Root canal treatment saves teeth in Mississauga.
Adults normally get 32 “permanent” teeth. A natural tooth remains preferable to most people for appearance and function. Yet, untreated decay or a traumatic injury can badly compromise a tooth. In many such situations, Dr. Jameela Jifri and her associates at Huron Dental Centre in Mississauga can save the tooth with root canal treatment.
When root canal therapy is needed
At the centre of each tooth is a pulp chamber filled with blood vessels. This space also houses nerves, which travel through minute canals to the tooth root. The pulp chamber is protected with rigid dentin and a hard layer of enamel. When decay or damage creates an opening – even a tiny crack – in these structures, harmful oral pathogens make their way to the interior of the tooth. The resulting infection inflames nerves and builds pressure. (A blow to the face can also cause nerves to die, sometimes years later.)
You may experience:
- Intermittent toothache.
- Pain when biting down.
- Tenderness around the tooth.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold.
- The tooth may darken.
- In some cases, the tooth abscesses causing acute pain and facial swelling.
Root Canal – root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful, but when done properly, it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, its root and its nerves become irritated. As a result the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with a natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canals are diagnosed by patient’s sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist if any symptoms or discomfort occur.
Gentle procedure
Root canal treatment has an unsettling reputation, but it is unfounded. In truth, this procedure gets you out of pain quickly, and in most situations, is the only alternative to having the natural tooth extracted. From the patient’s point of view, it is about like getting a filling, but the appointment takes a bit longer.
The mouth is thoroughly numbed, bringing immediate relief. The dentist removes decay or damaged structure and opens the pulp chamber. This alleviates painful pressure within the tooth. Blood vessels and nerves are removed, and the chamber and canals are sanitized to eliminate bacterial infection. The opening is sealed, and the tooth is protected with a temporary restoration. You may be prescribed antibiotics or pain medications. After about two weeks, you return to have the interim restoration removed and a lovely porcelain crown cemented into place. With good oral hygiene, you could retain the natural tooth for a lifetime.
Root canal treatment is nothing to fear in Mississauga. Call 855-393-0900 for a regular or urgent appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy, also referred to by dentists as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure that aims to save a damaged or severely infected tooth. It specifically involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the inside of the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the canals, and filling them with a special material. This is done to prevent further infection and restore the tooth’s health.
Why do I need root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is often necessary if your tooth has become infected or even inflamed due to deep areas of tooth decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, trauma to the tooth, or a crack or chips in the tooth. The infection may spread if untreated, leading to severe pain, abscesses, or even tooth loss. Root canal therapy saves the natural adult tooth and alleviates any noticeable discomfort or pain caused by the infection.
How do I know if I need root canal therapy from a dental professional?
Common signs that you might require root canal therapy include persistent toothache, sensitivity to cold or hot foods/drinks, swelling in the gum area, a pimple-like bump on the gums, or darkening of the tooth. Only Dr. Jameela Jifri and her team at Huron Dental Centre can determine if root canal therapy is necessary after conducting a thorough examination and taking x-rays.
Is the root canal therapy procedure a painful experience?
Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is not as painful as many patients assume. With modern techniques and anesthesia, the procedure is relatively painless. In fact, root canal therapy aims to relieve pain caused by infection or any inflammation in the tooth. Some patients might notice mild discomfort during recovery, but this is usually well-managed using over-the-counter pain medications at home.
How long does the actual root canal therapy procedure take to complete?
The time needed for root canal therapy depends on the complexity of the case and whether there are any complications. Generally, a single session lasts anywhere from one to two hours. However, if multiple teeth need treatment or additional procedures are required, it may take longer.
Is it better to get a tooth extraction instead of root canal therapy?
It is always best to try and save your natural tooth whenever possible. Root canal therapy often has a high success rate and can save your natural, remaining tooth from extraction. Losing a natural adult tooth can result in various oral health issues, including shifting teeth, difficulty eating and speaking, and alterations in facial appearance. It is also more expensive to replace a missing tooth with a quality dental implant or dental bridge compared to root canal therapy to save the tooth from extraction or provide a replacement option.
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