ROOT CANAL OTTAWA

What Is A Root Canal

A root canal is a treatment aimed at saving and preserving a seriously damaged or infected tooth. It involves the removal of diseased nerve tissue and bacteria from the root canals and filling them with a rubber compound to strengthen the remaining structure of the tooth. Without any nerve tissue, the tooth is essentially “dead” and becomes more brittle. To prevent further damage, the tooth should quickly be covered and protected with a dental crown.

The treatment of root canals in Ottawa represents a procedure that is designed to address substantial tooth damage, and constitutes therefore a more invasive procedure.

When Is Getting aRoot Canal in Ottawa Necessary

Whenever a tooth is severely damaged or diseased and causes a lot of pain and discomfort, the first impulse may be to extract it. While removing the tooth will obviously alleviate the pain, it is also a final and irreversible solution, with definite implications for future dental health. Because of its irreversibility, extraction should be considered only as a very last option.

Often even the most problematic tooth may be saved. The removal of a tooth can lead to jawbone loss, or cause neighbouring teeth to move and shift to fill the empty space. This may cause more dental problems in the future. That is why a root canal is generally preferable to the simple but radical solution of extraction.

A root canal treatment becomes necessary whenever the soft nerve tissue inside the tooth gets infected. This kind of infection cannot heal on its own and, if neglected, can develop into an unpleasant and even dangerous abscess.

There are a few signs to look out for when it comes to potential infection of a tooth’s inner soft tissue. Aside from the obvious sign of pain, you may want to consult your dentist if you notice any darkening of the tooth enamel, any persistent sensitivity to hot or cold, or any swelling of the gums around a tooth. All these can be early signs of an infection.

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, make sure to consult your dentist as soon as possibleand see if a root canal in Ottawa may be called for.

Ottawa Root Canal Treatment

Whenever a tooth is severely damaged or diseased and causes a lot of pain and discomfort, the first impulse may be to extract it. While removing the tooth will obviously alleviate the pain, it is also a final and irreversible solution, with definite implications for future dental health. Because of its irreversibility, extraction should be considered only as a very last option.

A root canal procedure can usually be completed in a single visit. To begin an Ottawa root canal treatment, your dentist will administer a local anaesthesia to numb the affected area and make the procedure painless. Make sure you let your dentist know if you experience any discomfort so he or she may adjust the anaesthetics and perhaps even consider additionalsedation dentistryoptions.

Once the local anaesthesia has taken effect, the diseased nerve tissue (pulp) is completely removed, and the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. Then the root canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta percha. The material will strengthen the tooth and prevent further interior infections. Finally, the tooth will be sealed again – much like a regular filling.

To protect your now rather fragile tooth, you may want to consider having a dental crown put on. Make sure to talk to your dentist about the best options.

After theOttawa Root Canal Treatment

The removal and replacement of your tooth’s soft tissue during an Ottawa root canal treatment will alleviate the pain caused by the infection. However, you may still feel some discomfort in the days following the procedure. Your Endodontics Ottawa can prescribe pain medication to alleviate this short-term discomfort.