Root Canal Therapy
Your dentist in Mississauga may recommend a root canal if the nerve of your tooth becomes infected. The bacteria reaches the pulp or inner portion of the tooth through an opening. The opening can either be a fracture or a deep cavity.
Root Canal Infection Symptoms
Here are some signs that your tooth or teeth may be infected.
- Tooth pain
- Extreme pain when chewing
- Gum tenderness
- Sensitivity to temperature
- Tooth colour darkening
What is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is performed to remove the infected pulp tissue and save the tooth. The pulp canals are cleaned using small files and irrigation methods. After which, the cleaned canal is filled with gutta-percha.
A root canal treatment can be completed in a single dental visit. However, after the procedure, the affected tooth may feel sore. This may last for 1 to 2 weeks but should go away on its own.
Since a root canaled tooth is hollow, it becomes vulnerable to fractures. Your dentist may recommend getting a crown to protect the tooth and prevent fractures.
Getting a root canal treatment does not mean your tooth will no longer be susceptible to cavities. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dentist appointments are still crucial.
Does Root Canal Therapy Save Teeth?
An infected tooth or teeth can be saved by root canal therapy. However, there are instances when the damage is too severe, it can no longer be treated. In such cases, your dentist will determine if tooth extraction is the best course of action.
Preventing Root Canal Infection
- Maintain good oral hygiene habits.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle.
- Regulate intake of sweets and acidic food or beverages.
- Increase water intake.
Getting Root Canal Therapy in Mississauga
If you feel that your tooth is infected, don’t delay calling your dentist. Book an appointment as soon as you can to have the affected tooth checked. Find out what’s causing the pain or discomfort and whether root canal therapy is the right solution.