Root canal treatment in NE Calgary gets rid of infection and prevents further damage to your oral cavity. Though many people think of it as a painful procedure, it is in fact, a treatment that eliminates the pain caused by an infected root. Do you have inflamed gums? You may need a root canal.
Signs It Is Time for a Root Canal Dentist in NE Calgary
Visiting your dentist for regular checkups is important since he/she can identify problematic areas in your mouth. Common signs of infection are inflammation and pain. The middle of your tooth contains the pulp that is filled with blood vessels. When this area gets infected, your body exhibits warning signs like swelling and sensitivity to hot and cold. Watch for these indicators that may require root canal therapy. If you notice something or are unsure if a treatment is required, visit your dentist. Here are some things to be aware of:
- Bleeding Gums – Blood when you brush and floss your teeth and gums is likely an indicator of infection and requires attention.
- Damaged Teeth – Have you performed a party trick where you opened a can with your teeth? You may have injured your tooth by cracking or chipping it and now require dental intervention. Injuries lead to inflammation and infection which can damage the nerves.
- Pain from Pressure – Do you go “ouch” when you touch your teeth or chew food? This can be a symptom of extreme tooth decay. Pain is experienced when bacteria enter the pulp, also known as pulp necrosis.
- Sensitivity – Feeling extreme sensation due to hot or cold food and drink or from nothing at all may be a sign of infection.
- Discolouration of Teeth – If you notice brown or yellow teeth you could have an infection. Reduced blood flow can cause this issue.
- Toothache – A constant toothache is usually a sure sign of an issue that needs to be checked out. Irritation affects the nerves of your teeth, the tissue, and blood vessels which causes pain.
- Gum Boil – If you have a pimple on your gums, it can be a result of gum disease or tooth decay. This is a result of bacteria building up.
- Chipped or Broken Crown – Noticing a damaged crown means you need dental help. A crown safeguards your treated tooth, but if broken it fails at its job and can lead to a bacterial infection inside the pulp.
A root canal can rectify these situations and leave you with a functioning, comfortable mouth once again.
Root Canal Treatment in NE Calgary – The Procedure
Instead of wondering what happens during a root canal, here is the breakdown of your endodontic treatment.
- Step 1: Preparation – The area is prepared by administering an anesthetic to numb the surrounding tissue. You will be fitted with a dental dam, singling out the tooth that needs work.
- Step 2: Drilling – The root canal and pulp chamber are accessed by a small hole that is drilled through the tooth.
- Step 3: Removal – The canals are disinfected with an antibacterial and antiseptic solution, eliminating bacteria. Dental tools are used to remove the infected tissue.
- Step 4: Shaped – The canals of the root are shaped with tiny dental instruments so they can be filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
- Step 5: Additional Cleaning – Your canals are cleaned out a second time.
- Step 6: Filling – The filling material is compressed inside the area and sealed to keep bacteria out.
- Step 7: Completion – The hole made at the onset of the treatment is also sealed shut, preventing bacteria from entering. If the tooth is extremely damaged, it might not be strong enough and require a post in the canal to give it support.
Discomfort is common for a few days after treatment, but if it persists then you need to go back and see the dentist. Otherwise, you will once again have a healthy oral cavity.
Treat Your Teeth Right and They Will Treat You Right
A root canal may be avoided if you take proper care of your teeth. Doing the following will help:
- Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day.
- Visiting the dentist twice a year.
- Get dental treatment when needed before further complications arise.
- Wear a mouthguard for protection during sports.
- Eat healthy and drink lots of water to maintain a healthy body and mouth.
Treatment that Treats More Than the Infection
Health, confidence, great appearance, and functionality are all benefits of a root canal. Ask any one of our dental professionals at Savanna Dental about our root canal treatment in NE Calgary. We will help you get the treatment you need.
