Root canals are a treatment designed to eliminate eliminate bacteria from an infected root canal which has occured often due to a broken or decaying tooth. The treatment also acts as a preventative method of preventing reinfection of the tooth. During a root canal treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed.
How can I tell if I might need a root canal?
Symptoms can vary, which is why it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist to uncover the cause of your problem, but symptoms can include:
- Facial, neck or jaw swelling
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Discolouration of teeth
- Toothache or general local pain
- Small drainage bump on the gums
What next?
Once a definitive diagnosis has been made and all options have been provided for you, our dentists will completely numb the tooth, providing a virtually pain-free experience. Then, a small access point will be created inside of the tooth and your dentist will remove all the bacteria and diseased tissue and apply any medication needed to assist with the healing process.
Then, your dentists will fill the canal and seal the tooth. Tooth sensitivity may linger a few days to a week, but your body’s natural healing process will start to fix the infection.
Finally, a restoration will seal and protect the root canal and because the removal of the bloody supply in the tooth will cause it to become brittle, your dentist may recommend a dental crown be added to protect the tooth.
