With well over 14 million root canals performed every year in North America, root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures out there. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants, bridges or dentures.
A root canal treatment is needed to save a tooth when the pulp, or the soft inner tissue of a tooth, becomes infected or exposed. The most common reasons for the tooth pulp to become compromised is a cracked or fractured in a tooth, a deep cavity, or an injury to a tooth. If left untreated, it can cause severe pain, leading to a dental abscess and possible tooth loss.
Sometimes, there are no signs that a tooth is unhealthy, and only by x-ray examination is a diagnosis found. At some point, however, you will likely notice one or more of the following things:
If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist will most likely recommend root canal therapy to treat the diseased pulp. This injured pulp is first removed, and then the root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and then filled and sealed. This therapy usually involves local anesthesia and may be completed in one or more visits, depending on the treatment required. Success for this type of treatment occurs in about 90% of cases. If your tooth is not amenable to root canal treatment or the chance of success is unfavourable, you will be informed at the time of consultation.
It is normal to experience some discomfort, including biting or chewing sensitivity after a root canal treatment. Typically, this subsides in a few weeks. Patients who have had a root canal treatment should take medications as prescribed. Recommended pain medications should be started before the freezing wears off. Since the pulp has been removed, temperature sensitivity should also subside. After a root canal treatment, a tooth always becomes weaker and is more likely to fracture. To strengthen the tooth following root canal treatment, it is almost always recommended to crown the tooth.
At Sandstone Dental, our goal is to deliver comprehensive general dental services and provide our patients with the highest quality of dental care possible. Our dedicated dental team utilizes only the highest quality equipment and the latest technology and services available while providing personalized care that will put you at ease. We are committed to providing you with the comprehensive oral health care you need.
Please call us at 403-275-3131 or use the contact form below.
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Providing general dentistry, family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry and orthodontic dentistry to Sandstone, Sandstone Valley, MacEwan, Beddington, Huntington Hills, Country Hills, Harvest Hills, Hidden Valley, Simons Valley, Kincora, Edgemont, Evanston, Panorama Hills, Coventry Hills, Hamptons, NW Calgary and surrounding areas.
The dentists at Sandstone Dental are all General Dentists. As general dentists, they provide cosmetic dental procedures such as porcelain veneers, dental crowns, dental braces, and teeth whitening as part of their General Dentistry license. Cosmetic Dentistry & Family Dentistry, Implant and Sedation Dentistry are not recognized dental specialties by the Alberta Dental Association & College (ADA&C). As NW Calgary Dentists, they provide General Dental procedures for all ages within the family.
