Category: root canal

Does the word “root canal treatment” scare you? Well, you don’t have to get scared or afraid of a root canal treatment. It is also true that the more you know about a root canal procedure, the less anxiety you feel about it. Also, getting the best root canal treatment in NW Calgary can give you a whole different and positive perspective about root canal therapy. A root canal therapy is a dental procedure where the tooth’s roots are cleaned thoroughly and disinfected thereby prevent tooth loss and further dental damages. Root canal therapy is often carried out in a dental hospital where the dentist or endodontic specialist performs the dental surgery (root canal therapy). Root canal therapy is also known as endodontic surgery (internal tooth structure treatment). Root canal treatment is often performed with intravenous, general, or local anesthesia to prevent the patient from feeling pains or irritations during the procedure.

Why Do I Need A Root Canal Treatment?

The root canal is the most sensitive and one of the crucial parts of the teeth. When the dental pulp inside the tooth’s roots is infected, the tooth loses its ability to function properly. This is because the dental pulp is a part of the teeth structure that attaches the tissues inside the tooth’ roots together. When the tissues inside the tooth’s roots are infected, the tooth becomes extremely sensitive to hot or cold substances. Over time, if the infection is not gotten rid of, the affected person might begin to experience severe tooth pain and would be at high risk of losing his or her tooth. This is because the tooth would have lost its firmness and strength due to the infection that has eaten deep into its roots. The major aim of getting a root canal procedure done is to save the tooth from falling off and getting deeply affected by further damages. Apart from the fact that a root canal treatment preserves your natural tooth, it saves you from spending so much money on extra restorative dental procedures later in the future.

Tooth Extractions Vs. Root Canal Therapy

When it comes to tooth extractions and root canal treatment, there is a slightly huge difference. However, they sometimes serve the same purpose which is, getting rid of tooth infections and providing relief to the patient who might have been experiencing severe toothache from an infected tooth. Tooth extraction is the complete removal of a damaged, injured, or infected tooth. A root canal on the other hand deals with getting rid of infections inside the tooth’s roots thereby preserving the natural tooth. This means that tooth extraction doesn’t preserve your natural tooth but a root canal can. However, root canal treatment is only applicable to an infected tooth which means that any other dental issue other than an infected tooth might require tooth extraction or other dental procedures. Dental situations like overcrowded teeth, and impacted teeth, or fractured teeth can not be saved by a root canal treatment. The only instance where a root canal treatment and a tooth extraction are an option is when the patient is suffering from a toothache due to an infection or decay. In conclusion, whether you are to receive a tooth extraction or root canal treatment, the dentist is in the best position to provide you with the best recommendations. For dental checkups and recommendations, you can see a dentist near you or a dentist in NW Calgary.

What Does Getting A Root Canal Treatment Entail?

To get a root canal treatment you have to see a dentist or get a root canal therapy near you by visiting the nearest dental hospital around you. After your appointment with the dentist has been confirmed you can then get ready for your root canal treatment. Most importantly, you have to carefully adhere to your dentist’s instructions before the surgery. Also, you have to be honest with your dentist concerning your medical history. This would help your dentist provide the best treatment and confirm if you’re then eligible for a root canal treatment. Before the treatment begins, your dentist would use a dental x-ray to examine the tooth and confirm how bad the infection has gotten. In most cases, the dentist might administer local anesthesia to numb the area that is to be operated on before commencing surgery. The dentist will then drill into the tooth to enable access into the root canals to begin the cleaning and disinfecting process. When the infected tissues have been extracted, the dentist would fill the operates part and seal it to prevent additional damages. Most times after a root canal treatment, a dental crown might be used to prevent the tooth from getting weaker. This is because, after drilling into the root canals, the tooth might lose a bit of its fitness or strength. A dental sealant can also be used to prevent tooth decay in the future. Dental crowns and dental sealants are commendable preventive dental procedures that also prolong the effects of root canal treatments.

