Do you think you need a root canal in Kitsilano Vancouver?
Here are some Common root canal symptoms
- Persistent tooth pain.
- Sensitivity to heat and cold.
- Tooth discolouration.
- Swollen gums.
- Pain when you eat or touch the tooth.
- A chipped or cracked tooth.
What is a root canal
Root canal therapy is performed when the pulp which is composed of nerves and blood vessels in the tooth becomes infected or damaged. During root canal therapy, the pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
People fear root canals because they assume they are painful. However most people report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling. The discomfort experienced in the period leading up to the root canal is more painful than the procedure itself.
How a root canal is performed
An x-ray of the tooth in question will be taken prior to the treatment in order to check the shape of the canals and determine if the bone or surrounding area is infected.
To begin the process of treating the tooth, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the particular area.
By using a rubber sheet also known as a “dam” to isolate the tooth, your dentist keeps the tooth and surrounding area clean and dry and free of saliva.
A hole is then drilled into the tooth to gain access to the pulp chamber.
Once your dentist has exposed the pulp chamber, they begin to remove infected pulp and, eventually, the nerve itself.
This process is accomplished through the use of root canal files. These files, which vary in diameter, are placed one at a time into the tooth and down the entire root canal.
This effectively cleans out any debris from the chamber and canal. Once this is done, your dentist will refill the canals and chamber with a rubber compound and seal it with cement.
What Happens after a Root Canal?
After a root canal is complete, the tooth will be able to function as it normally does. Although root canals remove the nerve inside the tooth, these nerves don’t serve much function in a fully-formed tooth.
Do I Need a Crown after a Root Canal?
Sometimes! Needing a crown on your tooth after a root canal depends on the location of the tooth in the mouth. Teeth towards the back of the mouth like molars and premolars are needed more for chewing, and generally require crowns, while incisors or canine teeth near the front don’t often need a crown.
Got more questions? The team at Kits Family Dental will be happy to answer any questions you have on root canals in Vancouver! Please call 604-738-1816.
