For years, root canal therapy has scared people. Individuals have the misconception that it is a dreadful procedure and sometimes even prefer dental extraction.
We are here to tell you that receiving root canal therapy in NE Calgary has come a long way. Modern techniques and materials make it faster, and it is almost the same as getting a dental filling placed.
As much as we would want our patients to visit our dental clinic in NE Calgary without needing any dental procedures, many of them need a root canal to save one or many teeth. We will explain it below.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure in which an endodontist (the specialist in root canals) removes the infected pulp of a tooth. The pulp is where the nerve and connective tissue of the tooth is, and it is in the center of the dental piece.
When tooth decay is left untreated, it affects a larger area of your tooth and ends up reaching the pulp. When infected, it may cause severe pain and, in time, spread to the jawbone. In these situations, the patient can develop an abscess.
We suggest visiting a dental clinic near you every six months for dental checkups to prevent getting to this point. Prevention is the key to avoid dental problems.
What Are the Steps of the Procedure?
After looking for root canal therapy near you, you will visit the right professional. We suggest scheduling a consultation visit with an endodontist because they took two additional years of training in the root canal field after dental school. They have extra preparation, and it will guarantee excellent treatment.
In the first visit, they will take a set of x-rays of the affected tooth to detect caries and evaluate the shape of the canals and the condition of the bone. They will also apply cold and heat to the tooth and gently palpate and percussion it.
Once they determine you qualify for a root canal, these are the steps to take during the treatment:
1. Removal of the pulp – Your doctor will eliminate tooth decay, the infected pulp, and necrotic tissue from the canals.
2. Disinfection – Afterward, they will disinfect with Sodium Hypochlorite to ensure no bacteria is left.
3. Sealing – The last step is drying and filling the canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
Depending on the case, your dental professional will prepare the tooth for a dental crown or refer you to a prosthodontic dentist to do so. While you wait for your permanent restoration, you should not chew with the treated side to avoid fracturing the tooth.
Endodontic Retreatment
Whether it is due to new decay or because you waited too long for your permanent restoration and your root canal got damaged, there is the option to retreat the root.
The endodontic retreatment consists of the same steps as traditional root canal therapy. The only change is that your doctor needs to remove the old filling material and cement from the canals. It takes more time and effort, so retreatment always costs more than the first root canal.
When retreatment fails, your doctor may suggest endodontic surgery, in which they cut the tip of the tooth (apicoectomy). Minor discomfort and swelling are normal after the procedure.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you have any other doubts about endodontic treatment or other dental procedures, you may get in touch with our dental offices at your best convenience. We offer a wide range of treatments to extend the life of your teeth and improve your life quality.