When it comes to root canal treatment, many people are hesitant to undergo the procedure. Although root canals are relatively common and safe procedures, many people would opt to have their tooth extracted rather than undergo a root canal. This fear stems from the many myths that exist about root canals, which can be misleading and are often inaccurate. It’s important as a patient in need of a potential root canal treatment that you educate yourself on the topic and understand the procedure and any risks involved so that you can make an informed decision.
What Does A Root Canal Treatment Involve?
Your tooth contains a nerve which is situated at the core of your tooth and is referred to as the pulp. Within the pulp, the blood and nutrients required by the tooth, are circulated. If the pulp of the tooth undergoes damage, it can become prone to infection. Infection within the pulp of a tooth can be very painful, causing facial swelling, bone damage, and possible tooth loss. In order to remove the infection and save your tooth, root canal treatment is used.
Root canal treatment involves the removal of the tooth’s pulp, cleaning of the canal systems inside of the tooth, and finally filling the tooth with a biocompatible material. This filling protects the tooth from bacteria, which could re-enter the tooth and cause infection to occur again. Saving an original tooth through a root canal treatment is usually more cost-effective than removing a tooth and replacing it with an implant or a denture.
At Milltown Dental, located in Milton, Ontario, our professional and experienced team of dental professionals ensure that you are fully informed and comfortable with your decision to undergo a root canal treatment. We want you to feel at ease with the procedure and help you maintain your dental health for life.
Symptoms of Root Canal Infection
Infections within the pulp and canals of your tooth can be very painful, and it is usually this symptom of pain that prompts people to receive a root canal treatment. There are, however, a few other symptoms which are indicative of a root canal infection, including:
- Swelling and tenderness of the gum line - a root canal infection can cause the gum line to become inflamed and begin to feel tender and sore.
- Darkening of the tooth - when the tissues within the root canal become infected, they begin to turn dark brown, which ultimately affects the colour of the tooth.
- Dental abscess - a dental abscess is formed when the combination of the bacteria and the dying pulp in the tooth form a pus-filled pocket at the tip of the tooth’s root. A dental abscess can also cause bad breath.
- Chronic bad breath - one sign of infection is chronic bad breath, which can be caused by the build-up of bacteria that causes the root canal infection. These bacteria can emit a foul odour, which can also result in a bad taste in the mouth.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is always a good idea to see a dental professional, so they can determine the cause and suggest the appropriate treatment.
Our Procedures
A root canal treatment is a relatively common procedure which involves 4 major steps, as follows:
- Numbing the tooth - a dental professional administers local anesthesia using a needle to numb the tooth. Once the tooth has been numbed, a dental dam consisting of a sheet of rubber may be placed around the tooth to help keep it clean and dry during the procedure.
- Removing the infection - in order to reach the infected pulp of the tooth, the dentist uses a small drill to create an opening in the top portion of the tooth. The infected pulp inside the tooth is removed with the help of a small file. Water may be used inside of the inner chambers of the tooth to help wash away any of the infected pulp that remains inside.
- Filling the tooth - once the inner chambers and canals of the tooth have been thoroughly cleaned and dried, they are filled using a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha. The opening in your tooth is closed with a temporary filling until the permanent crown can be placed on your tooth.
- Placing the crown - a few weeks following your root canal treatment, you will have to revisit the dentist to have a permanent crown or another form of restoration placed on top of your tooth.
Once you’ve had a root canal treatment, it is crucial to maintain
good oral hygiene practices, if you weren’t doing so already. Keeping your teeth and gums
clean and healthy as well as visiting the dentist at least twice a year is essential to avoid bacterial build-up and any further infections. The tooth which has undergone a root canal requires an additional visit to the dentist so they can take x-rays and ensure that the infection has completely gone. If taken care of, a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment and
restoration can last you a lifetime.
Why Choose Milltown Dental?
When it comes to your teeth, you want to trust a dental team with the right experience. Here at Milltown Dental, we have over 15 years of experience in the dental industry and are committed to providing each of our patients with quality care. We aim to help you create positive oral hygiene practice so you can maintain your dental health for years to come. We want each of our patients to understand the procedures they may require and feel comfortable with our dental professionals.
For expert dental services, contact Milltown Dental at (905) 878-8528 or contact us
here for more information.
