How many people know what a root canal is?
A root canal is a treatment also known as endodontic treatment. The procedure of removing the infection from the inside of a tooth is called a root canal. It can protect the tooth against future tooth infections. The procedure is done in the pulp of the teeth, also known as the root canal.
Quick facts about root canal treatment
- Root canal therapy is required to remove nerves from the pulp.
- Although it is considered extremely painful, it is an effective pain relief treatment.
- A root canal is also known as Endodontic therapy.
- Root canal therapy prices vary. However, it is generally less expensive than having a tooth extracted. Thereafter, the tooth is replaced with a crown, bridge, or other restoration.
What’s root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is often criticized for being too painful. The root canal is not part of the actual tooth. It is the hollow portion of a tooth that houses nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cells which is also known as the pulp.
A tooth is made up of a crown and roots. The crown is located above the gum and the roots are located below the teeth. The function of roots is to connect the tooth to its jawbone. The pulp is located between the root and the crown, also known as the root canal. The pulp provides nutrition to the tooth. It also provides moisture to the surrounding materials. The pulp nerves sense heat and cold as well as pain.
Endodontic therapy is the name of a dental procedure that is commonly called a “root canal”. It means “inside the tooth”. The term “root canal” is now used more commonly to describe the procedure. Aims Dentistry offers painless root canal treatment in Mississauga.
What causes root canal problems?
If you don’t take care of your teeth, the enamel (the outermost part of your tooth) will eventually become a cavity. As the years go by, decay begins to wear deeper into the tooth. It can reach the enamel, dentin, and finally the pulp and blood vessels. Root canal intervention is required once the infection has reached the pulp. The sooner you treat the infection, the lower the chance of complications.
Root Canal Symptoms
These are signs that could indicate a root canal infection.
- Chewing causes severe pain
- A toothache caused by severe pressure
- Temperature sensitivity (hot, cold, or weather-related)
- Gum swelling and tenderness
- Darkening of the teeth
- General tooth pain that isn’t relieved by over-the-counter drugs
How do you proceed?
Usually, the root canal is done in three steps. It may vary as per the condition of the tooth and the treatment you are getting.
1. Cleaning the root canal
The first step is removing all the debris from the root canal. The dentist places the patient under local anesthesia and makes small access holes on the tooth’s surface. Next, the dentist removes diseased or dead pulp tissue using very small files.
2. Root Canal Filling
The dentist then cleans and shapes the hollow using small files and irrigation solutions. Next, the dentist fills the tooth with a rubber-like material using adhesive cement to seal all the canals. The tooth will be dead after root canal therapy. Because the nerve tissue was removed and the infection is gone, the patient will not feel pain.
3. Add a crown or filling
The tooth will now be more fragile than before. The ligament that connects the tooth to its bone must provide nourishment for a tooth without pulp. Although this supply is sufficient, over time the tooth may become more fragile so a crown/filling can be used to protect it.
The patient must not chew on or bite down on the tooth until the crown or filling has been completed. The person can continue to use the tooth after the crown or filling has been completed. Although treatment is usually quick, it may take several appointments if the canals are curvilinear, multi-canals or there are large infections.
Is it painful?
This type of treatment can be feared because it is painful. However, a skilled dentist should perform the procedure with minimal pain. The infection is what causes the pain, not the treatment. The treatment does not cause pain, it only helps to relieve it.
The dentist will reduce the pain by anesthetizing the area and the surrounding areas with local anesthesia. We offer the best root canal services in Mississauga.
Some tenderness may occur after the treatment. This is temporary and can be treated with an over-the-counter (OTC), pain medication. Prescription drugs such as codeine are also available if necessary. To treat or prevent infection, the dentist might prescribe an anti-infective.
Who has it?
Root canals are used to treat infected pulp. This allows you to save a tooth from being extracted. The pulp can’t heal itself if it becomes damaged or diseased. Bacteria can get into the pulp if there are deep cavities, cracked teeth, or loose fillings. The bacteria can eventually cause the death of the pulp. The bacteria can infect the bone if it penetrates the root openings.
An infection can weaken and even cause the bone to fall apart. The tooth will fall out if the ligaments surrounding it swell. The tooth will become sensitive to extreme temperatures and high heat due to a pulp injury. Some people feel pain while chewing and others have constant, throbbing pain. The infection can spread if it is not treated. The tooth may eventually become loose and require extraction.
Patients may choose to have their tooth extracted if it hurts too much or cannot be saved. This could include large decay, trauma, or bone loss due to periodontal or gum disease.
The removal of a tooth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift and become crooked. This can be very noticeable and can cause a bad bite. Speak to our root canal treatment experts in Mississauga to know if you need it.
Root canal treatment will often save the tooth and relieve the pain.
Implants are the best alternative if the tooth is not saved. It is better to save the natural tooth if you can, as nothing works as well as a naturally functioning tooth.
How much does it cost?
Although dental treatment costs vary widely, saving a tooth through a root canal can be relatively inexpensive. Extraction is another option. However, an implant or bridge to replace the tooth is often more costly. Malocclusion (or misaligned teeth) and difficulty chewing can all result from extraction.
Complications
Like any procedure, complications may occur.
- Sometimes, the dentist can only find three root canals for a tooth with four. The infection could spread if one canal is not treated.
- Also, the dentist should ensure that the filling material does not reach the root canal. The infection may return if the root canal isn’t properly sealed.
- The root of the tooth might crack, or instruments may break in the canal. It is difficult to fill the tooth efficiently when this happens.
A root canal services specialist in Mississauga can help with complications and complete root canal treatment. Patients should follow all instructions given by their dentist to avoid any complications. It is crucial to follow the instructions of your dentist if you are prescribed antibiotics. After root canal therapy has been completed, it is important to have a permanent crown or other restoration installed.
Prevent
Dentists recommend the following:
- Brushing your teeth at night, at least once a day, and last thing before bed.
- Use toothpaste that has fluoride.
- Use a toothbrush that is suitable for your needs and replace it every so often.
- Regular dental cleanings and checkups.
- Flossing is a great way to keep plaque from building up between your teeth.
- Avoid sugary drinks and foods and eat a healthy diet.
Have questions about the root canal services in Mississauga? Contact us today to book a free consultation.