Root Canal Therapy

Whose knees do not quake at the thought of a “root canal?”

Root canal therapy, is a dental treatment for removing infection from inside a tooth. It can also protect the tooth from future infections. Root Canal Therapy, contrary to popular belief, relieves the pain and discomfort that is very common with abscessed teeth and infection. Our team is attentive to your comfort both during and after the appointment. Patients with anxiety regarding root canal therapy have the option to consider one of our sedation options during their root canal appointment.

The most common reasons for the pulp of the tooth to becoming affected are due to a cracked tooth; a deep cavity; or an injury to a tooth. Once the pulp of the tooth is infected or exposed, an abscess, or infection, can occur at the root tip where it meets the jawbone. An abscess destroys bone surrounding the tooth and causes pain.

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Facts about root canal therapy:

• Root canal therapy is used to remove nerves from the pulp of a tooth.
• It is thought to be very painful but is a pain-relieving treatment.
• Root canal therapy costs vary, but it is a less costly option than having a tooth removed and replaced with a bridge.

What are the signs of an infected or compromised tooth?

• Any pressure to the tooth causes a sharp pain.
• Your tooth becomes much more sensitive to hot or cold.
• The sensation lingers even after the source is removed and your tooth begins to darken.
• You experience tenderness in your gums.
• You have tooth pain that interrupts your sleep.
• You experience spontaneous, throbbing tooth pain

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Root Canal Therapy Process:

Before receiving root canal therapy, your dentist will inspect your teeth and gums to determine if it is necessary. After confirming the necessity, they can begin the root canal therapy process by performing these steps:

1. Numbing the Area: Your dentist will numb the area surrounding the tooth with a local anesthetic to make sure you feel comfortable throughout the procedure.
2. Making an Opening: Your dentist will create an opening in the top of the tooth to access its interior.
3. Removing the Pulp: The next step involves extracting pulp tissue from inside of a tooth, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours depending on how extensive the damage.
4. Cleaning and shaping the canal: Your dentist will extract pulp from the root canal by using specialized instruments, then shape the canal so it can hold filling material.
5. Filling the Canal: Your dentist will then fill in the canal with a biocompatible material such as gutta-percha and seal the opening.
6. Placing a Crown: Finally, your dentist will place a crown over the tooth to shield it from further harm and decay.

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Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy offers several advantages, such as:

• Saves Teeth: Root canal therapy is an effective way to save a damaged tooth from extraction. This helps preserve your natural tooth, making it easier to chew and speak normally.
• Pain Reliever: Root canal therapy is often requested when a patient experiences tooth pain due to an infected or damaged tooth. After the procedure, most people report feeling much less uncomfortable as the discomfort has been alleviated.
• Improved appearance: Damage to a tooth can negatively affect both your smile and overall aesthetic. Once root canal therapy is completed and a crown placed, however, your tooth will have an improved look.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Root canal therapy can often be more cost-effective than dental implants or bridges, which may be considerably more costly.
• Long-lasting: Root canal therapy is a long-term solution that offers lifelong advantages. With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, your treated tooth could last you a lifetime!

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Root Canal Therapy in History:

Root canal therapy has been around for centuries. In ancient times, dental practitioners used various techniques to relieve tooth pain, including extracting its pulp. However, it wasn't until the late 1800s that modern root canal therapy was perfected.

Dr. Edwin Maynard of France performed the first root canal therapy procedure in 1933 with his invention of a flexible file that could remove pulp without damaging teeth. This revolutionized root canal therapy forever after.

Through the years, root canal therapy techniques and instruments have evolved, making the procedure increasingly efficient and comfortable for patients.

The best way to prevent the need for a root canal treatment is by maintaining good oral hygiene, keeping a healthy diet, and taking proper safety measures during sports by using a proper sports mouthguard. Additionally, a tooth becomes vulnerable to deep infections that affect the pulp because of repeated need for dental treatments. It is never too late to apply these preventative principles to protect your teeth. The team at Monterey Dental Centre in NE Calgary are here to help you and to advise you on the path to good oral health.

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