If you are experiencing a severe dental emergency causing bleeding and /or difficulty breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital’s emergency department.
16
Dec
Is root canal treatment painful? And five other questions about endodontic therapy
At Calgary Dental Centers, our providers are dedicated to the care and attention of new and current patients. When pain and infection have occurred, certain treatments might be recommended to alleviate the discomfort and address the issue at the source. Often, this may mean the need for root canal therapy. Below are a few commonly asked questions about root canal treatment at our Calgary, Alberta, area offices.
What happens during root canal treatment?
During a root canal procedure, our dental providers first numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area with local anesthesia. Then, they create an opening in the top of the natural tooth to access the infected pulp chamber and canals. Once completed, they carefully remove any infected or damaged tissue inside the tooth using small instruments. The canals are then cleaned and shaped to allow filling material to be placed.
Once the canals are prepared, a rubber-like material known as gutta-percha is used to fill and seal them. This helps prevent further infection. In some situations, a temporary filling may be placed on top of the gutta-percha until a more permanent restoration, like a dental crown, is ready to bond in place.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Many patients have the common misconception that root canal treatment is painful. However, with modern techniques and local anesthesia, patients do not experience any pain during their treatment at Calgary Dental Centers. In fact, most patients feel relief after their root canal has been completed, as it eliminates the source of their toothache.
What are some of the alternatives to root canal therapy?
The only alternative treatment to root canal therapy is extracting the affected tooth. While this may seem like an easier option, it can lead to other problems in the long run. A missing tooth has several effects, such as bone loss, shifting of surrounding teeth, and potential bite issues. It is always best to save a natural tooth whenever possible.
Is root canal treatment painful? And five other questions about endodontic therapy
Call our office for more information.
Are there any potential risks associated with undergoing root canal therapy?
As with any medical procedure, some potential risks are associated with root canal therapy. These may include:
- Infection
- Damage to surrounding tissue or structures
- Failure of treatment due to incomplete removal of infected tissues
- Severe bleeding
How long does root canal treatment take?
The length of the root canal procedure depends heavily on several factors, such as the complexity of the patient’s case and the number of roots in the affected tooth. On average, a root canal procedure can take 1-2 hours. However, in some cases, multiple appointments may be needed to complete the treatment fully.
Who can I call in the Calgary, Alberta area to find out if I need root canal treatment?
If you seek pain relief and want to restore the health of your smile, you may require root canal therapy with our team at Calgary Dental Centers. Our team is committed to restoring the smile with conservative and appropriate treatments for new and established patients and families. Call one of our two office locations to discuss your needs with our experienced dental providers.