
Dental root canals are commonly referred to as endodontic treatments and are a relatively common procedure for saving and restoring badly decayed or infected teeth. As part of doing our best to stay in touch with the needs of our patients at Wolf Willow Orchid Dental in SE Calgary, we come to realize that there will always be a need to inform them correctly about procedures like a root canal. What are root canals? We talk about why you may need them, the procedure involved, the benefits, aftercare tips, and expert advice from our dentists in SE Calgary in this comprehensive guide on root canals.
What Are Dental Root Canals?
1. Definition
A root canal is a procedure to remove diseased or damaged pulp from the inside of the tooth. The pulp is the pulpy tissue including nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that during its development helps nourish the tooth.
2. Need for Root Canal
Severe Tooth Decay: Such decay that penetrates to the interior of the tooth and infects the pulp causing pain.
Trauma: Physical trauma or injury that damages the tooth structure and exposes the pulp.
Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth can weaken it and lead to infection.
Signs That You May Need a Root Canal
1. Persistent Pain
Severe Toothache: Continuous, throbbing pain that worsens with pressure or chewing.
2. Sensitivity
Temperature Sensitivity: Sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks.
Bleeding Gums: Swollen or inflamed gums around the affected tooth.
3. Visible Symptoms
Discolouration: The tooth turns dark due to pulp damage.
Abscess: The collection of pus in a sac like formation near the root of the tooth which leads to swelling of the facial region.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
1. Saves Natural Tooth
Preserves: It eliminates infection while preserving the natural form of the tooth.
2. Prevents Further Extent of Infection
Bacteria Eradication: It cleans and disinfects the root canal so as not to spread the infection.
3. Recovery of Functional Activity
Supports Mastication: Restores normal biting and chewing activity.
The Process of the Root Canal
1. Pre-Treatment Test
Diagnostic Tests: X-rays and examination to assess the extent of damage and infection.
2. Local Anaesthesia
Pain Control: Administration of local anaesthesia for numbness in the region of the tooth.
3. Pulp Extirpation
Access: Opening an access cavity within the tooth that enables drainage to the infected pulp.
Cleaning : Extraction of the infected pulp and root canal, cleaned using specific instruments.
4. Filling and Sealing
Material: filling of the biologically cleaned area with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha in order to seal the root canal.
Restoration: restoration of the tooth with a filling or crown to protect and strengthen it.
Aftercare Tips Following a Root Canal
1. Pain Management
Medication: All prescribed pain relievers.
Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling and discomfort.
2. Oral Hygiene
Brush and floss your teeth to establish good oral hygiene and prevent future dental problems from arising.
Follow-up Restorative: Set up a revisit for a placement of crown and routine follow-up.
Advice from the Experts at Wolf Willow Orchid Dental
Our dentist in SE Calgary at Wolf Willow Orchid Dental, we treat you professionally yet with compassion. We recognize that undergoing a root canal is frightening, but we are here to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns. We will take pride in offering you the best treatment, and thus, we will be sure that you are comfortable and satisfied during your entire treatment process.