Has the dentist near you in Calgary mentioned that you need root canal treatment? In that case, rest assured you are not alone. Root canal treatment saves millions of teeth every year. This article explains why you mustn’t fear root canal treatments because they can relieve your tooth pain and preserve your smile.

 

The dentist near you has recommended the procedure because you are either confronting severe pain when chewing or biting, have a chipped or cracked tooth, are affected by lingering sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures even after removing the sensation, or have other issues.

 

Root canal treatments become necessary when the soft tissue inside the root canal becomes infected or inflamed. The infection could have various reasons and may result from deep decay and repeated dental procedures, or cracks or chips in the tooth. The tooth’s pulp can become damaged from any injury despite making visible no chips or cracks.

 

How Can Root Canal Treatment Preserve the Tooth?

 

When undergoing root canal in NW Calgary, the dentists remove the infected or inflamed pulp to clean the canals, shape them inside the root canal before filling and sealing the space. After you have recovered from the procedure, you return to your dentist to have the tooth restored or protected with a dental crown. After placing the restoration, the tooth functions like your other teeth.

 

Root Canal Have a Fearsome Reputation — Why Shouldn’t You Fear It?

 

Modern techniques and anesthesia allow dentists near you in Calgary to comfortably perform root canal procedures to relieve the pain from toothaches because of pulp infection or inflammation. Most patients report they experienced no pain and were entirely comfortable during the process.

 

Any pain you experience is after the procedure is accomplished and occurs during the first few days when your tooth will feel sensitive, mostly if you were in pain earlier. Over the counter pain medications will not relieve the discomfort from the infection but can undoubtedly help you after root canal treatment. However, you must follow your dentist’s instructions carefully, understanding that your tooth will continue to feel different from other teeth for some time after completing the treatment. However, you will receive help from your dentist if you continue experiencing pain or pressure lusting for more than a few days.

 

Will Your Tooth Need Additional Care after Root Canal Treatment?

 

Your dentist advises you not to chew or bite with the treated tooth until your dentist restores it. Your treated tooth is fragile and susceptible to fractures. Therefore you must see your dentist as soon as possible for a comprehensive restoration. Besides this one precaution, you can practice proper oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, regular exams, and cleanings.

 

Most teeth undergoing root canal treatments last for as long as your other natural teeth. Sometimes the tooth does not heal or is still painful. The tooth may become painful months or years after successful treatment. In such cases, the dentist will perform root canal therapy again to preserve your tooth.

 

What Are Your Alternatives against Root Canal Treatment?

 

The only alternative against root canal treatment is tooth extraction, which brings upon you untold hardships requiring tooth replacement solutions and multiple visits to the dentist’s office. Moreover, replacing an extracted tooth is more expensive than undergoing root canal treatment. An artificial tooth is never similar to a natural one, and you must make every effort to ensure you preserve your natural teeth by undergoing root canal treatments if required as recommended by your dentist.

 

Will Your Tooth Discolor after Root Canal Treatment?

 

After root canal treatment, your tooth can at times become slightly discolored and develop spots known as intrinsic stains. This is because the tooth bleeds internally, and the inside of the tooth discolors to yellow or dark. Fortunately, teeth whitening treatments using internal breaching can whiten the tooth to give you back your smile.

Root canal treatments have a fearsome reputation spread by myths surrounding them. The tales began when dental technology or anesthesia wasn’t as advanced as they are in present times. This article should convince you that the treatments are not as fearful as you believe. You can fearlessly undergo root canal therapy, knowing full well that it relieves you from the pain you are experiencing and preserves your natural tooth. You may even have the tooth remain in your mouth for your lifetime.

Dental decay threatens your oral and overall health. The good news is, different dental solutions can be used to remove the infection and save your teeth. One such treatment is the root canal treatment. The mere mention of the root canal therapy is enough to send a chill down your spine. However, contrary to common belief, endodontic treatment is not painful neither is it life-threatening. Below we answer some of the common root canal questions to give the information needed before you come for your root canal in NW Calgary.

