Saving Your Natural Tooth
During a root canal procedure, the infected or damaged pulp of the tooth is removed and replaced with special dental materials to restore the tooth to full function. This not only saves the natural tooth, extending its lifetime, but also protects and preserves the jaw bone and supporting tissues around the tooth. Saving the natural tooth wherever possible can also prevent future pain and expenses. Root canal therapy is a safe and effective way to maintain your natural smile and oral health.
Root canal therapy may be necessary if you experience any of the following signs:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Severe toothache pain.
- Red or swollen gums near the affected tooth.
- Discolouration of the tooth.
- 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 undergo an X-ray of the affected tooth and surrounding bone to determine the cause of your discomfort. In some cases, your dentist or endodontist may prescribe antibiotics to control infection and reduce inflammation before the root canal procedure. This can help to relieve the pressure from infected swelling, which is often the cause of pain during a root canal. By reducing inflammation before the procedure, the root canal can be performed with less discomfort and a smoother overall experience.
Prepping the Tooth
We will carefully numb the affected area with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Once you are comfortable, an access hole will be drilled into the tooth, and the infected or damaged pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and related debris will be removed. Your comfort and peace of mind are important to us, and we take the time to ensure that you are fully numb and comfortable before beginning the procedure.
Sealing the Tooth
We may apply medication inside the tooth to completely clear up any infection, depending on the severity of the abscess. If the procedure requires multiple visits, we will apply a temporary filling to the access hole to protect the tooth until your next appointment. At this point, you may already feel some relief from any pain or discomfort you were experiencing. It’s important to note that your tooth can only be permanently sealed with a filling or crown once it is thoroughly cleaned and healthy. We take the time to ensure that the root canal procedure is complete and thorough to prevent any future issues with the tooth.
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 are able to drive themselves home after a root canal, as the effects of the local anesthesia wear off relatively quickly. However, it’s always a good idea to have someone accompany you to your appointment, just in case you experience any dizziness or discomfort.
After a root canal, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. Your dentist may also recommend a follow-up appointment to check the health of the tooth and ensure that it is healing properly.
Root canal treatment can usually be completed in one or two office visits, depending on the severity of the infection and the complexity of the procedure.
Modern root canal procedures are typically relatively pain-free, and are performed with local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure.
If an infected or damaged tooth is left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health complications. In some cases, the only alternative to a root canal is to extract the affected tooth.
Saving a natural tooth with a root canal is usually preferred because it maintains chewing function and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting.
You can resume normal eating habits after a root canal, but it’s advisable to avoid hard or sticky foods for a few days to prevent discomfort.
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