Even in the most severe cases of decay or infection, your natural tooth may be saved with root canal therapy. The root canal process is made as quick and painless as possible at King Street Dental Centre by using cutting-edge technology and skilled care.
The purpose of root canal therapy sometimes referred to as a “root canal,” is to treat an infected tooth’s pulp. The pulp, which is made up of living connective tissue, can become infected if a cavity gets worse and the infection spreads to the pulp.
A root canal is a dental procedure performed to treat a severely infected or damaged tooth, with the goal of saving the tooth and relieving the patient from pain and discomfort. The procedure is typically done by an endodontist, a dentist Waterloo who specializes in the treatment of dental pulp and root canals. The process usually involves the following steps:
Diagnosis and Anesthesia
Before the root canal, the dentist will take X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and determine the shape and length of the root canals. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area, ensuring the patient is comfortable during the procedure.
Access and Cleaning
The dentist creates a small access hole in the tooth’s crown to reach the pulp chamber and root canals. They then remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue using specialized instruments. The interior of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and shaped to remove any remaining debris, bacteria, and infected tissue. This step is crucial to ensure that the infection is eliminated.
Filling and Sealing
After cleaning, the dentist fills the now-empty root canals with a biocompatible material, often a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. This seals the canals, preventing the re-entry of bacteria. The access hole in the crown is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling, and in some cases, a crown is placed on the tooth to provide additional strength and protection. The restored tooth should function and look like a natural tooth.
Root canal therapy is an endodontic dental treatment to eliminate infected or damaged tissue inside a tooth. The tooth is then cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent future infection and retain the existing tooth.
You may require a root canal if you experience any of the following symptoms:
The need can be confirmed by a dentist in Waterloo through an examination and X-rays.
No. Modern root canal treatment is no more painful than having a filling. A local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable during the treatment. Pain is relieved in most patients after therapy.
Root canal therapy generally takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete. It is usually completed in one or two visits, depending on the severity of the tooth and the level of infection.
A crown typically covers the tooth to protect it and restore normal function. Mild sensitivity for a few days is common and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The price depends on the tooth's location (front, premolar, or molar) and the severity of the infection. And many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the treatment. Your dentist will be able to give you an exact estimate after an in-person examination.
Yes, in most cases. Preserving your natural tooth helps prevent artificial teeth from drifting out of place and reduces the need for surrounding teeth to compensate for a lost tooth. Rut canal therapy, in many cases, is cheaper and less invasive over the long run than extraction/restoration.
