Root canal therapy involves the complete removal of injured, infected or dead pulp from your tooth, and is also known as endodontic treatment. When dangerous germs access your tooth in its deepest cavities, cracks, or fillings, your tooth risks becoming abscessed and infected. This can cause terrible pain and swelling and necessitates the removal of the soft tissue called pulp under the white enamel of your tooth.
Treatment Process
Step 1: At your initial consultation with the dentist, Dr. McAllister will complete an overall evaluation and assessment of the tooth and oral region in question. The dentist will let you know whether one or two treatment appointments will be required to resolve the damaged pulp.
Step 2: At your first appointment, the treatment itself involves freezing, the placement of a rubber dam around your problem tooth, and surgery to create an opening in the tooth to reach the damaged pulp. The dentist meticulously removes the damaged pulp by cleaning and enlarging the root canal system, ultimately filling and sealing the canal and the opening of the tooth.
Step 3: Following your root canal therapy, you may feel tenderness for one to two weeks. If there are issues with the treatment, retreatment is offered, though this is very rare.
Benefits
- Root canal therapy lets you keep your infected tooth rather than having to pull it out entirely.
- Your other teeth are protected and will remain aligned, while jaw pain is reduced.
- There is no need to apply an artificial tooth, and this ensures a natural appearance.
- The procedure is a fast and comfortable way to save your natural tooth.
- Root canal therapy ensures easy chewing and normal mouth sensation.
Are you in need of root canal therapy in Ottawa? Contact our team today for your initial consultation.