- 9977 178 St NW Unit 1 Edmonton AB T5T 6J6 CA
What do I do if I need a root canal? At Today's Dental in Edmonton, our dentists provide root canal therapy for affected patients.
Root canal therapy at Today’s Dental in Edmonton is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. To save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed, and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
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Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and must be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be costlier and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth. Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections. |
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A root canal procedure typically requires multiple appointments and will be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist). Discover Dr. Manji’s credentials and qualifications.
A root canal is usually performed in a series of visits. During the first visit, we will first numb the tooth. We then place a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva.
Then the diseased pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria are removed. The tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent further damage.
If tooth decay is present, it will be removed with special dental instruments.
The canals of the root are cleaned and shaped to prepare them for a filling material.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are necessary, a temporary filling will be placed.
The dentist may also prescribe medication to control infection and promote healing.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials.
The pulp chamber is usually filled with a biocompatible, rubber-like material called gutta-percha, which is cemented to the tooth with a sealer paste.
The final step of the root canal procedure is to restore the tooth with a crown, post or other restorative devices. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking and will restore the tooth’s full function. After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.
Although many patients think of root canals as being painful and uncomfortable, that is usually not the case. Local anesthesia is used to numb the affected area, although it may not be needed because the nerve tissue is dead. However, anesthesia often helps patients relax.
You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.