Root canal treatment is usually dreaded, but it’s one of the most successful treatments to eliminate pain and save a tooth that has been damaged. If you have been referred to root canal therapy in Saskatoon, learning about the process can calm your fears. This article will guide you through the process, the advantages, aftercare, and what you can anticipate during the healing process.
Knowing Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a dental treatment aimed at fixing infection or injury within a tooth. The inner structure of the tooth, or pulp, contains nerves and blood vessels. If this pulp is infected or inflamed as a result of extensive decay, cracks, or trauma, it results in extreme pain and further issues. Root canal therapy eliminates the infected pulp, cleans the inner spaces, and fills the tooth to avoid any further damage.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
A dentist will examine your condition before he can prescribe a root canal. Some of the frequent symptoms that call for the procedure include:
- Extreme tooth pain, especially while chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold for a prolonged time
- Inflamed gums or an abscess near the tooth in question
- Darkening of the tooth
- Bad breath that persists
If you have any of these symptoms, immediate attention from a root canal specialist in Saskatoon is necessary to avoid further destruction.
Types of Root Canal Procedures
Making yourself informed about a root canal procedure may give you some peace of mind. Here are some steps involved:
1. Diagnosis and Consultation
Before the dentist performs the procedure, he or she will examine the tooth and take an X-ray to ascertain the extent of the damage. If visible signs point toward the need for a root canal, the dentist may recommend this treatment.
2. Numbing the Area
To make the procedure not painful, local anesthesia will be administered by the dentist. It will numb the tooth and surrounding area so the procedure will not hurt you.
3. Removal of Infected Pulp
A small hole is drilled into the affected tooth and the infected pulp is removed with special instruments. The inner cavity is cleaned and disinfected to kill bacteria.
4. Sealing the Tooth
Once cleaned, the dentist fills the root canals with a biocompatible substance and seals the tooth to prevent further infection. A temporary filling is performed in most instances, and a permanent crown is added later for extra protection.
5. Final Restoration
A permanent crown or filling is placed several weeks later to restore the function and appearance of the tooth. This procedure makes the tooth durable and strong.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
One of the biggest concerns patients have is whether a root canal is painful. Thanks to modern anesthesia and advanced techniques, the procedure is usually no more uncomfortable than getting a regular dental filling. Most patients experience significant pain relief after the treatment since the source of the pain—the infected pulp—is removed.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While complications are rare, you should contact your dentist if you experience:
- A severe pain that keeps on hurting for more than a few days.
- Swelling that is getting worse instead of better.
- An allergic reaction to the medication.
- A temporary filling or crown that is loose or broken.
Get dental care as a pro to ensure that the recovery and the long-term success of the procedure are flawless.
Why Choose Meadows Dental for Your Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy is a painless and successful means of salvaging a tooth that has been destroyed and bringing pain to a stop. Should you notice infection signs, it is important you seek the services of a root canal specialist. At Meadows Dental, we offer mastery in root canal therapy so you can experience an easy and pleasant process.
Get professional attention when you need it by consulting a reliable dentist in Saskatoon today!