Root Canal Therapy Explained

 Root Canal Therapy is a standard dental treatment that involves removing the soft tissue inside a tooth called the pulp. This tissue contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. If this tissue becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause pain and discomfort. Learn more about root canal therapy when you visit Calgary teeth whitening.

Typically, this disease is caused by bacteria that invade the inner part of your tooth (the pulp) when you chew something hard or break a tooth. Without treatment, this infection can spread to the bone surrounding your tooth, leading to various complications.

A root canal is a standard procedure to save a tooth infected or damaged from trauma. It is usually very comfortable and can be performed in one or two visits.

How Does Root Canal Therapy Work?

A dentist or endodontist performs root canal treatment to remove the infected pulp, protect the tooth and make it functional again. It's a more involved process than a routine filling because your dentist drills down to the center of your tooth and into the pulp chamber.

The treatment begins by numbing the tooth with a local anesthetic to reduce pain. Next, a protective sheet called a dental dam is placed over the tooth, which helps keep saliva and other substances away from the area being treated.

Next, your tooth's pulp chamber and root canals are carefully cleaned out and shaped to create space for a filling that replaces the pulp. This filling is usually made of a biocompatible material, such as gutta-percha. Adhesive dental cement is often used to seal the filling properly and prevent bacteria from leaking into your mouth. Once the filling is complete, your dentist will cap your tooth with a temporary restoration or crown. This will protect the tooth from further damage while it re-hardens.

It is essential to take good care of your tooth, and to visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups, to help it last longer. This will ensure that you won't have to undergo another root canal treatment later on and that you can avoid more serious dental problems down the road.

How Long Do I Need to Wait After a Root Canal?

You should wait about a week or two before you can resume normal activities. While waiting for your tooth to heal, you can use over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to treat any mild to moderate sensitivity. You can also use a fluoride rinse twice a day to help strengthen your tooth after your root canal therapy.

The success rate of root canal therapy is high, with almost all patients reporting no pain after treatment. However, if you experience any symptoms of a failing root canal, such as sensitivity, a pimple or boil on the gums or a toothache that persists for a prolonged period, please call our office immediately.

Fortunately, modern technology and techniques have significantly reduced the discomfort of root canal therapy. A dentist performing your root canal will work to limit the pain and provide you with as much information as possible about the process.