Root Canals

About Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment is generally done when you have a tooth infection or a very painful toothache. Historically, root canals are perceived to be a painful procedure. However, with today’s modern method and technologies, root canal procedures can be  no more uncomfortable than your everyday filling.

Why might I need a Root Canal?

Root canal is routinely done when you have severe pain coming from a tooth. The reason why you have severe pain could be due to cracked tooth, a deep cavity or trauma. 

The main aim of a root canal treatment is to help you get out of pain while saving your tooth. It allows us to disinfect your tooth so you would be able to hang on to it for as long as possible. It is generally a predictable and painless procedure. Saving your tooth for the long term if possible is generally a better idea than having your tooth removed. Once your tooth has been removed, your may find that your bite will start to change. This can lead to further jaw issues and chewing issues.

How is a Root Canal done?

Root canal treatment can range from a single visit to multiple visits depending on the severity of the infection and pain. These visits will involve:

• Taking an initial X-ray to assess for damage and create an opening to access infected areas.
• After the opening is made, the diseased tissue (such as dying nerves) is removed. The space is disinfected and cleaned thoroughly.
• If more than one visit is needed, then a temporary filling is placed in the tooth opening to protect the tooth between dental visits.
• The final step involves filling the empty space to prevent reinfection in the future. Multiple X-rays will be taken to ensure the area is completely sealed.

Your teeth are generally quite brittle after a root canal has been completed. If the tooth treated is a back tooth we may recommend you reinforce this tooth with a crown to prevent it from fracturing in the future.

Your teeth are generally quite brittle after a root canal has been completed. If the tooth treated is a back tooth we may recommend you reinforce this tooth with a crown to prevent it from fracturing in the future.

Your teeth are generally quite brittle after a root canal has been completed. If the tooth treated is a back tooth we may recommend you reinforce this tooth with a crown to prevent it from fracturing in the future.

What to expect after a Root Canal visit?

For the first few days after a root canal treatment, your tooth can feel a bit sensitive & uncomfortable to bite on. This can be due to the natural tissue inflammation response, especially if there was a large infection or pain prior to the treatment. This discomfort can usually be controlled by over-the-counter medications like neurofen/ibuprofen. Most patients can return to normal activies the following day.