Calgary, AB Root Canal dentist, Toothache, Tooth Pain,

Root Canal (Endodontics)

Root canal therapy, or endodontics, is the process of removing the nerves from the roots of a tooth when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed. If an infected tooth is left alone for a long period of time, an abscess can form. An abscess will show up on an x-ray as a dark spot below the apex of the root. This is actually bone loss in the jaw. It is very important to catch this problem before it deteriorates too far.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patient believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for the adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is a highly successful procedure and usually last a lifetime, although in rare situations, a tooth may have to be re-treated due to a new infection.

Signs and symptoms that you may need a root canal therapy:

Moderate to severe lingering toothache pain and sensitivity when drinking hot or cold liquids or foods.
Moderate to severe pain when biting on a tooth
Sensitivity to tapping or pressure on the tooth
Toothache that wakes you up in the middle of the night
A pimple or abcess on the gums that may release pus or blood
Radiating pain from one area of the mouth to another
Swelling and/or tenderness
Sometimes there are no symptoms present

Why do I need a root canal?

There are a number of reasons why one of your teeth may need a root canal. These include but are not limited to, a very deep cavity that extends into the nerve, a trauma to the tooth that exposes the nerve, a crack in the tooth that extends into the nerve of the tooth, or an infection/abcess has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.

Procedure

A root canal usually requires one appointment to complete. It can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist).

The first step of the procedure is to anesthetize the effected area. While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. The next step is to open an access point through the top, or biting surface of the tooth. The doctor will then determine a working length of each canal. Each canal is then cleaned and shaped in preparation for the filling material. Once each canal is prepared, it is filled with an inert material called gutta percha. The canals are then sealed. If decay is present, it will also be removed. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth.

All teeth that have root canal treatment should also have a crown (cap) placed. This crown protects the tooth and prevents it from breaking as teeth become brittle after root canals.

After treatment, you tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation decreases and your tooth has healed from the infection.

Beacon Hill Dental Calgary, AB
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 11634 Sarcee Trail NW	403 295-1182

Calgary, AB dentist, Dentist in Calgary, AB,