Free Teeth Whitening
New clients only. Inquire while booking your appointment.
Why do you need root canal therapy?
The interior of your tooth, beneath the hard enamel, is a soft pulp which is comprised of nerves and blood vessels. Cavities or cracked fillings allow bacteria to enter this soft pulp, causing an infection called an abscess, which may cause pain and swelling. Left untreated, this will lead to the loss of the tooth and other serious oral health issues. Dr. Bruce Hartley and team at Woodcreek Dental Care in Calgary provide root canal therapy.
How is root canal treatment done?
- Make an opening in the tooth through which we can remove the damaged pulp
- Clean and disinfect the root canal system which encases the nerves and blood vessels
- Fill and seal the canals with a rubber-like material
- Seal the opening in the tooth with a permanent filling or a temporary filling which is later replaced with a crown
Will there be pain after root canal treatment?
Most people find that the mild soreness they experience following root canal treatment a vast improvement over the pain of the original abscess. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol and Advil are usually adequate to treat the tenderness following root canal treatment. If you are experiencing extreme soreness contact our Calgary dental office.
What are common symptoms requiring root canals?
Common symptoms that come with root canals include
- Severe tooth pain and tooth sensitivity that continues to get worse over time
- Gums begin to swell and become tender near the infected area
- Bad breath is common with root canals
- Pimples filled with pus around your gums
- Abscess in the jawbone
- Your teeth begin to darken
How painful are root canals?
A common question that is asked by our patients is if root canals are painful? The fact is you should not feel anything if the pulp in the affected tooth is dead because there are no nerves. If the pulp is still alive then anesthesia will help with managing the pain from the root canal. Woodcreek Dental Care provides oral and IV sedation to help those patients who deal with dental anxiety and are worried about feeling any sort of pain during the treatment.
After your root canal expect the area where the root canal was to be tender. After a root canal you will want to wait for all the numbing to be gone before you eat and avoid biting or chewing until your affected tooth is restored by a crown. You can continue to brush and floss as normal, and you can return to your normal day to day duties once the anesthesia has worn off.
Can my mouth become infected after root canals?
Regular check ups with Woodcreek Dental Care can help us make sure your mouth does not become infected after a root canal. There are many different signs you can watch out for that may point to an infection in your mouth. If you are dealing with severe pain or pressure, then you should contact your dentist immediately. Other signs f infection include swelling in and around your mouth and your original root canal symptoms returning.
Normal recovery time is about a week and you will notice continual gradual healing. Your tooth will feel sensitive for a few days and any discomfort you feel can be mitigated with pain medication and anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen.
How can I avoid root canals in the future?
The best way to avoid root canals starts with how you take care of your teeth at home. Brushing and flossing daily goes a long way in keeping your teeth healthy. Avoiding acidic beverages and eating a healthy diet are other ways to help avoid root canals in the future. Lastly visiting Woodcreek Dental Care in SW Calgary for regular check ups and cleanings can help keep your mouth healthy and lets us identify any possible causes of concern.
To learn more about this service & to begin your journey, Book your next visit at Woodcreek Dental Care
