Having lots of pain? Get to the root cause.
Understanding Root Canal Therapy: A Step-by-Step Guide
At Chinook Smiles, root canal therapy near you involves a detailed process tailored to remove infection and protect your tooth from further damage. The procedure starts with numbing the affected area to ensure your comfort. An access hole is then carefully created in the top of the tooth to reach the infected pulp. The pulp is removed using specialized tools, and the inner chamber is meticulously cleaned and shaped. The space is disinfected and filled with a biocompatible material, and finally, the opening is sealed to prevent any new infection.
The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment: Preserving Your Natural Teeth
Root canal therapy is essential for preserving a tooth that might otherwise require extraction. Not only does it relieve pain and stop the spread of infection, but it also preserves the tooth’s structure and strength. Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain proper chewing function and alignment within your mouth, which can prevent future dental issues. Chinook Smiles is committed to providing effective root canal therapy in Calgary, AB, to help patients retain their natural teeth and enhance overall oral health.
Expectations During and After a Root Canal Procedure
When you undergo a root canal at Chinook Smiles, the procedure is straightforward and typically pain-free, thanks to advanced anesthetic techniques. Recovery is usually quick, with most patients returning to their normal activities the next day. Post-procedure, you may notice some sensitivity around the treated area, which commonly subsides within a few days. It’s essential to follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by our dentists to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal healing.
FAQs
Post-procedure, you might experience mild discomfort. It is recommended to avoid hard or chewy foods for a few days. Follow good oral hygiene practices and attend follow-up appointments as indicated by your Chinook Smiles dentists.
A successful root canal can last a lifetime. However, it is not uncommon for a root canal treated tooth to become re-infected. Therefore it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups to ensure the treated tooth remains healthy.
The length of a root canal procedure varies based on the number of canals that the tooth has and the complexity of its root canal system. Most procedures can be completed in a single visit, ranging from 40 minutes for a single rooted front tooth, to 2 hours for a molar with 4 or more canals. If a tooth is severely infected, it may be beneficial to access the root canal system and place medicament for disinfection during the first visit, and then return for a second appointment to finish cleaning and filling the root canals.
With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are very comfortable during the procedure. For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This normal discomfort is to be expected, and can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your root canal treatment is completed. However, as with any dental treatment, if you have severe pain or pressure or pain that lasts more than a few days, call our office!
