A Root Canal Procedure: Questions and Answers

Truth be told, one of the most dreaded treatments among many is root canal therapy in St. Albert. Dental knowledge has not been disseminated to many, this is the reason why a lot of people tremble with just the sound of it. If you have scheduled an appointment with a general dentist near you, you can ask them about root canal therapy. 

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is performed at your dental clinic in St. Albert mainly to restore teeth that have become damaged, weakened, injured, decayed or severely infected over the years. This targets the infected tissue and tooth nerve. These parts are removed to prevent the infection from spreading further. 

Is root canal therapy safe? 

There are a couple of myths about root canal therapy in St. Albert. Some people think that the risk of acquiring serious illnesses increase after receiving the procedure. This is not true. The procedure starts with your family dentist in St. Albert putting a local anesthetic to numb the area. Sedation such as nitrous oxide is available for those who are anxious or worried about getting the procedure. 

Your general dentist in St. Albert will remove the infected tooth pulp and nerve from the site. Once this is done, they will fill it with a special material and attach a temporary crown. 

Can root canal therapy save my tooth?

Teeth that have become damaged, decayed, or fractured can be saved from being abscessed or dying. However, if you visit a dental clinic in St. Albert after the latter has occurred, there will be no other choice but to remove it. Intervention plays a huge part and timing is crucial. Preventive measures such as visits to a root canal dentist in St. Albert can prevent this from happening. 

Are the odds better for the front teeth? 

Root canal therapy in St. Albert comes with a more straightforward approach for the front teeth as they only have one root compared to the molars. The canal is also better as it is wider, straighter and easier to access. 

Is root canal therapy painful? 

At some point, people have associated root canal therapy with extreme pain. This has been a belief of many for a short period of time, however, the truth is that root canal therapy addresses the problem that is causing the pain. Getting the treatment will lessen and gradually eliminate the pain and discomfort. 

When is the right time to get root canal therapy?

When it becomes painful for you to chew or bite down on food, when your gums become swollen and tender around the affected tooth, when your teeth become extra sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, or when your teeth becomes discoloured, you can talk to a root canal dentist in St. Albert to have your teeth assessed and checked to determine whether you are an eligible candidate for the procedure. 

When is root canal therapy not an option?

The main objective of root canal therapy in St. Albert is to save a tooth from being extracted. So when your dentist sees that the damage is too grave to be fixed, root canal therapy is no longer an option. This usually happens when calcium deposits have accumulated on the canal and have made it impossible and difficult to access the end of the root. In this case, another treatment will be recommended. 

How many visits are needed for the procedure? 

This will depend on your case. If you have a complicated situation, or when your roots have curved, it may take up to three appointments. However, those who do not require much intervention usually have theirs done in one visit.

Can root canal therapy fix a loosened tooth?

A loose tooth can be fixed by eliminating the infection and preventing it from spreading further. However, if trauma has caused it to be loose, a root canal can be performed to clear the space in case an artificial implant is needed. 

What are the possible complications of root canal therapy?

If there is bacteria left after the procedure, the pain will continue. Same goes with undetected cracks in the root of the tooth, if this is not treated properly, this may be an entry for bacteria that causes infection. 

Above are some of the questions asked by many. Now that you are enlightened with the answers, you can easily determine whether you are up for the procedure or not. The best option is to consult with a dentist so they can guide you and recommend the right procedure for you.