In this blog, our Winnipeg dentists explain the reasons why your dentist may have recommended a root canal and what you can expect from this procedure.
Why you may require a root canal?
There is a pulp on the inside of your tooth that could get infected with bacteria, for reasons such as a traumatic injury or a deep cavity. Only your dentist can evaluate your tooth and inform you if you require root canal surgery because there may be no visible damage to the pulp or even cracks, or chips in your tooth.
Root canal therapy could also be called endodontics and it may save a tooth that's developed a severe infection on the inside. Without a root canal, the tooth can die and you would need to have it extracted. Missing teeth can cause complex dental problems that can be time-consuming, hard, and expensive to fix. So it's always best to save the tooth with a root canal if possible.
A root canal can preserve your tooth and alleviate symptoms such as:
Severe Toothache Pain
If the tooth pulp is infected, it will often feel painful. You may notice sharp pain whenever you apply pressure to the tooth, such as when you chew. There may also be sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
Bump on the Gums
Also called a dental cyst, this small, pimple-like bump develops on the gums near a tooth and might require a root canal. Dental cysts form near the roots of a tooth that is decayed or infected. They could also develop if the tooth’s pulp is infected.
Darkening of the Tooth
Infected pulp may make the colour of a tooth darker as a result of internal damage. If you notice one of your teeth is a darker shade than the others, there may be an issue with the inner pulp.
What occurs in a root canal procedure?
With modern dental technology and techniques, root canal therapy has become a relatively simple and minimally invasive procedure when compared with a tooth extraction or other procedures.
The area will be numbed with anesthesia before your dentist uses a specialized tool to create an opening in the tooth. The bacteria, diseased blood vessels, or dead tissue will then be removed from the interior of the tooth. The inner chamber of the tooth will be shaped and irrigated with water, rinsing away any diseased tissue that remains.
Your dentist could also place an antimicrobial solution to get rid of any remaining bacteria and lower your risk for any additional infections.
After the chamber has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, it will be filled with medicated dental material. Your dentist will then place a temporary filling to seal the tooth until a permanent crown is placed.
A few weeks later, the permanent dental crown will be applied to protect the tooth from damage.
If you want to find out what others have experienced during their root canals, you can type "root canal reviews" into your favourite search engine and read more about the topic. Most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime and could help you maintain confidence in your smile.
If you have any more questions about your root canal procedure contact our Winnipeg dentists today.