If your dentist has given you the news that you need root canal therapy in Prince Albert, you may be feeling a little nervous about the whole thing. Luckily, there is nothing to worry about. Root canal therapy is a routine dental procedure that is performed to alleviate pain and remove infection from your mouth.
In this article, our team at Prairie Pines Dental Center tells you all about root canal therapy so you can understand why it is necessary and how it will benefit your oral health.
What is a Root Canal?
The term “root canal” refers to the tiny passageways that branch from the central area of your tooth to the ends of your tooth roots. When there is an infection in these canals, it is necessary to perform a root canal to remove the infection and prevent it from spreading and causing gum disease and tooth loss.
Are There Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy?
In most cases, root canal therapy near you is the only option to save a tooth, other than extracting it. It is always better to keep your natural teeth in your mouth for as long as possible, and since root canal treatment has such a high success rate (90%), it is best to move forward with the procedure.
Saving your tooth rather than extracting it will save you lots of trouble down the line, including a misaligned bite, trouble eating, and loss of jawbone density.
How Does Root Canal Therapy Work?
When you visit our dentist near you for root canal treatment, the process will begin with them numbing the affected area to ensure that you do not feel any pain. Next, they will make a small hole in the crown of your tooth to access the root canals and remove the infected or damaged tissue. Finally, they will disinfect and fill the tooth with a temporary filling.
Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to return to our dental office to have a custom-made crown placed over the tooth, which will provide it with extra strength and support.
Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?
Many people mistakenly believe that root canal therapy is very painful and scary, but the truth is that there is no more discomfort associated with root canal therapy than there is with a regular dental filling. In most cases, people find immense relief from pain after undergoing root canal therapy because the infection has been removed from their mouths.
Is the Healing Process Difficult?
It is normal to experience some sensitivity and tenderness after root canal treatment, but this will subside within a few days and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications or medications prescribed by your dentist in Prince Albert. It would be best if you stuck to a soft-food diet for the first couple of days following your treatment until your permanent filling or dental crown has been placed.
Visit Prairie Pines Dental Center
Now that you have a clearer understanding of what root canal treatment entails, you may be feeling ready to move forward with the next steps. At Prairie Pines Dental Center, our team of dedicated dental professionals is happy to help you with all your oral health needs. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us to book your consultation today.