Root Canal Therapy Near You
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the diseased or damaged pulp (nerve) of a tooth. The damaged pulp is removed in order to save the tooth from infection due to deep decay or possible extraction. The pulp of the tooth consists of soft tissue, nerves, and the blood supply from which the tooth intakes nutrients.
This area is susceptible to damage caused by deep decay, accidental injuries, tooth fractures, or trauma from repeated dental procedures on the tooth. Infection can cause the patient to experience pain in the tooth as well as sensitivity to heat or cold. During root canal therapy in Cranbrook, BC V1C 6L2, the pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
This procedure is done to relieve the pain, protect the tooth, and prevent further complications from arising.
Signs and Symptoms
There are signs and symptoms a patient may experience that indicate the need for root canal therapy near you. However, some patients don’t experience any symptoms at all. Some signs you may need root canal therapy include the following:
- Severe tooth pain when chewing or applying pressure on the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for an extended period of time
- Discolouration of the tooth (darkened appearance)
- Swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding the tooth
- Persistent or recurring pimples located on the gums near the tooth
The Procedure
Root canal therapy near you begins with an initial visit to the dentist for the purpose of examination and diagnosis. This will include a full examination of the mouth and tooth in specific as well as x-rays being taken to see the shape of the root canals and determine whether or not there are signs of infection. Once it has been established the patient will require root canal therapy, a second visit will be scheduled, where the procedure will be performed.
During this procedure, your dentist may use local anesthesia to numb the area near the tooth. Next, a rubber dam will be used around the tooth in order to keep the area dry and free from saliva during the treatment. An access hole will be drilled into the top part of the tooth, to allow the dentist to extract the pulp, bacteria, and related debris residing there.
The process of cleaning out this inner area of the tooth involves using root canal files. A series of these files, of increasing diameter, is placed into the access hole and used down the full length of the tooth, to help scrub and scrape the sides of the root canals. Water or sodium hypochlorite is used periodically during this process to flush away any debris.
Once the tooth is cleaned thoroughly, the sealing process commences. Some dentists may wait a week before sealing the tooth if the infection requires medication for example. However, others may choose to seal the tooth the same day it has been cleaned out. If the procedure is not completed on the same day as the clean-out process, a temporary filling can be placed in the access hole to keep contaminants out until the tooth is sealed.
In order to fill the tooth, a sealer paste and rubber compound, called gutta-percha, are placed inside the tooth’s root canal, and a filling is used to fill the exterior access hole that was created at the start of the treatment process. The final step of the treatment might involve further restoration of the tooth if the damage is extensive enough. A crown, crown, post, or other restoration options may be placed on the tooth to protect it, prevent it from future harm, and restore its functionality.
If you have any questions about root canal therapy in Cranbrook, BC V1C 6L2, or are experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned, be sure to contact our dental staff at Symmetry Dental to schedule an appointment.