Root Canal at St. Leonards Green Dental
Endodontic therapy — also known as root canal treatment — is a restorative procedure that treats and preserves teeth affected by:
- Dental abscesses
- Deep cracks
- Severe decay
- Hypersensitivity (especially to hot food or pressure)
- Past trauma
- Nerve death
During a root canal at St. Leonards Green Dental, we treat the inner portion of the tooth: its nerve chamber. By removing the infected or dying pulp tissues, medicating the empty canal and sealing it off, we can prevent reinfection and deterioration of the remaining tooth structure. You can think of the procedure like a filling that extends deep inside of the tooth, rather than just the outer layer.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
Getting a root canal isn’t any more uncomfortable than routine dental treatment. It’s meant to alleviate your pain, rather than cause more. Since the tooth being treated is numb, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort at the time of your appointment.
If there is a severe infection such as an abscess, we may need to prescribe an antibiotic leading up to your root canal. This medication will help to lessen the severity of inflammation inside and around the tooth, making it easier to numb.
Because teeth have anywhere from 1-3 roots, some root canal treatments can take longer than others. To help you feel as comfortable as possible, we’ll use a soft prop for your mouth to ease your muscles and offer relaxation options like laughing gas (nitrous oxide sedation).
Planning Your Root Canal Treatment
Many dental practices refer their endodontic patients to nearby specialists, due to the detailed nature of a root canal. Especially if a back tooth is involved. Fortunately for our patients, we’re able to offer start-to-finish traditional root canals on all teeth here in our practice.
After your root canal, we’ll prep your tooth and take an impression to have a custom crown created. Endodontically treated teeth are no longer alive; as such, they tend to be weaker and chip away more easily. Putting a crown over your tooth will protect it from fractures during everyday use.
If you think you need a root canal, we invite you to schedule an exam and X-ray with our family dentist. We’ll discuss any concerns you have and determine if endodontic therapy is the best choice for your smile.
Are There Alternatives?
While most restorative dental treatments have at least one other option worth considering, that isn’t usually the case with a root canal. Since damaged tooth nerves cannot repair themselves and will continue to disintegrate, the only way to save the tooth is to treat it endodontically.
However, there is one alternative to getting a root canal: pulling the tooth. If you have a cracked root or severe infection that requires immediate action, removing your tooth may be the best solution. At that point, you will also need to consider what to do to replace it before your neighbouring teeth start to move.
It’s common to feel nervous about getting dental work, especially a root canal. Ask about our comfortable analgesic options to help you feel relaxed throughout the process.
PATIENTS OF ALL AGES WELCOME
Contact our general dental practice today to book an appointment for yourself or your child.
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.