Root canal: the very mention of those two words makes some people cringe at the thought of having to visit their dentist. But what many people don’t realize is that root canal treatment is meant to relieve the pain, instead of causing it.
Our teeth are incredibly strong and resilient. However, sometimes a tooth can get damaged—either from something like a sports injury or a deep cavity—that leads to infection deep inside the tooth. If the infection reaches the pulp of the tooth (this is made up of a network of blood vessels and nerves) and is left untreated, it can:
- Cause the tissue to swell
- Become quite painful
- Damage the bone around the tooth
BEING PROACTIVE WITH TREATMENT
If you’re experiencing discomfort in a tooth, you’re first course of action should be to contact your Kelowna dental centre. Only after an exam will your Kelowna dentist be able to determine whether you require root canal treatment (also known as endodontic treatment).
If it turns out that you do require treatment, this is a procedure that you really don’t want to avoid. Left untreated, the pain will persist and the infection could spread and you might lose the tooth altogether.
MISCONCEPTION ABOUT ROOT CANALS
Contrary to popular believe, a root canal is actually a part of your tooth. It’s the area deep inside your tooth that contains the pulp, and it happens to look like a channel (or canal). Root canal treatment is the proper term to describe the procedure, however, it is commonly shortened to root canal for simplicity.
HOW ROOT CANAL TREATMENT WORKS
The goal of root canal treatment is to relieve the pain. When you visit your Kelowna dental centre, you’ll undergo the following process:
- Opening the tooth
- Removing damaged pulp
- Cleaning, shaping, filling and sealing the tooth back up
To fully restore your tooth’s appearance and functionality after the treatment, your dentist will likely install a crown or other form of tooth restoration. It’s important to note that your tooth will be weaker after undergoing root canal treatment, and a crown will help protect it from breaking.
If the infection is significant, you may be required to go on antibiotics before your Kelowna dentist can carry out the procedure.
IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT PAINFUL?
Another misunderstanding about root canal treatment is that it’s a painful and complicated process. It’s neither. In fact, it’s a fairly routine procedure and is no more uncomfortable than having a dental filling. Once your dentist numbs the area with anesthetic, the worst part is already over for most people.
Whether you’re visiting us for cosmetic or general dentistry, we provide a comfortable experience with results that will last. Contact us to book an appointment today!