Addressing the root of the problem…
The center of your teeth is a hub of nerve tissue and blood vessels. If you harm your tooth enough to expose this soft pulp, you’ll know about it. Damage to the pulp can lead to swelling, abscesses and pain in the muscles and bones of the jaw. If left unchecked, it can also lead to tooth loss, which is why cracks, deep cavities and other similar injuries are usually treated with a procedure known as a root canal.
Our dentist near you root canal treatment in Calgary as a means by which to protect the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth, stopping the pain, preventing any further damage and avoiding tooth loss. Our primary goal is to create an environment within the root canal system that facilitates healing and promotes the continued health of the bone supporting your teeth. As such, any dentist carrying out the procedure will remove bacteria from the tooth and completely fill the canals to prevent any further infections from occurring.
A root canal treatment is often not as scary as it might sound. At Springhill Dental, our dentist in NW Calgary uses the latest rotary filing techniques and locating devices to ensure your root canal is completed to the highest standard.
Symptoms of tooth pulp damage or disease
A diseased tooth pulp may cause inflammation or infection. Symptoms include:
- Spontaneous pain.
- Sensitivity to extreme temperatures.
- Pain when biting or chewing.
- Loosening of the tooth.
- Swelling of the gum near the infected tooth.
- Oozing of pus surrounding the infected tooth.
- Facial swelling.
In some cases, the tooth pulp may become damaged or diseased without presenting any symptoms. In these situations, the problem is usually diagnosed by special tests or X-rays during a routine dental checkup.
Benefits of root canal treatment
- Removes bacterial infection from the tooth.
- Eliminates pain.
- Prevents the further spread of infection.
What to expect
We understand that a trip to the dentist in Calgary can be stressful, particularly when you’re already in pain. Our considerate staff always strive to alleviate any concerns a patient may have, a process that starts with a clear and transparent treatment procedure. You can expect your root canal treatment to follow an established pattern:
- An X-ray of the tooth is taken to check the tooth shape and location of the root canal infection.
- Local anesthetic is administered at the site of the infection.
- A canal is made in the tooth to allow for the removal of the damaged pulp.
- The root canal may be cleaned once or several times to ensure the infection is cleared. In some cases, medications may be administered to eliminate persistent infections.
- The clean, cleared root canal is filled.
- Proper oral care and regular dental visits ensure that the treated tooth remains healthy.
In most cases, multiple visits are required to ensure the root canal is completely cleaned before filling it.
The tooth tends to be fragile after a root canal treatment has been carried out. If this is the case, our dentist’s may advise a post and core treatment to stabilise the tooth, with a crown added for extra strength.
Recovering from a root canal
Some patients experience sensitivity for the first few days following treatment. This is due to natural tissue inflammation and can usually be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications. Most people are fine to return to their normal activities within a day.
Our NW Calgary dentist welcomes patients from the surrounding areas of Scenic Acres, Ranchlands, Northwest Calgary, Silver Springs, and Bowness. Give us a call for more information on root canal treatment!
Visit our dentist in NW Calgary for various oral care services, including dentures, sedation dentistry, emergency dentistry, children’s dentist in Calgary, TMJ, crowns, white fillings, root canal therapy, TMJ treatment, implants, veneers, Invisalign, fillings, teeth whitening, etc.
FAQs
A root canal is highly recommended when the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes irritated or infected. The procedure involves removing the affected tissue, cleaning the inner side of the tooth, and finally sealing it to control further problems. This approach allows the tooth to stay in place rather than needing to be removed.
Some people experience persistent tooth pain, sensitivity that lasts after hot or cold exposure, swelling in the surrounding gum area, or changes in tooth colour. Others may not notice obvious symptoms at all. Because signs can vary, a dental examination is needed to determine the cause.
Root canal treatment is generally easier than many patients expect. The area is numbed with local anaesthesia, and most people find the procedure similar to having a filling placed. Mild soreness afterward is possible, but it usually settles within a short period of time.
Treatment time depends on the tooth being treated and how involved the issue is. Some root canals can be done in only one visit, while others may require a follow-up appointment. Your dentist will explain the expected timeline after assessing the tooth.
After a root canal, the tooth may become more fragile, especially in areas used for chewing. In many cases, placing a crown helps protect the tooth and restore normal function. Whether a crown is recommended depends on the tooth’s condition and location.
It’s common to notice some tenderness around the treated tooth for a few days. Most patients are able to return to their usual activities shortly after the procedure. Any lingering discomfort typically improves on its own as the area heals.
Treatment options depend on how advanced the problem is and the overall health of the tooth. In some situations, other dental procedures may be discussed, while in more severe cases, removing the tooth may be considered. Your dentist will review the options that are appropriate for your situation.
