Sometimes bacteria enter the pulp of a tooth and cause an infection. Root canal treatment, also called endodontic therapy, is an effective and safe treatment for teeth whose pulp has become inflamed/infected. It’s designed to eliminate bacteria from an infected root canal, saving the tooth and preventing reinfection. At Vitality Oral Health, this procedure is routinely performed for the benefit of our clients.
What is root canal treatment?
A root canal is a naturally occurring space within the root of a tooth. It consists of the pulp chamber, the main canals and intricate branches that connect the root canals to each other and the surface of the root. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue and is important during the tooth’s growth and development. Once a tooth is fully mature, it can survive without the pulp. Root canal treatment involves the removal of infected and injured tissue (pulp) from inside the canal(s). Once removed, the canal is disinfected, shaped, filled and sealed with a rubber-like material. The tooth is then sealed with a filling to prevent reinfection. Root canal treatment may require 1 or 2 appointments. This dental procedure relieves pain and is the only viable option to retain a tooth that has suffered severe damage or has become infected.
What causes damage to the pulp of a tooth?
- deep decay due to an untreated cavity
- multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
- a chip or crack in the tooth
- an injury to the tooth, even if the injury doesn’t crack the tooth
How common is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental procedures performed in Canada, with over a million treatments each year. This procedure saves natural teeth, preventing the need for dental implants or bridges.
What are the advantages of having a root canal procedure?
○ Preventing infection from spreading to other teeth
○ Easing the symptoms associated with an infected tooth
○ Reducing the risk of jawbone damage
○ Eliminating the need for tooth extraction
How do I know if I need root canal therapy?
There are a number of symptoms that indicate you may need a root canal procedure:
- Severe pain while chewing or biting
- Tooth pain that doesn’t go away
- Pimples on the gums
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swollen or tender gums
- Deep decay or darkening of the gums
- Tooth discolouration
- Pain when pressure is applied
- Loose tooth
Most of the time, a tooth that has infected tissue and pulp can be saved with a root canal treatment. With proper care and regular dental visits, a tooth that has received a root canal procedure can last as long as your other teeth. If you have any of the symptoms associated with an infected tooth, call our office. At Vitality Oral Health, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate oral health care in a private clinic setting with a clinical support team of registered hygienists, registered assistants, registered sterilization aides, and administrative support staff. We can help you with your oral health needs.