A root canal procedure can be a lifesaver for retaining your natural teeth and relieving pain from severe tooth decay or infection. If you’re searching for a root canal near you, here’s what the procedure entails, why it might be necessary for you, and how to obtain the best possible results.
A root canal is a treatment that must be done for the interior of a tooth when it becomes infected or inflamed. Deep cavities, repeated dental procedures, or a crack in the tooth may damage this soft tissue located inside your tooth called the pulp. Left untreated, it can start leading to terrible pain, abscesses, and even loss of a tooth.
During the treatment, a root canal specialist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and then fills and seals the space. The tooth is often restored with a crown to protect and strengthen it, allowing it to function like a natural tooth.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Not easy to determine sometimes whether you need a root canal or not, but there are certain common signs you can look for. Persistent pain in the tooth, especially while chewing or putting pressure on it, is a big indicator. Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures even after the source is removed can also indicate an issue. Swelling and tenderness of the gums on the side of the infected tooth, and discoloration or darkening of the tooth, are some of the warning signs. Moreover, pimples or bumps on the gums can be an indication of an abscess, which may need urgent treatment.
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a dentist who does root canal in port moody as soon as possible.
What to Expect During the Procedure
A root canal usually involves all of the three following steps
- Diagnosis and Readying: The dentist will look at the tooth and take an X-ray to figure out just how much damage was done. A local anaesthetic is then injected to numb the area, so it is painless.
- Cleaning and Sanitizing: The dentist will first make a small hole in the top of the tooth to reach the inside.Then, they will remove the pulp and clean the canals to get rid of the infection.
- Filling and Sealing: The canals are then filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha, followed by sealing in order to avoid further infection. Generally, a crown is applied over the restored tooth.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
- Pain Relief: Removes the source of infection and relieves tooth pain.
- Preserving the Natural Teeth: It helps retain your natural tooth, eliminating any possibilities of an extraction.
- Better Oral Health: Prevents infection from spreading to the rest of your teeth and other parts of your body.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Though it may seem like a very costly procedure, it tends to be far more economical in the long run than tooth extraction and replacement alternatives such as implants.
Recovery and Aftercare
Sometimes, there could be some soreness for a few days after the treatment. In a few cases, this can be minimized by taking over-the-counter pain medications and following your recommendations from the dentist. Do not eat on the treated tooth until your permanent restoration, such as a crown, is placed.
Proper oral hygiene through brushing and flossing along with regular visits to the dental clinic is important to ensure long-term success of root canal treatment.
Why go to Mint Dental for a root canal
Root canal treatment is a great way to save your natural tooth and improve your oral health.If you need a good dental clinic in Port Moody, Mint Dental focuses on making sure our patients are comfortable and happy.Contact us today to set up an appointment and let us help you smile with confidence.