Every year in Canada, root canal therapy is performed more than one million times. This common, but sometimes misunderstood procedure, is performed to save damaged or diseased teeth and maintain smiles.
Before we begin your root canal, we’ll completely numb the area around your tooth so the most you’ll feel is slight pressure while we work. Then, we’ll make a small hole in the top of your tooth that acts as an entry point. Through this opening, Dr. Kherani will remove any damaged or infected pulp he finds inside your tooth’s canals. Once your tooth is properly cleaned out and disinfected, we’ll seal it with a tooth-colored filling and a dental crown for additional protection.
The Greek word for inside (“endo”) and tooth (“odont”) combine to form endodontic. Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure, meaning it is performed on the interior, or pulp, of the tooth. This is done when the pulp is damaged or diseased. The pulp is removed, while the structure of the tooth is preserved.
Root canal therapy will necessitate a few days of recovery, during which time you can follow your normal dental care routine, but you should be gentle with your teeth. Avoid hard foods and cut back on sugary or acidic beverages.
It is normal to feel some pain or discomfort following the procedure, but most patients find that simple acetaminophen or ibuprofen offers relief. If they do not, or if the pain seems excessive, contact your dental professional.
While every person is different, there are a handful of common signs that often point to the need for root canal therapy, including:
Typically, our patients express that they experience almost-instant toothache relief after their root canal is complete. However, it’s not uncommon to have mild to moderate tooth sensitivity for a few days following the procedure. If necessary, we may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication or recommend an over-the-counter alternative.
Are you dealing with chronic tooth pain but putting off visiting the dentist because of cost concerns? At Kherani Dental, we’ll help you get the relief you deserve without breaking the bank. We work hard to help you fit the dental care you need into your budget. If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure or the cost, please call our office!
As is done during a filling, the patient receives a local anaesthetic in the gums to numb the tooth. A hole is made in the crown of the tooth to allow access to the pulp chamber so that the diseased or infected pulp can be removed. The pulp chamber and root canals are then flushed and cleaned and may be enlarged to give better access for filling. Once filled, a crown is placed on the tooth to return it to normal function.
Typically, a root canal can be performed in 60 to 90 minutes, meaning it can be done in one or two visits. Occasionally, depending on the location of the tooth, the extent of the infection, and certain other dental issues, it may take longer.
There are several indicators of when a root canal might be warranted, such as:
Root canal therapy is a common procedure that carries few risks, however, some issues may arise. If the damage to the tooth is too severe, a root canal may not be able to save it. There is also the possibility of an abscess forming if some of the infected material is missed and remains behind, or if the prescribed antibiotics prove ineffective.
A root canal is still frequently believed to be a painful procedure, but with today’s medical advances, there is little cause for concern. For most, a root canal will be similar to receiving a filling and will actually save you from the greater pain to be suffered from a damaged or decaying tooth.
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