Saving Your Natural Tooth
During a root canal procedure, the tooth’s pulp (the inner living tissue) is removed and replaced with special, medicated dental materials to restore full function. Root canal therapy not only preserves the natural tooth, extending its lifespan, but also protects the jawbone and surrounding tissues. Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth helps prevent future pain and expense.
Several symptoms can indicate the need for root canal treatment:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Red or swollen gums near the tooth
- Tooth discolouration
- An abscess or pimple on the gums
The Root Canal Treatment Plan
Typically requiring one or two visits, a root canal is performed by either a dentist or an endodontist. Here’s what to expect:
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
First, we’ll take an x-ray of your tooth and surrounding bone to find out what’s causing your symptoms. If there’s an infection or inflammation, your specialist may prescribe antibiotics to help ease any swelling. Reducing this inflammation beforehand makes the root canal process more comfortable for you.
Prepping the Tooth
When it’s time for your root canal, we’ll start by numbing the area to make sure you’re comfortable. Once you’re relaxed, an access hole is made in the tooth to remove the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and any debris.
Sealing the Tooth
If there’s a significant abscess, medication may be placed inside the tooth to clear up any remaining infection. For treatments that take multiple visits, a temporary filling will provide relief until the tooth is ready to be permanently sealed after being thoroughly cleaned and healthy.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
With modern techniques and technology, root canal treatments are now much more comfortable. Our highly trained dentists and hygienists strive to ensure the procedure involves minimal to no pain.
Once the tooth pulp and nerve are infected, they won’t fully heal with antibiotics alone. While antibiotics can manage the infection temporarily, removing the damaged pulp through a root canal is the only permanent solution.
Root canal treatments typically require one or two visits. Simple cases usually last around 30 to 60 minutes, while more complex situations can take up to 90 minutes.
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. After a consultation, we can provide an estimate for your provider. It’s essential to prioritize root canal treatment for your oral health—let us know if you have any concerns.
For back teeth like molars and premolars, a dental crown is typically recommended after a root canal. However, front teeth, such as canines and incisors, may not always require a crown.
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