Having to undergo root canal therapy is a scary thing for a lot of people; after all, this treatment has a reputation for being painful. But did you know that such a belief is actually incorrect?
That’s right! When you visit your dentist in Scarborough for this procedure, they’ll administer local anesthesia medication which numbs your mouth. As a result, you won’t feel any pain while your dentist tends to your teeth.
For more details about receiving root canal treatment near you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our local dental clinic.
If your dentist informs you that you need to have a root canal, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. To help put you at ease and feel more familiar with the process, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions.
What exactly is a root canal?
Also known as endodontic treatment, a root canal is performed to save an infected tooth.
If decay is left to fester on your tooth, it’ll eventually work its way down to your pulp. The pulp is the soft inner core where nerves, blood vessels, and other connective tissues meet, delivering nutrients and minerals to keep your tooth alive and healthy. But when this is damaged, it can cause immense sensitivity and pain. The only way to restore what’s left of your tooth is to extract the pulp.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
While it’s always best to visit a dentist near you if you’re unsure, there are multiple symptoms you can keep an eye out for:
- Your gums are black or starting to darken.
- Extreme sensitivity, mainly when you’re eating or drinking.
- Pimples on your gums.
- Irritated or swollen gums.
- Severe pain when eating or moving your jaw.
What is the process of a root canal like?
A root canal is a procedure that all dentists are qualified to perform. If you’re in need of more extensive care, your dentist may refer you to a specialist.
That said, the process is streamlined and can be completed in two appointments. The steps of the treatment are outlined below:
- A comprehensive evaluation. Your dentist will first need to determine if you need a root canal or if an alternative would be more appropriate. They’ll physically assess your mouth and take x-rays to do this.
- Once you have the green light, they’ll give you the anesthesia to keep you relaxed.
- A dental drill will be brought in to access the pulp chamber. Any additional debris will be cleared away.
- The pulp will be completely extracted. Once it has been thoroughly cleaned, your dentist will fill in the space to prevent further infection.
- Impressions will be made on your tooth so that a dental crown can be created. When it’s ready, you’ll have to return to the dentist to have it placed. This prosthetic provides additional protection to your smile.
How long will it take me to recover?
It’s important that you allow yourself a bit of time to rest once the treatment concludes. The anesthetic will wear in a few hours, after which you may experience some minor sensitivity or aches; take Advil or Tylenol to address this.
Consume soft foods and stay away from foods that are super hard and crunchy so that your mouth can heal. Avoid smoking too, as this also interferes with your body’s ability to recover.
Can a root canal fail?
No treatment is perfect. But with that said, root canals have an extremely high success rate – nearly 95%, in fact. If you actively take care of your smile at home and come in for your biannual dental cleanings, the results of your root canal will indeed last, as will your crown.
If you encounter any issues, be sure to reach out to your dentist so they can address it and get your smile back on the right path.
Where can I book a dental consultation?
Looking to book an appointment for root canal therapy in Scarborough? Come into Vista Dental and talk to our amazing staff today! We are here to walk alongside you on your dental journey and do whatever we can to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
You can contact us a few different ways: by phone, going to our website, or stopping by our clinic and setting up an appointment time in person.
We cannot wait to work with you!