Root canals are vital for saving your smile and maintaining dental health, contrary to misconceptions. Neglecting one can lead to more severe problems, including tooth loss. This procedure prevents infection spread, relieves pain, and preserves natural teeth. Don’t let fear deter you from necessary dental care. Schedule an appointment at North Delta’s Sunstone Dental to explore how root canals can provide relief and restoration for your smile.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure aimed at eliminating infected or damaged pulp within a tooth, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp is compromised, it can result in pain, abscesses, and potential tooth loss. During the procedure, a dentist numbs the area, creates an opening in the tooth’s top, removes the affected pulp with specialized tools, cleans and shapes the root canals, fills the space with a specific material, and seals the tooth with a filling or crown. This process alleviates pain and helps retain the tooth’s function.
Signs and symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal
If you encounter any of the subsequent signs or symptoms, it could indicate the necessity for a root canal procedure:
- Persistent tooth pain, particularly when eating or under pressure.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- Swollen or tender gums.
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth.
- A small bump on the gums adjacent to the affected tooth.
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth or bad breath.
- If you experience any of these indications, prompt scheduling of an appointment with your dentist is crucial. Neglecting the issue may lead to more severe dental problems, potentially resulting in tooth loss.
The root canal procedure explained
If your dentist deems a root canal necessary, they will guide you through the procedure. Here’s a summary of what to expect:
- Local anaesthesia: Your dentist will start by administering a local anaesthetic to ensure a pain-free experience around the affected tooth.
- Access creation: Following that, they will create an opening at the tooth’s top to access the pulp using specialized tools designed for pulp removal.
- Root canal cleaning and shaping: After pulp removal, the dentist will meticulously clean and shape the root canals using specialized instruments to eliminate all infected material and prepare them for filling.
- Canal filling: Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, your dentist will use gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, to fill them, preventing further infection.
- Tooth sealing: Finally, your dentist will seal the tooth, either with a filling or crown, to safeguard it from further damage and maintain its structural integrity.
Aftercare and recovery tips for root canal patients
After your root canal, ensuring a speedy recovery is vital for your oral health. Here are the essential steps to follow:
- Take prescribed pain medication as directed for effective pain management.
- Avoid chewing with the treated tooth until the filling or crown is in place.
- Maintain regular brushing and flossing for the cleanliness and health of your teeth.
- Schedule routine follow-up appointments with your dentist to confirm the success of the root canal and monitor your oral well-being.
Book an Appointment
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t wait to seek dental care. Contact Sunstone Dental today at (604) 428-8722 to schedule an appointment and explore how root canals can provide the relief and restoration your smile needs.
Remember, root canals are not as scary as you may think, and they can save your smile and preserve the health of your teeth.