What is Root Canal Treatment and Why Is It Done?

Endodontic treatment is done to remove the infected pulp, stop the infection, and preserve your teeth. Although most people use the term root canal to refer to the treatment, it is the natural cavity that houses the pulp. Our teeth have three layers: the enamel, dentine, and the pulp cavity. The pulp chamber or root canal cavity contains nerves and tissues that support the teeth during the development stage. The cavity, once it is infected it can cause pain and lead to the deterioration of the tissues and teeth. Not only that but if left unattended, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissue, hence the need for a root canal.

Why Not Just Get a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction may seem like the ideal solution for a decayed tooth, but it’s not. The removal of the teeth leads to other dental problems that need expensive treatments. Furthermore, extraction leaves gaps in the gums that are detrimental to your dental health. These missing teeth will cause the surrounding teeth to shift and fill these spaces. Plus, it leads to the loss of the alveolar bone, causing jaw degeneration. Having a root canal in NW Calgary will help prevent these problems.

What Happens If I Fail to Get the Root Canal Treatment?

The infection will spread to the rest to the mouth and may enter the bloodstream causing widespread inflammation. Also, it may lead to the loss of your permanent teeth which don’t grow back.

How is the Endodontic Procedure Performed?

The root canal treatment is done in two dental visits and it involves a few steps:

• Dental assessment. The dentist will do a radiograph of your teeth and gums to check the spread of the infection. Professional dental cleaning is done to remove any buildup.
• The dentist numbs the gums using the anesthesia, although sedation may be used if you have an overactive gag reflex. Next, the affected teeth will be separated from the rest with a sheet.
• With the dental tools, the dentist will remove the affected pulp and clean the chamber.
• The pulp chamber is reshaped and filled with a biocompatible material.
• A temporary dental filling may be used to close the cavity.
• On your final visit, a dental crown is used to restore the function and strength of the teeth.

Will There Be Pain?

No, you will not experience pain during the procedure because anesthesia is used. However, you can expect to have discomfort immediately after as the numbness starts to wear off. The discomfort and sensitivity will last for a short time but can be managed with pain relievers.

How Long Does Recovery Take and What Can I Do?

A root canal can take a few days to heal, but you can hasten the process by:

• Eating soft foods that do not require a lot of chewing
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol
• Maintain proper dental hygiene

Can the Treatment Fail?

Although the root canal has a high success rate, it can fail sometimes. When you have multiple infected root canals, the dentist may fail to detect and remove them. This increases the chances of reinfection. The fixed dental crown or filling may breakdown, increasing the risk of getting infected again.

Final Thoughts

A tooth infection can spread to the nearby tissues and cause a deterioration of the teeth. However, with a root canal treatment from dentist near you in NW Calgary, you can stop it and also preserve your teeth. Visit Toothworks in Calgary for a stellar endodontic treatment.

Most people fear root canal treatment. At any dental clinic in NW Calgary, dentists and endodontists will tell you of how many patients get dental anxiety at the thought of root canal. What they do not know is that this treatment can be painless and comfortable. This is thanks to the adjustments that have been made in modern dentistry t better the root canal treatments in NW Calgary. If you are worried about the procedure, read on to learn more about it and why you have nothing to fear.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

If it is a dental procedure performed to remove the infection found in the root canal. The treatment is also called endodontics. The goal of root canal treatment in Calgary, AB is to save the natural structure of a tooth, by getting rid of the infection within it. The treatment also removes the damaged part of the tooth. These efforts help elongate the lifespan of that tooth.

