Tooth Root Canals Kitchener
At Victoria Family Dental, we offer root canal treatments for our patients with infected root canals, conveniently in our welcoming office.
We perform root canal treatment to alleviate the severe pain of an infected tooth root and to save the tooth from needing an extraction.
What Is Dental Pulp?
Dental pulp is the soft, innermost tissues within a tooth. Dental pulp is composed of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Infection of this pulp can occur when bacteria can reach past the protective enamel and dentin layers to infect it.
A tooth can become vulnerable to bacteria and pulp infection when it has a deep cavity or has had a trauma. Even if you do not have a cracked tooth, if it has experienced trauma, it can be compromised and susceptible to infection.
Treat Infected Dental Pulp Tissue
This infection causes severe pain, and a root canal treatment to remove the dead or infected pulp becomes necessary. If left untreated, the infection may spread to surrounding tissues and bones. You may develop abscesses, and an extraction will become necessary. The severe pain will also continue until you have the tooth treated.
Root Canal Treatments: Save Teeth and Alleviate Pain
A root canal procedure, or endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure designed to alleviate severe toothache pain and prevent the spread of infection. If you're experiencing symptoms such as acute pain, throbbing, temperature sensitivity, redness, swelling, or a dental abscess near your tooth, you should seek immediate dental care.
During root canal procedures, infected or damaged dental pulp is removed from a tooth's root canals. This removes the infection so it cannot spread further. If done early enough, a root canal procedure can save a tooth. A key benefit of a root canal procedure, however, is that it will alleviate the pain.
Why Do Dentists Recommend Root Canal Treatments?
Root canal therapy is critical to treat infected root canals. Antibiotics alone will not treat the issue. The only alternative is an extraction, which is associated with negative oral health impacts.
Infection Prevention
Root canal procedures prevent infection from spreading further into soft tissues, the jaw bone, and face.
Pain Relief
Root canal treatment alleviates the severe toothache pain caused by the infection. The procedure itself is not painful, contrary to common misconceptions, and most patients experience pain relief soon after the procedure.
Preserving Your Natural Tooth
Maintaining your natural tooth is always preferred, as it helps preserve bone density and oral function, as well as prevents other oral health complications and the need for tooth replacements.
Preventing Complications
Delaying treatment can lead to more significant oral health issues, potentially requiring emergency dental care.
Root Canal Procedure
Our dentist will start with thorough diagnostics, to fully confirm that you have an infection in your root canal, and to assess the extent and severity of the infection.
Once the infection has been diagnosed, the root canal procedure can begin. Our dentist will administer a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort, and place a rubber dam around the tooth to protect it from bacteria.
The dentist will make a small opening in the tooth so the root canal system and infected pulp chamber can be accessed. The infected tissue will be meticulously cleaned out using dental instruments. The chamber will then be given an antibacterial rinse.
Next, the area is filled and sealed with either a temporary filling, if a second treatment will be required, or a permanent, biocompatible filling, called gutta percha, if the procedure is complete. Generally, a dental crown is placed to support the treated tooth.
After Your Root Canal Treatment
Following the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and anti-inflammatories. Avoid using the treated tooth until a permanent filling or crown is placed. We will give you a full set of aftercare instructions.
To prevent further issues and maintain your oral health, continue to practice excellent oral hygiene and be sure to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings. Cavities and gum disease are still possible after root canals. If you experience a return of your tooth pain or other related symptoms, let us know immediately.
Safe and Successful Procedures
Root canal treatments are safe and have a success rate of 95%. Despite the common misconception, it isn't a painful procedure; instead, it will quickly help to relieve the pain of infected dental pulp.
In rare cases, further treatment or root canal surgery may be necessary. Dentists view a tooth extraction as a last resort.
Book an Appointment
If you're experiencing tooth pain or suspect an infection, schedule an appointment with us. Our friendly team at Victoria Family Dental in Kitchener is here to help. We'll make every effort to put you at ease and make the process as comfortable as possible.
Don't ignore tooth pain or other symptoms; contact us today. It can make the difference for saving your tooth, preventing an infection from spreading, and stopping your tooth pain.