Root Canal Therapy

Root canal treatments have a terrible reputation among the masses. However, contrary to popular belief, these dental procedures are one of the best ways to alleviate tooth pain, prevent re-infection and save your tooth.

What is a Root Canal?

If one of our dentists at West 14 Dental recommends this treatment for a diseased or damaged tooth, there is no need to be worried. Millions of teeth are saved each year, thanks to root canals.
The procedure is called “root canal” since it involves the treatment of the natural chamber, or the root canal, inside your tooth. The chamber is filled with soft tissue, nerves, and blood vessels, which helps your tooth root to grow. When your tooth experiences damage or decay which extends to the tooth chamber, the pulp gets infected. When the infection spreads all the way to the ends of the tooth root, an abscess is developed. Because of this, the soft tissue and bony structure surrounding the tooth start to deteriorate. This also results in extreme pain.
A root canal treatment will get rid of the infection by cleaning out the pulp chamber, removing the nerve which causes pain, and sealing the tooth chamber so that it cannot be re-infected. Since the nerve is only for sensory purposes, its removal does not threaten the survival of the tooth, which will continue to be nourished by the surrounding tissues. However, it will need to be covered by a dental crown.
If you have been suffering from continuous and extreme toothache, it is possible that you may require a root canal. At West 14 Dental, our dentists in Saskatoon can help you in getting rid of the pain.

How Do I Know If I Need A Root Canal?

A root canal treatment may be needed if your tooth becomes severely decayed, suffers a deep trauma, develops an issue with a dental filling or genetic problem. The most common symptoms of needing a root canal is sensitivity to hot and cold liquid, though not all sensitive teeth require root canal therapy.
Some other symptoms include:

  • Severe pain while chewing or biting down
  • Continuous toothache, even when not eating.
  • Pimple-like abscess formations on the gums
  • A damaged tooth in which the crack extends to the tooth pulp
  • Tender and swollen gums
  • Darkening of the tooth

Pain Involved In a Root Canal Treatment

Modern root canal treatments are nothing like those performed several decades ago. Nowadays, thanks to modern surgical methods and improved anesthesia, a root canal treatment typically does not involve any more pain than a dental filling. After the dental nerve is removed, your tooth is dead to sensations.
However, the affected area may feel slightly sore because of the inflammation or irritation of surrounding nerves and soft tissues, which can happen due to the root canal surgery. This pain is minimal and can be controlled by over-the-counter pain killers.

Recovery Period after a Root Canal Treatment

After root canal therapy, your tooth will likely be numb for two to four hours. You may experience slight discomfort in the area once the anesthesia wears off completely; however, it typically does not interfere with your ability to go to school or work. We will advise you not to eat until the numbness is totally gone and you should try chewing from the other side of the mouth until you have been fitted with a permanent crown.
If you feel pain in your tooth, do not delay in getting treatment. A deep infection in the root can cause long-term issues not just to your oral health but to your dental health. Contact us at +1-306-933-2114 to get treated our dentists in Saskatoon.