Root Canal Therapy
At Allwood Dental in Abbotsford, we are proud to provide Root Canal Therapy (RCT), which is a commonly performed dental procedure. This straightforward treatment can rescue an infected tooth from extraction, eliminating the necessity for dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal treatment (RCT) is a treatment sequence for the infected pulp of a tooth that is intended to result in the elimination of infection and the protection of the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion.
To understand root canal treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. The tooth is made up of two layers: a soft tissue called the pulp, which sits beneath the white enamel, and a hard layer called the dentin. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and aids in the construction of the tooth’s surrounding hard tissues during development. The pulp extends from the tooth’s crown to the tip of the roots, where it joins with the root tissues. While the pulp is essential for tooth formation and growth, adult teeth can function without it.
When the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment becomes necessary. The inflammation or infection can result from various causes, including deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. Even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks, an injury to it can cause pulp damage. If left untreated, pulp inflammation or infection can cause pain or lead to an abscess. Unlike other parts of the body, the pulp tissue is unable to heal and protect itself once exposed and contaminated, which can result in an increase in pain as blood pressure rises in the pulp chamber. If left unaddressed, this can lead to necrosis, infection, and eventually an abscess.
At Allwood Dental, we use one of the most technologically advanced root canal systems available, which allows us to complete the entire root canal treatment in a single appointment, ensuring a more relaxing experience and successful outcomes. At times, due to various reasons including infection or complexity of the tooth anatomy, a second appointment may be required to complete a root canal. We strongly recommend placing a crown on back teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, as the removal of the pulp and blood supply can make the tooth brittle and more susceptible to cracking under heavy bite forces.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you are experiencing abnormally acute pain, swelling, bleeding, or pus excreting from your gums and teeth, you are most certainly suffering from a dental emergency and should contact your dentist immediately. Loose, fractured, or knocked-out teeth are another indicator of a dental emergency.
Call your dentist immediately and schedule an appointment within the hour. The sooner you get to see your dentist, the higher the chances that they’ll be able to recover your tooth and fix the issue.
Take good care of your teeth and follow appropriate oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day and flossing every night before bed. Likewise, if you participate in any high-contact activities, you should protect your teeth by wearing a mouthguard and a helmet.
If you crack or break a tooth, try to collect as many of the shattered bits as you can and wrap them in a clean, moist cloth. Make an immediate call to your Abbotsford urgent care dental office. The sooner you schedule an appointment, the sooner they can restore your injured tooth.
Don’t be alarmed if one of your permanent teeth comes out. The first step is to gently rinse the teeth in lukewarm salt water to clean it. DO NOT touch the tooth by the root under any circumstances since this will harm any tissues that reside there, making it hard for your emergency dentist to reconnect the tooth to the socket. Contact your nearest Abbotsford emergency dental facility and make an appointment right now. Meanwhile, keep the tooth moist by placing it between your cheek and jaw. If that isn’t a possibility, put it in a jar of saline solution or milk until you can get to the dentist.
Take an anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen. Avoid Aspirin because it contains ingredients that will thin your blood and thus exacerbate the situation.
Our Procedure
01
Exam
The dentist will examine and take a radiograph of the tooth using x-rays, and then administer a local anesthetic. Once the tooth is numb, the dentist will place a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
02
Open and Clean
The dentist will examine and take a radiograph of the tooth using x-rays, and then administer a local anesthetic. Once the tooth is numb, the dentist will place a small protective sheet called a “dental dam” over the area to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
03
Fill and Seal
The dentist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, typically a rubber-like substance known as “gutta-percha,” after cleaning and shaping the space. To ensure complete sealing of the root canals, the gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement. A temporary filling is usually inserted to close the opening in the majority of cases.
04
Restoring
Your dentist will remove the temporary filling after the final visit for RCT and place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to fully protect and restore it to function. If the tooth does not have enough structure to hold the restoration, a post will be placed inside the tooth by your dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
After a root canal, the tooth may develop slight discoloration or intrinsic stains where bleeding occurs internally, resulting in a yellow or darkened inner part of the tooth. However, internal (non-vital) bleaching can effectively whiten the tooth.
The need for a crown after a root canal highly depends on the location of the tooth in the mouth. Teeth located towards the back of the mouth, such as molars and premolars, are essential for chewing and often require crowns. On the other hand, incisors or canines that are not required for chewing may not always require crowns.
However, in some cases, front teeth may require crowns due to darkening of the tooth and cosmetic concerns.
Endodontic procedures are performed to relieve toothache pain caused by pulp inflammation or infection, and with modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report feeling comfortable during the procedure.
After treatment, it is common for your tooth to feel sensitive for the first few days, particularly if there was pain or infection prior to the procedure. You can alleviate this discomfort with over-the-counter or prescription medications, and it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
Although your tooth may feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment, if you experience severe pain or pressure that lasts for more than a few days, it is imperative that you call your dentist at Allwood Dental immediately.
