Root canal treatment is designed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth.
Taking the Anxiety out of Root Canal Treatment
When decay, damage or infection reaches the soft pulp in the center of a tooth, it can be really painful. At this point, root canal treatment might be the only way to eliminate the infection and pain, while also saving the tooth.
At South Rock Dental, we use modern techniques, take the time to explain treatment in detail and create a plan to ensure you’ll be comfortable and relaxed. But if you’re feeling especially anxious, ask us about our sedation options!
The Root Canal Procedure
01
Receive a Diagnosis
We never rush into treatment and we always ensure a procedure is in your best interest first. So, Dr. Sundeep Chohan, General Dentist, will perform an exam and assess your x-rays before doing anything else.
02
Get Comfortable – and Numb
If you do need a root canal, you’ll relax in a private treatment room with some noise-canceling headphones and a TV show. Dr. Chohan will administer anesthetic so you’ll be numb throughout the procedure.
03
We’ll Get to Work
Dr. Chohan will make an opening in your tooth and use tiny instruments and tools to remove the infected or inflamed pulp. She’ll clean out and disinfect the pulp chamber and root canals before filling them with a biocompatible material. Finally, she’ll seal the opening in your tooth to prevent reinfection.
04
Go Over Next Steps
Depending on your situation, you might need a dental crown to protect the treated tooth and restore its strength. If that’s the case, Dr. Chohan will chat with you about your options.
Benefits Of
Root Canal Treatment
Healthier Gums
Periodontal disease therapy treats the infection, reduces reinfection and helps restore the health of your gums.
Secure Teeth
Treatment can prevent the infection from spreading to the tooth-supporting bone or stop further bone loss, keeping teeth securely in place.
Promotes Overall Health
Treating infection and inflammation in the mouth stops it from affecting other body systems and impacting your overall health.
What is a root canal?
Root canal treatment, or endodontics in dentist speak, involves using specialized procedures to treat problems with the tooth’s pulp (the living tissue inside of your tooth). The goal is to stop pain and save your natural tooth by eliminating the infection.
During a root canal, our South Surrey general dentist, Dr. Chohan, removes the inflamed pulp tissue and cleans and disinfects the pulp chamber and root canals. She then fills the empty spaces with biocompatible materials and seals the tooth.
Why do I need a root canal?
Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp, or the soft tissue inside of a tooth, is infected, damaged or inflamed. This can happen because of deep decay, extensive dental work or trauma (think getting hit in the mouth). Issues with the pulp can be really painful, but even if the pain goes away, that doesn’t mean the infection is cured.
If you ignore it, the infection can spread to the gums, jawbone and even the bloodstream, potentially causing tooth loss, bone loss, a dental abscess and/or systemic problems. A root canal treats the infection and prevents these potential complications.
Does a root canal hurt?
We get it, no one actively seeks out a root canal. But hear us out, root canals have an unfair reputation for being painful, when in reality, the procedure eliminates pain. Modern-day root canals are no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. We numb the affected area, so you won’t feel much of anything during treatment. Though your tooth may be sore for a few days after, the discomfort is mild and easily managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
The only way to determine if root canal therapy is necessary is to visit a dentist for an exam. Common signs that a root canal might be in your future include:
- Severe pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers even once the trigger is gone
- A pimple on your gums
- A feeling of pressure in your mouth
- Constant pain
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- A darkening tooth
- Swollen, tender gums
- A deep cavity
- Bad breath
