The Scoop on the Root Canal: What to Expect

• A damaged or diseased tooth can be saved with a root canal, a simple dental operation that can avoid the need for more involved dental repair.
• During the root canal operation, the pulp that has been damaged or diseased is removed. The canal is then cleaned, shaped, and filled with a rubber-like substance.
• Regular dental cleanings and exams are critical for avoiding the need for root canals, and good post-operative care is crucial for a satisfactory outcome. To keep your teeth healthy, have an appointment with your dentist every year.

You have undoubtedly at least heard of root canals, and you may, regrettably, have heard stories about how painful they are. This could be one of the causes of the high number of dental fear and anxiety sufferers, but the reality is that while a root canal can seem terrifying, thanks to modern technology, it’s really not that different from getting a filling. For your comfort throughout the process, the dentist will numb your tooth and gums. In fact, a painful jaw from holding it open for a long time can be one of the worst portions.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental operation used to remove damaged or diseased pulp from a tooth’s interior. The pulp, which is found in the tooth’s middle, is made up of components including nerves and blood arteries that keep the tooth alive. Pain, swelling, and other dental issues can result from the infected or damaged pulp. A root canal involves the removal of the diseased or damaged pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and filling the tooth with a particular substance to stop further infections.

You won’t feel any pain during the root canal surgery because it is often done while you are awake and under local anesthetic. Your dentist will cover the tooth with a crown or cap when the surgery is complete to safeguard it and bring back its natural appearance. Most patients report little to no pain during or after the treatment, which typically lasts one to two hours.

It’s crucial to remember that a root canal may not be required if you’re having dental discomfort. If a root canal is the best option for you, a dentist in Calgary can assess your oral health.

Symptoms of a Needed Root Canal

Tooth discomfort is one of the most prevalent signs that a root canal is required. This discomfort can be minor to severe, and it can be continuous or intermittent. Other signs of a root canal are sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling of the gums surrounding the afflicted tooth, and tooth darkening.

It’s critical to recognize the signs of a root canal since the sooner the problem is handled, the better. Ignoring the signs can lead to more significant dental issues, such as an abscess, or pus pocket, which can cause more pain, swelling, and even bone loss.

Book a check-up with a dentist near you if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. Early detection and treatment can help prevent further dental problems.

Benefits of a Root Canal

A root canal has several advantages, including pain relief, maintaining your original tooth, and avoiding the need for other, more involved dental operations in the future. Let’s examine each of these advantages in more detail:

• Pain relief – A pulp infection or pulp damage can lead to tooth pain that a root canal can treat. Most patients feel little to no discomfort following the surgery and may resume their regular activities.
• Preserving your natural tooth – A root canal allows you to preserve your original tooth rather than having it out, preserving it. By doing this, you may keep your grin looking genuine and keep your bite working normally.
• Preventing the need for more extensive procedures – Ignoring the signs of a required root canal might result in more severe dental issues, such as an abscess. These more involved operations can be avoided with a root canal, which will also benefit your dental health.

If you’re needing a root canal, book an appointment with a dentist near you in Calgary today. Don’t wait until it’s too late, take control of your oral health and get the treatment you need to protect your smile.

Myths About Root Canals

Despite the many advantages of a root canal, there are some fallacies about the surgery. Let’s dig into some of the popular root canal myths:

• Root canals are painful – The treatment is always conducted under local anesthetic, which means you will not feel any discomfort. Most patients report little to no pain following the surgery, and any discomfort is fairly manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Root canals get you sick – There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that root canals induce illness. Root canal therapy is a safe and efficient method of saving a broken or diseased tooth.
• Root canals are unneeded – A root canal is often the greatest choice for salvaging a broken or diseased tooth. Ignoring the signs of a root canal is dangerous because it can progress to more significant dental problems that are more difficult and expensive to address.

Book your next dental check-up with a trusted Calgary dentist today. Take care of your gums and protect your smile for years to come.

The Root Canal Procedure

An average root canal surgery takes one to two hours to perform and is rather simple. Since the treatment is carried out under local anesthetic, you won’t experience any discomfort. What to anticipate during a root canal is as follows:

• Anesthesia – Your dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth with local anesthesia.
• Opening the tooth – Your dentist will make a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the infected or damaged pulp.
• Removing the pulp – Your dentist will use special tools to remove the infected or damaged pulp from the inside of the tooth.
• Cleaning and shaping the canal – Your dentist will clean and shape the canal to prepare it for filling.
• Filling the canal – Your dentist will fill the canal with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
• Sealing the tooth – Your dentist will place a temporary filling in the opening of the tooth to seal it. You’ll need to come back to have a permanent filling or crown placed.

Book your next dental check-up with a trusted Calgary dentist today. Take care of your gums and protect your smile for years to come.

Aftercare for Root Canals

After a root canal, taking good care of your teeth can help guarantee a favorable outcome and avoid issues. Following a root canal, consider the following advice for aftercare:

• Pain relief – You could feel a little uncomfortable following the surgery, but this is typically treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Avoid eating anything crunchy or hard for the first several days following the treatment. This will give your tooth time to recover.
• Regular tooth brushing and flossing can keep your mouth healthy and help stave off additional infections.
• Avoid biting or chewing on the tooth that has been treated since doing so can harm the tooth before the permanent filling or crown has been put in.
• Follow-up appointments – In order to have a permanent filling or crown installed, you will need to make another appointment with your dentist.

For a root canal to be effective, proper aftercare is required. To learn more about root canal aftercare and how to keep your mouth healthy, schedule a consultation with an Aspen Dental Care dentist.

Few Final Thoughts

A root canal is a frequent dental operation that can salvage a broken or diseased tooth and save more extensive dental repair from being required. Contrary to popular belief, root canals are a safe and efficient technique to enhance your dental health.

Regular dental examinations and cleanings are critical in avoiding the need for a root canal. If you have signs of a damaged or diseased tooth, don’t put off seeking treatment. Make an appointment with a dentist in Calgary learn more about root canals and how they might help you.

So, now that you’ve learned what a root canal is, it’s time to act!