Root Canal Treatment in Kitchener-Waterloo
Root canal treatment is the process of removing infected, injured or dead pulp from your tooth. Keeping your tooth helps to prevent your other teeth from drifting out of line and causing jaw problems. Saving a natural tooth avoids having to replace it with an artificial tooth. The space inside the hard layers of each tooth is called the root canal system. This system is filled with soft dental pulp made up of nerves and blood vessels that help your tooth grow and develop.
When Is Root Canal Treatment Needed?
When bacteria enter your tooth through deep cavities, cracks or flawed fillings, your tooth can become abscessed. An abscessed tooth is a tooth with an infection in the pulp. If pulp becomes infected, it needs to be removed. If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can cause serious oral health problems. Watch for these warning signs:
- Severe toothache pain when chewing
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
- A recurring pimple on the gums
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
An abscessed tooth may cause pain and swelling. We may also notice the infection from a dental x-ray or from other changes in the tooth, even before you feel it.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment lets you keep your own tooth instead of having it extracted. That matters because it:
- Keeps your natural tooth intact
- Prevents other teeth from drifting out of line
- Avoids replacing the tooth with an artificial one
- Relieves pain and swelling from an abscess
- Maintains the integrity of your smile
- Preserves efficient chewing and normal bite
The Root Canal Procedure
Root canal treatment could take one to two visits to complete, but recent advances allow for faster treatment that can often be completed in just one visit with more accuracy and less discomfort. Here is what to expect:
Examination & X-Ray
We examine your tooth and take a dental x-ray to see the shape of the root canal system and detect signs of infection in the surrounding bone.
Numbing & Isolating the Tooth
The tooth is thoroughly numbed so the treatment is comfortable, and a protective sheet keeps the tooth clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
Removing the Infected Pulp
An opening is made in the tooth and the infected, injured or dead pulp is carefully removed from inside the root canal system.
Cleaning, Filling & Sealing
The canal is cleaned, disinfected, then filled and sealed to protect it. Advances in technology often allow this to be completed in just one visit, with more accuracy and less discomfort.
Protecting the Tooth With a Crown
Because the tooth becomes more brittle after treatment, a full coverage crown is placed to protect it from fracturing and keep it strong for years to come.
Protecting Your Tooth With a Crown
The removal of the nerve, blood and nutrient supply of the tooth causes the tooth to become brittle and prone to fracturing, which could result in the need to extract the tooth. A full coverage crown is recommended to prevent this from happening. The crown covers and protects the treated tooth, holding it together so it can look, feel and function like a natural tooth for many years.
Caring for a Treated Tooth
A root canal treated tooth can last a lifetime with the right care:
- Brush twice daily and floss every day
- Avoid chewing hard foods until the crown is placed
- Keep up with regular checkups on the restoration
- Let us know promptly of any pain or swelling
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment
Does root canal treatment hurt?+
Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthetic, so the procedure itself is comfortable. It relieves the severe pain caused by an abscessed tooth rather than causing it, and any mild soreness afterward settles quickly.
How many visits does root canal treatment take?+
Root canal treatment could take one to two visits to complete, but recent advances allow for faster treatment that can often be completed in just one visit with more accuracy and less discomfort.
Why not just pull the tooth?+
Keeping your tooth helps to prevent your other teeth from drifting out of line and causing jaw problems, and saving a natural tooth avoids having to replace it with an artificial one. Nothing looks, feels or functions quite like your own tooth.
What is an abscessed tooth?+
An abscessed tooth is a tooth with an infection in the pulp. When bacteria enter your tooth through deep cavities, cracks or flawed fillings, the pulp can become infected, causing pain and swelling. If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can cause serious oral health problems.
Why do I need a crown after a root canal?+
The removal of the nerve, blood and nutrient supply causes the tooth to become brittle and prone to fracturing, which could result in the need to extract the tooth. A full coverage crown is recommended to prevent this from happening.
Is the consultation really free?+
Yes. We offer a free consultation to examine your case, answer your questions and let you know whether root canal treatment is the right option for your tooth.
Ready to Save Your Tooth?
Schedule a free consultation at Westheights Dental Centre in Kitchener-Waterloo to find out whether root canal treatment is right for you.
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