Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment Toronto
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage inside a tooth. When the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels) becomes infected or inflamed, usually due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or trauma, a root canal is needed to save the tooth. Some patients think that extracting the tooth is the only way to eliminate an infection, but that's not true. A root canal treatment can save the infected tooth if it's addressed in time. The success rate of a root canal treatment is high and if there are no new infections, it can last a lifetime.
Signs and Symptoms of Possible Root Canal Therapy
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache
- Sometimes no symptoms are present
- Swelling and/or tenderness
Reasons for Root Canal Therapy
- Decay has affected the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or trauma to the tooth
What is Involved In Root Canal Therapy?
A dentist or an Endodontist (root canal specialist) performs the root canal procedure, which may take one or more appointments to complete. When the infected tooth is numb, a rubber sheet is placed around the tooth to keep the area dry and saliva-free. An access opening is made on top of the tooth, from which the pulp, nerve tissue, or bacteria are removed with the help of root canal files. After the cleaning process, the opening is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling according to your dentist's evaluation.
During the next appointment, approximately after a week, the roots and inside cavity of the tooth are filled and sealed with medicated dental materials, whereas, the opening on the tooth’s top is covered with the permanent filling. A crown (cap) should be placed on all the root canal-treated teeth which will prevent your tooth from breaking, and restore it to its full function. Your dentist will provide you with a set of do’s and don’ts after each appointment. Maintaining healthy oral hygiene and periodic check-ups will increase the life of your root canal treatment.
