Root Canal Therapy: All You Need to Know

Root Canal Therapy: All You Need to Know
24 Aug 2018

When visiting the dentist, we all hope for the same thing; our dentist to tell us our teeth are healthy and clean! However, if you suspect you are in need of root canal therapy, you will need attention from your Edmonton dentist immediately to examine the affected area and proceed with the procedure if necessary. Those who need root canal therapy should be aware of specific symptoms such as sensitivity and painful toothaches when biting down. If you do happen to be in need of root canal therapy, a pain-free procedure is not out of the question. If cared for right away, root canal therapy can be a smooth and relatively simple process with your Edmonton Dentist.

Why is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?

Root canals occur when the pulp in the center of a tooth becomes infected. This can be caused by a number of reasons, but ultimately the infection will not go away on its own. Root Canal Treatment in Edmonton is necessary because without it you may risk losing the entire tooth altogether or worse. The infection could spread and harm other areas of your mouth and body.

If you are concerned you may be in need of Root Canal Therapy, here are some signs to look for:

  • Foul taste in the mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Swollen gums
  • Tooth sensitivity, enhanced when consuming hot or cold items
  • Throbbing or severe pain around the tooth

While having these symptoms may indicate you have a root canal, they could indicate another issue. Likewise, if you are not experiencing any of these symptoms you could still have a root canal. This is why it is always best to confirm your oral health with your Edmonton dentist.

The Procedure

When undergoing root canal therapy, it will begin with the dentist doing intake of the patient’s medical history. This will allow them to make sure there will not be any complications during the procedure, as well as know how much anesthesia the patient would need.

From there the dentist will apply an anesthetic. Depending on different factors like age, weight, and the patients level of nervousness, the dentist will determine what sort and amount of anesthesia are best. Once it has been applied and the patient is completely relaxed, the dentist will be ready to begin.

The dentist will drill a small hole into the tooth to remove the infected pulp. These special tools extend themselves into the tooth and are able to clean out the infection, remove the pulp, and disinfect the area before sealing it.

Depending upon where the tooth is, the tooth will then be covered with either a filling or a crown. Sometimes the area may become infected again and need further treatment. Therefore, it is important to take especially good care of the area by brushing, flossing, and maintaining a healthy diet.

If you have recently learned you are in need of root canal therapy, there is no reason to be alarmed. The skilled dentists at our Dental Clinic in Edmonton will ensure the entire process goes smoothly.

Charles Chan

Dr. Charles Chan – Dentist

Dr. Charles Chan is committed to providing his patients with quality care to improve their oral health and well-being. His philosophy is that every patient deserves to have a healthy and functioning smile. It is his job to ensure you receive the best treatment in a comfortable and compassionate environment. Dr. Chan is experienced in performing various procedures, some of which include, dental implants, dental surgery, root canals, dentures, and cosmetic restorative procedures.

Read More