Edmonton Emergency Dentists
Root Canals
Many people have anxiety when they hear the words “root canal”, but advancements in dental technology have made this procedure significantly more comfortable. These days, it’s akin to a typical temporary filling.
Concerned that you may need a root canal? When decay reaches the tooth’s nerve, it can cause severe pain. For those with damaged teeth, there’s a way to save them other than a tooth extraction: root canal procedures.
Endodontic treatment can restore your ability to chew, speak, and smile without pain or discomfort. It can also repair the appearance of your teeth and alleviate concerns that the tooth may break.
If you need a root canal treatment, call Edmonton Emergency Dentists. You can contact us 24 hours a day for same-day services. Our top-rated root canal specialists are experienced and offer expert patient care at our dental clinic.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
A natrual tooth is composed of several layers, all of which contribute to its healthy development and functioning. The outermost layers are the enamel and dentin; if decay reaches these parts, it can be repaired with a filling. But beneath those is the tooth pulp, a part of your tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. If this part of the tooth is damaged, a root canal procedure is required to remove the tooth decay.
When your teeth are initially growing, the tooth pulp supplies them with necessary nutrients. But adult teeth can receive those nutrients from tissues that surround the tooth. This is why, during root canals, a endodontist can safely remove the pulp from the tooth.
Without a root canal procedure, you may experience severe pain that interferes with your daily life. Scheduling a endodontic treatment increases your chances of saving a damaged or infected tooth.
When Would You Need a Root Canal?
Pain is one of the main signs that your tooth needs root canal therapy. In the following situations, root canal treatment may be necessary:
Severe tooth decay (Deep Cavity)
Deep cavities cannot be repaired with a regular dental filling. When the decay reaches the deepest layers of the tooth, your Edmonton dentist must remove the infected pulp and nerves. Signs that a decayed tooth requires a root canal include a change in colour, numbness, or looseness.
Bacterial Infection
The canal root of the tooth may become infected due to bacteria. Signs of an infected tooth include inflammation, swelling, pus, or pimples on the gums. An infected tooth won’t go away on its own—you’ll need a endodontist to prevent further tooth decay.
The tooth is deeply cracked
If you’ve sustained a mouth injury or have a decaying tooth, you may end up with a cracked or chipped tooth. These openings leave space for bacteria to enter the pulp chamber in your tooth. A root canal can fill these spaces to prevent an infection to the tooth.
A tooth is loose
As children, we got excited when teeth were loose; it meant the tooth fairy would leave us a gift. As adults, noticing a loose tooth can be painful and unsettling.
A natrual tooth may become loose if an abscess forms in the gums that surround the tooth, which results from an infection. Root canals can be done to eliminate the infection and make the tooth firmer.
An untreated root canal issue may result in the loss of the tooth.
If the infected tooth is not controlled, you may require an extraction or further dental treatment. With a root canal procedure, you can prevent other dental issues like gum disease.
What Happens During The Procedure for root canals?
If you’re worried about experiencing severe pain during your root canal procedure, fear not. Many patients find that a root canal treatment is comparable to a typical tooth filling.
First, your Edmonton endodontist will administer local anaesthesia to numb the area completely. Next, they will drill an access hole into the affected tooth. They’ll use this opening to completely remove the pulp and nerve tissue. The area is then cleaned and sealed with a filling material.
Once the root canal procedure is complete, the tooth will often need a crown. Without this structure, the tooth may not have enough support and could be at risk of fracturing. Crowns will help support the tooth.
A root canal typically takes place over multiple appointments. During your first treatment, the endodontist may place a temporary filling in your tooth. You’ll typically be prescribed antibiotics to help eliminate the infection. The time between appointments allows the infection to heal before the permanent filling is applied.
What Is The Recovery Process?
Immediately after your root canal treatment, your mouth will be numb for several hours. Try not to eat during this time, or you could bite your cheek or tongue.
In the days that follow your root canal procedure, the site may be sore or swollen. Avoid chewing food in that area of your mouth while it heals and be especially gentle when you brush your teeth.
You may notice sensitivity when eating or drinking things that are hot or cold. This should pass as the tooth heals from the root canal.
For most patients, the recovery process for root canals takes anywhere between several days to a week
Book Your Appointment Today
No one should have to deal with the pain of a damaged or infected tooth. At Edmonton Emergency Dentists, we offer a root canal procedure that can reduce the pain and swelling to your tooth.
We directly bill insurance companies and offer flexible payment plans to make root canal treatment more accessible.
If you need an emergency dentist in Edmonton or a root canal specialist , contact us today for an appointment. We provide reliable and prompt dental care.