When you have tooth pain, finding a permanent solution might seem complex. Luckily, it does not have to be. Should you consider tooth extraction or receive a dreaded root canal? While root canals do not have the greatest reputation, advances in dentistry have surely come a long way. Receiving root canal therapy near you at a dental clinic doesn’t have to be a scary experience. We not only are aware that the thought of undergoing root canal treatment can be a scary experience, we recognize that it can also be one that is avoided altogether.
Why should you consider undergoing root canal therapy in Walden?
The inside of your tooth, called the pulp, consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When this portion of your tooth is attacked by infection and decay, you are at high risk of losing that tooth. Inevitably, without root canal therapy, that is precisely what will happen. Tooth removal can result in further dental issues that can continue if they aren’t correctly treated. The resulting space, where your dentist extracted your tooth requires tooth replacement of some sort to maintain balance in your mouth. The way you chew, speak and move your mouth in a certain way can alter when you have a missing tooth, resulting in more and more dental problems down the road.
What is a root canal?
The root of the tooth includes 1 to 3 tunnels beneath the surface, called canals. Front teeth have one root canal, and the back teeth consist of 2 or 3 canals. The canals are filled with blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves, called the pulp. After your dentist has established that your tooth is acutely infected and decaying, they must clean out all bacteria and diseased material to save your tooth. Under local anesthetic, a small hole is formed for access and using a tiny tool called an endodontic file; your dentist in Calgary will scrape out the infection, bacteria, and dead material. Your dentist will fill the canals with gutta-percha, which is a synthetic resin. This pink substance is put into the canals and heated, hardening as it cools and producing a thermoplastic seal. This seal prevents the roots of the tooth from breaking down anymore. The sources of infection are sealed off and no longer as vulnerable to decay. Contingent upon the person, some may have a post inserted for additional stability. In most cases, a crown is placed to protect the tooth to avoid other dental issues.
Aftercare of a root canal
Once your root canal is complete, the pain associated afterwards will lessen after a few days. You can take an over-the-counter medication such as, ibuprofen to minimize any swelling and manage discomfort. In as little as no time, the horrid pain you endured for months or even years will not stop you from living a happy and healthy life. Your dentist will recommend not to eat any food that is too hard or crunchy until your mouth has fully healed. Also, you should avoid sugary drinks and foods as they are not good for your teeth or your body! All patients, including those that have recently undergone root canal therapy, should brush their teeth twice per day and floss regularly. If you are a smoker, your dentist and family doctor will continue to stress the importance of quitting. Following these tips and recommendations can help you ensure your treated tooth is healthy and protected for many more years to come.
If you are interested in receiving root canal therapy in Walden, contact our clinic near you today. Our experienced and compassionate staff is here to make sure you are comfortable and informed during every step. Call us today if you would like to set up a consultation or appointment to save your tooth and your smile!