Root Canal Therapy Near You

Root canals have a reputation that they don’t necessarily deserve. A root canal is a relatively simple procedure that involves your dentist in Prince Albert removing the soft, abscessed tissue in your damaged tooth, also known as the pulp. The area where the damaged pulp resided, will be cleaned and disinfected before this area is filled and sealed to protect the tooth from further damage.

Necessary Precautions

This dental procedure is a preventative dental measure used to prevent tooth loss and restore the tooth’s functionality in the mouth. If you are experiencing chronic tooth pain, it is important to visit a dental clinic in Prince Albert to determine what is causing the pain and what treatment process is necessary. By visiting your dentist regularly (every six months) you are also able to prevent oral health complications from worsening and affecting the surrounding teeth in the mouth. If left untreated, these oral health issues can develop and require certain procedures such as root canal therapy to prevent further damage.

Tooth Anatomy

The teeth are the hardest substances in the human body. Besides their purpose to help us chew and digest food, they also play an important role in our speech. The teeth are comprised of different parts such as enamel, dentin, pulp, cementum and periodontal ligaments. The hardest part of the tooth is the enamel, which is the surface layer that is responsible for protecting the visible part of the tooth.
Dentin is a layer of bone underlying the enamel that makes up the bulk of a tooth’s structure. The root is the part of the tooth that sits beneath the gum line. This is responsible for anchoring the tooth into the jaw. Front teeth have only one root while molars have several. There may be several root canals in one tooth root.

Your tooth’s pulp chamber is the area within your tooth where the pulp resides. Once your enamel is compromised bacteria can enter the chamber and affect your sensitive tooth pulp. Here’s how to protect the chamber area and pulp. Damage to this area of the tooth can result in the need for root canal therapy to help save the tooth and its functioning.

Signs Root Canal Therapy is Needed

Diseased tooth pulp can cause inflammation or infection around the affected tooth. Signs or symptoms you may need root canal therapy include the following points:

  • Severe tooth pain upon chewing or application of pressure
  • Discoloration of the tooth (darkened appearance)
  • Swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding the tooth
  • Prolonged sensitivity experienced when in contact with hot or cold temperatures
  • In rare cases, there may be no symptoms.

Causes of Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy becomes a necessary treatment when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. There are a variety of reasons why the tooth pulp can become damaged, such as the following:

  • Cavities or deep tooth decay
  • An injury that damages the tooth
  • Repeated dental procedures on the tooth
  • Crack or chip in the tooth, which exposes the pulp
  • Repetitive trauma due to jaw misalignment
  • Bruxism or tooth grinding

Risk Factors

Root canal therapy aims to eliminate the risk of infection resulting in bone loss, tooth loss, or spreading to surrounding teeth. If left untreated, not only can infection spread to nearby teeth, but it may also spread down the infected root canal and erode the jaw bone beneath it. In some cases, the tooth cannot be saved and will need to be removed, to avoid any further complications.

Root Canal Procedure

This starts with a visual exam and will require x-rays for a deeper look at the state of the tooth. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the area surrounding the affected tooth before a dental dam is placed over the area to keep the tooth clear from saliva during the procedure. A small access hole will be made at the top of the tooth and small instruments, called canal files, will be used to clean out the pulp from the root canals. The canal needs to be shaped into smooth, hollow tunnels that are free of irregularities that may harbour residual bacteria. After which, a material called gutta-percha along with adhesive cement will be used to ensure root canals are filled and sealed. After this is completed, your Prince Albert dentist will place a dental crown onto the tooth to help protect it and restores its full functionality. This ensures the tooth is permanently sealed and protected from further harm. Once this is done, the tooth will regain its normal function and require proper oral care from the patient to maintain its health.
If you have any questions about this procedure, please contact our Prince Albert dental clinic for more information today!

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