When the pulp, or the soft inner tissue of a tooth, becomes infected or dies, root canals, or endodontic treatment as it’s also known, is necessary to save the tooth. This happens when the hard outer shell of the tooth, or enamel, has failed. The most common reasons for the pulp of the tooth to become compromised are a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, or an injury to a tooth. It is generally a comfortable treatment that can save your tooth from extraction and keep your mouth healthy.
Your Root Canal Treatment Choice for Airdrie
What is Root Canal treatment?
Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Endodontic/root canal treatment treats the inside of the tooth.
To understand root canals, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel is a hard layer called the “dentin.” And inside the dentin is a soft tissue called “the pulp.” The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.
The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots, where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth’s growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature, it can survive without the pulp.
Why would I need Root Canal treatment?
Root canals are necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes, deep decay extending into the pulp repeated dental procedures on a particular tooth, and fracture or breakage. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause severe pain or lead to a dental abscess.
Symptoms of Possible Infection
- The tooth is sensitive to hot or cold
- The tooth hurts when biting or pressure
- There is a throbbing, severe tooth pain
- The area is swollen
- You have a bad taste in your mouth
- Sometimes there are no obvious or noticeable symptoms to let you know there is a problem! Only regular dental visits and digital x-rays, as well as a detailed clinical examination, can reveal the underlying trauma.
How does Root Canal treatment save my tooth?
We first remove the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully clean and shape the inside of the tooth, then fill and seal the space. Afterward, a crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?
Many root canal procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over the counter or prescription medications. Post-operative treatment of possible pain is something that you and your dentist will discuss.
Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment is completed. However, as with any dental treatment, if you have severe or persistent pain or pressure, call our office!
Online Reviews
We absolutely love this office. I have extremely high anxiety and they are so patient with me. My 4 year old asked if we can go back next week as she had a wonderful time at her cleaning. Great experiences every time and billing is very reasonable.
Samantha Lewis
From the minute you walk in, everyone is kind and professional. The hygienists and dentists provide clear instructions and the front desk always has the paperwork taken care of right away. Just a great group of people!
Jody Bobb
Amazing office, I have been going here for 25 years since I was a kid. I broke my tooth playing hockey, they got me in the very next morning, referred me to a specialist for more detailed gum work (who I seen the next day) and temporarily fixed my tooth all in the same week. Great office and everyone seems to have a sense of humor!
Mike Beierle
I have been going to Main Steer Dental for over 5 years and I can say that I am very satisfied with quality of care I have received. Punctual, clean, friendly. The stuff is professional and competent. I definitely recommend this office for all your dental needs.
