What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a common dental procedure used to eliminate the infection in the pulp of a tooth. When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp tissue and cause an infection. Pain and swelling often result, and a root canal is usually recommended to save the tooth.
The Root Canal Procedure
While the root canal procedure is common and fairly simple, it does require a few steps. The root canal treatment itself can be done in one visit, although it’s typically a separate visit from your diagnosis. Recovery is usually quick, although you’ll want to ask Dr. Adatia about returning to work after your procedure.
A local anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and keep you comfortable. A small protective sheet is then placed over the infected area to isolate the tooth. The dentist then drills into the crown of the tooth to open it and cleans the infected area.
Next, the remaining space is cleaned and shaped to make space for a filling, which will replace the pulp in the tooth. The root canal is then filled and sealed to prevent future infection. A temporary crown is placed over the filling to protect it, which will be replaced by a permanent crown at a follow-up appointment.
How Do I Know if I Need A Root Canal?
The best way to know if you need a root canal is to visit your dentist and try to find the source of your tooth pain. Not every toothache is cause for a root canal, but if you’re experiencing certain symptoms, you’ll want to make an appointment at Symmetry Dental.
Common symptoms of a root canal infection include:
- Swelling or pain in the gums
- Sudden sharp pain near the tooth
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Pain when you bite down
- Tooth discoloration
What is Root Canal Retreatment?
Occasionally, a tooth that has had a root canal treatment will not heal properly and will become reinfected. In that case, another endodontic treatment may be needed.
Once the root canal retreatment has been decided on, your tooth will be reopened to gain access to the root canal filling material. The dentist will remove the old material, clean the canals, carefully examine the infected tooth, and disinfect, fill, and re-seal the canals. Once this has been done, you’ll receive a new permanent crown at a follow-up appointment.
Root Canal Treatment at Symmetry Dental
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, please don’t wait to make an appointment at Symmetry Dental. Call our Calgary office at 403-271-2661 today so that our team can give you a proper diagnosis.