More About Root Canal Therapy

Usually, root canal treatment in Calgary is offered to patients who have already incurred damage to their teeth. The damage is that which has affected the external part of the tooth, as well as the internal parts. The central part of a tooth is called the pulp chamber. This chamber houses the nerve endings and soft tissues of a tooth. This part is responsible for keeping a tooth alive. When a tot hos damage, this part is usually compromised. This is when a patient will start complaining of toothaches, migraine headaches, swelling, hypersensitivity, to mention a few. These symptoms indicate that the tooth has incurred nerve damage. The root canal treatment near you will work on getting rid of the infection in your tooth, as well as removing the damaged part. The process involves removing all contents of the pulp chamber along with the infection. Technically, a tooth can still survive without the blood vessels and nerve endings. These are only useful for the growth and development of teeth, as well as feelings of sensitivity. Without them, however, a tooth would still be functional, as long as it is attached to the jawbone. Removing the damage and infection are a way to save the tooth and prevent further infection to adjacent teeth and surrounding tissues.

When Do You Need A Root Canal Procedure?

When you visit your dentist with a damaged tooth, the responsibility is on him/her to diagnose your condition and come up with the best-fitted prescription for your case. Choosing endodontics over tooth extraction is a measure recommended for patients who prefer to save their teeth rather than lose them. Some of the situations where you require root canal therapy include:

1. Dental decay – the initial stages of tooth decay can be corrected with dental fillings. However, as the damage advances, root canal therapy might be the best way to save the tooth before the damage worsens. Dental decay happens to be the most common reason why patients get root canal treatment.
2. Thinned out enamel – the enamel of teeth can be too thinned out that your teeth are hypersensitive. Hypersensitivity can make it difficult and uncomfortable to speak, and eat. The temperature changes make it hard for you to put your mouth to optimal functionality. Hypersensitivity can be a sign of damaged nerve endings in your teeth.
3. Broken or chipped teeth – sometimes a broken or chipped tooth is not all the damage there is. External damage can cause damage beyond the enamel.
4. Drainage problems – fluids should not be draining back into your gums or skin. However, some situations have it that the tooth drains out fluids into these areas, causing more advanced health problems.
5. Bone loss – if you are experiencing bone loss at the tips of your tooth roots, it could be due to infection and damage to the root canal.
6. To counter toothaches – toothaches are a sign that your nerve endings are responding to an infection. Some toothaches are bearable, while others can deter you from enjoying a quality life.

To counter swelling and inflammation – your body’s immune system often responds to infection with swelling. If you are experiencing swelling in your cheeks, neck, and other parts of your face, it could be as a result of infection of the root canal.

Until our dental health is compromised, most of us don’t give our teeth a second thought. Teeth play an important role in our daily lives; we need them to chew properly, digest food, and to speak clearly. When you keep your mouth healthy, you are protecting your overall well-being. A useful way to improve your oral health is to acquire more dental knowledge. Here are a few things you might not have known about your teeth!

Teeth Composition

• Enamel: The hard, outer coating of a tooth is the strongest compound in the human body. Composed mainly of calcium phosphate, it is one of the hardest substances in existence, second only to diamonds.
• Dentin: The thick layer just beneath tooth enamel. This sheet of live cells surrounds the inner pulp.
• Pulp: The soft, center structure of a tooth. This inner chamber houses nerves, blood vessels, and the root canal.
• Cementum: The connective tissue that firmly binds tooth roots to gums and jawbone.

Tooth Types

The secondary (permanent) teeth emerge between ages 6 and 12. Each tooth type has unique parts and serves a different function.

• Incisors: Usually the first teeth to erupt, there are eight incisors, four upper front teeth and four on the lower jaw. Incisors are used to bite through food.
• Canines: The next in line of teeth development are the four canines. This is your sharpest set of teeth, designed to rip and tear food apart. The upper two typically erupt just before the bottom canines.
• Premolars: The two upper and two lower premolars are used to chew and grind food. The four teeth are located on both sides of the mouth. The first set appears around age 10, and the second duo follows about a year later.
• Molars: The first set of molars that erupt between 12-15 months of age are used to chew and grind food. These primary molars are later replaced by both sets of permanent premolars.
• Wisdom Teeth: The third molars (wisdom teeth) are the last to develop and don’t show up until the late teen years or early twenties. Some people don’t have third molars, while others often need to have theirs extracted due to the common problems wisdom teeth cause.