What is root canal therapy?
Did your dentist say you might need root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is often associated with pain, so many feel reluctant about the procedure. But it’s common and done to save the natural tooth.
Root canal therapy gets rid of the infected pulp in a root canal. It fixes a severely damaged tooth and also prevents future infections.
Here at Southdown Dental in Mississauga, Ontario, we perform root canal procedures, and we’re happy to assist you with any related concerns.
What is root canal therapy?
A root canal is a hollow section inside the tooth where the dental pulp is.
The dental pulp provides nutrition and moisture to the tooth and consists of tissue, blood vessels, cells, and nerves that sense hot and cold.
Your dentist may recommend root canal therapy if the pulp becomes infected. The infection can be due to decay, chips, cracks, large fillings, or trauma.
Why is root canal therapy necessary?
When the pulp becomes damaged or infected, the harmful bacteria can multiply and spread quickly. Left untreated, this can also affect the tooth’s roots and neighboring teeth.
Severe cases can cause swelling on other parts of the face and even the neck. As the infection progresses, the bone around the tooth’s roots can deteriorate.
If you’re feeling unsure, your dentist can explain to you in greater detail what the process involves. You can work together to ensure your comfort throughout the process.
What to expect during root canal therapy
Your dentist or endodontist examines your tooth with the help of X-rays. Afterward, they administer a local anesthetic to numb the area.
They also place a rubber dam in your mouth to separate the tooth from the surrounding area and keep it dry throughout the procedure. This also keeps you from swallowing any unwanted substances.
Next, they make a small opening in the crown of the tooth. Then, they clean the pulp and prepare it for filling. If there’s pus, your dentist drains it at this point.
Once the pulp is clear, they fill the hole and seal it off. The pulp is very narrow so they use small files to enlarge and fill it more easily.
The more root canals a tooth has, the longer the procedure will take. If a dental restoration shall be placed on the tooth, your dentist may use a temporary filling first.
On your second visit, your dentist removes the temporary fillings and attaches the final restoration. If there’s a small amount of tooth left, your dentist can also attach a post in the root canal to support the crown.
Is root canal therapy painful?
Root canal therapy may sound scary, and many people associate it with pain, but modern technology makes the process more comfortable for clients. Before the procedure, you and your dentist shall discuss options to help you feel relaxed and ease potential pain.
Experiencing severe pain after the procedure is uncommon, but it’s possible to feel some discomfort. If you feel there’s too much pain even after several days have passed, communicate with your dentist. They’ll examine the area and help you feel better.
If you feel your tooth is infected, see your dentist in Mississauga, Ontario, immediately. Seek proper diagnosis and treatment, and feel free to ask questions. Find out if you need root canal therapy.
Here are some of them and how you can avoid them.
Brushing too hard. Brushing harder and faster does not guarantee a better clean. This can only irritate your gums, damage your tooth enamel, and cause tooth sensitivity. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush for at least two minutes each time.
Using teeth as a tool. Although convenient, using teeth to open packaging can cause them to crack or chip. It’s normal for some to do this when a tool isn’t easily accessible. However, it’ll be healthier and safer for your mouth to use proper tools.
Participating in sports without a mouthguard. Playing sports is great but it can present dangers too. Getting hit hard in the mouth can result in chipped, loose, or missing teeth. A custom sports mouthguard may be costlier than store-bought ones but it’s more effective in keeping your mouth secure. It adheres to your bite, fit snug, and prevents the need for dental restorations.
Chewing on ice cubes. Ice cubes may seem harmless as they’re only water but chewing on them can be damaging for your teeth. Drink chilled beverages instead of using a straw, let the ice melt in your mouth, or go for shaved ice instead.
Nail biting. Some people tend to bite down their nails when they’re nervous or tense. Nail-biting not only affects the appearance of your nails and hands, but it can also damage the jaw as it’s held in a protruding position for a long period. Instead of biting your nails, use stress balls or other tools to keep your hands busy.
Teeth grinding and clenching. It’s hard to diagnose teeth grinding and clenching as they often occur when a person is sleeping. They may be the cause if you feel pain in your jaw, head, or teeth after waking up. These habits can be triggered by stress and cause fractures on your teeth or damage your dental work. Using a custom night guard can help protect the mouth.
Eating or drinking anything acidic or sugary. Carbonated drinks have high acid content and acids attack the tooth enamel. Bacteria, on the other hand, feed on sugar and produce acids. Limit your intake of sugar and acids. And when you do indulge in them, rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Consistent snacking. It’s healthier to eat three balanced meals a day than to snack several times a day. When you snack, opt for healthier food choices. For example, instead of munching on dried fruits, eat fresh fruits. Instead of reaching for colored beverages, drink water instead.
Smoking. To stop smoking is a long battle. However, continuing the habit isn’t only detrimental for your oral health but also for your overall health. Smoking can cause teeth staining, gum disease, and oral cancer. If you need support to quit the habit, help is available.
Improper use of toothpicks. Toothpicks are used for removing debris stuck between teeth. Using it aggressively can damage your gum tissues. Scraping tartar off the teeth using toothpicks can damage the tooth enamel. Use toothpicks with care.
Take care of your teeth by avoiding the habits listed above. If you have further questions about dental care and oral hygiene, you may contact our team at Altima Port Hope. We accommodate everyone in the family – from kids, adults to seniors.