The words “root canal” conjure up negative images of people yelling in pain and loud dental drills for many individuals. Root canals have gained a bad reputation because they are misunderstood as frightening and painful. Our team at Maple Ridge Family Dental wants you to know that modern root canal therapy is very effective and safe. More importantly, getting root canal therapy near you will bring you relief from the severe pain caused by infected or inflamed teeth.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canals are performed by a dentist in London to remove the bacteria from the canals of an infected tooth. In the center of your tooth is a soft tissue known as the pulp. This tissue contains all the essential blood vessels and nerves that provide nutrients to your tooth. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, a root canal is necessary to remove this pulp and save the tooth from dying and needing to be extracted.
When is a Root Canal Necessary?
Root canal therapy in London becomes necessary for several reasons, including traumatic events such as chipped or cracked teeth, genetics, or issues with a dental restoration such as a filling. Most patients first realize there is an issue when their teeth become sensitive to hot or cold substances or feel pain when performing daily activities such as brushing or chewing. Other symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal include:
- Tender gums
- Discoloration of the tooth or gums
- Radiating pain from a tooth
If you ever notice sudden pain in your mouth, then visit a dentist near you as soon as possible for an evaluation.
How Does a Root Canal Work?
When you visit our team at Maple Ridge Family Dental with oral pain or discomfort, our dentist will examine your mouth to determine if you require root canal therapy. If you do require this treatment, it will be performed in several steps:
- Your dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic to numb the affected area
- They will then create an opening in the tooth to remove the infected pulp
- Next, they will disinfect the tooth and ensure that there are no lingering bacteria
- Finally, they fill and seal the canal
In most cases, our dentist will also place a crown over the tooth to restore its natural appearance and provide it with extra strength and protection. This is because while root canal therapy is very necessary to save a tooth from extraction, it also weakens the tooth significantly, and a dental crown can support the affected tooth’s structure.
Every patient who requires a root canal is unique, and circumstances may vary regarding treatment and aftercare options. Don’t hesitate to voice any questions or concerns that you may have about your dentist.
Who Can Provide Root Canal Therapy?
Root canals are either performed by general dentists or specialists known as endodontists. An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of infected teeth.
Root canal therapy can be performed on patients of all ages, so it is good to seek a dental professional who is experienced in treating both young and old patients.
If you have been experiencing pain lately, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team of professionals at Maple Ridge Family Dental. We are happy to provide our patients with root canal therapy to give them their best chance at maintaining optimal oral health for a lifetime.