Saving Your Natural Tooth
A root canal removes infected or damaged pulp and replaces it with special dental materials to restore the tooth’s function. This procedure not only saves your natural tooth but also helps preserve the surrounding jawbone and tissues, preventing future pain and costly treatments. Root canal therapy is a safe and effective way to maintain your natural smile.
You may need a root canal if you experience:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Severe toothache pain
- Red or swollen gums near the affected tooth
- Tooth discolouration
- An abscess or pimple on the gums near the tooth
The Root Canal Treatment Plan
Depending on the severity of the abscess, we may apply medication inside the tooth to fully clear up any infection. If the procedure requires multiple visits, a temporary filling will be placed. At this point, you should feel some relief from any discomfort. Once your tooth is completely cleaned and healthy, it can be permanently sealed with a filling or crown. We take the time to ensure that the root canal is thorough and complete to prevent any future issues with the tooth.
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
The first step is to take an X-ray of the affected tooth and surrounding bone to determine the cause of your discomfort. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to control infection and reduce inflammation before the procedure. This helps relieve the pressure from infected swelling, often the source of pain, making the root canal process more comfortable.
Prepping the Tooth
We will numb the affected area with local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable. Once numb, we create an access hole in the tooth and remove the infected or damaged pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and debris. We take great care to make sure you are fully comfortable before beginning the procedure.
Sealing the Tooth
In some cases, medication may be placed inside the tooth to clear up the infection, depending on the severity of the abscess. If multiple visits are needed, we’ll place a temporary filling to protect the tooth. By this time, you may already feel relief from pain. The tooth will only be permanently sealed once it is thoroughly cleaned and healthy. We ensure that the root canal is complete and effective to avoid future issues.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients can drive themselves home after a root canal, as the effects of local anesthesia typically wear off quickly. However, it’s a good idea to have someone accompany you, just in case you experience any dizziness or discomfort.
After a root canal, maintaining good oral hygiene is key. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. Your dentist may recommend a follow-up appointment to check the tooth’s health and ensure it’s healing properly.
Root canal treatment generally takes one or two office visits, depending on the severity of the infection and the complexity of the procedure.
Modern root canal procedures are usually relatively pain-free, thanks to local anesthesia that numbs the affected area. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure.
If an infected or damaged tooth isn’t treated, the infection can spread, leading to serious health complications. In some cases, the only option may be to extract the affected tooth.
Saving a natural tooth with a root canal is generally preferred, as it preserves chewing function and helps prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.
You can return to normal eating habits after a root canal, but it’s best to avoid hard or sticky foods for a few days to minimize discomfort and aid the healing process.
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