as is attending routine dental check-ups to prevent future issues. Any unusual symptoms, such as persistent pain or swelling, should be reported to the dentist promptly for further evaluation and treatment.
Risks / Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment offers both risks and benefits. Risks include the possibility of discomfort during and after the procedure, incomplete removal of infection leading to potential reoccurrence, a slight risk of tooth fracture without proper reinforcement, and rare complications like instrument breakage or allergic reactions. However, the benefits are significant. Root canals preserve natural teeth, providing relief from severe tooth pain and sensitivity while improving overall oral health by eliminating infection and inflammation. Treated teeth can remain functional for many years with proper care, and root canal treatment is often more cost-effective than tooth extraction followed by replacement options. Overall, the benefits of root canal treatment, such as pain relief, preservation of natural teeth, and long-term durability, outweigh the associated risks for most patients.
Take the First Step Toward Relief in Calgary SE, AB:
If you're experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling gums, you may be in need of root canal treatment. Root canal therapy is a highly effective procedure designed to save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. Rather than opting for tooth extraction, root canal treatment allows you to preserve your natural tooth and restore its health and function.
Don't let tooth pain or discomfort disrupt your daily life. If you suspect you may need root canal treatment, we're here to help. Contact Stoney Trail Dental today to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled dentists. Take the first step toward relief, and restore your smile's health and vitality.