A serious toothache might suggest you have more than a cavity. If you struggle with tooth pain, sensitivity, or discolouration, you may have damaged or infected tooth pulp. Once the issue reaches the pulp, a root canal in Brantford is often the best option. Our team at Brantford North Dental uses the latest technology to provide comfortable, efficient root canal treatment.
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What Is Root Canal Treatment in Brantford?
When that pulp tissue becomes infected or inflamed, root canal therapy becomes necessary. Root canal treatment involves removing the damaged or diseased pulp of a tooth, which is the tissue inside of a tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, if your tooth becomes diseased or injured, it can often be saved with root canal therapy.What can cause disease or injury to the pulp of a tooth?
The most common causes of pulp damage or death are:
- a cracked or chipped tooth
- a deep cavity or filling
- a leaking filling
- complications from large fillings
- other injuries to the tooth
All of these can cause infection and/or inflammation.
The Importance of Root Canal Therapy in Brantford
Without root canal therapy, infection and damage will continue, and your tooth most likely will need to be removed. As previously mentioned, pus can build up at the root tip of a tooth, forming an abscess. An abscess can destroy the jawbone surrounding the tooth and may cause severe pain and in more advanced and serious cases, can lead to serious illness and even death as the infection spreads to the head, brain, heart, and other body parts.
Not only can root canal therapy save a tooth, but it can also prevent infection which can dangerously spread to other parts of the body.
The Root Canal Procedure in Brantford
Your root canal specialist in Brantford, ON at Brantford North Dental at Brantford, ON will:
- Your tooth is numbed for your comfort. A thin, flexible sheet of non-latex material called a dental dam is placed over your tooth to keep it dry.
- An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber. Your tooth’s pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and the canal of each root of the tooth.
Each canal is cleaned, shaped and disinfected so that it can be filled. - The treated root canals are filled with a rubber-like material to seal them.
- A temporary filling is placed in your tooth to prevent infection of the root canals.
- Eventually, the temporary filling is removed and the tooth is restored with a permanent filling to recover its function and shape and improve its appearance. Sometimes a crown is recommended for long-term durability.
Note that root canal therapy may involve one or more dental visits.
Root Canal Aftercare
Most patients have very little or mild discomfort after a root canal treatment in Brantford, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter medication.
- If you feel severe pain or pressure for more than a few days, have visible swelling or if your bite feels uneven, be sure to contact us.
- After your root canal procedure, avoid biting down or chewing with the affected tooth until it is fully restored with a crown.
- Make sure to continue brushing twice daily and cleaning between your teeth once a day to keep the area clean and free from infection.
For your root canal treatment to be successful, it is very important that you follow these instructions noted above and those given to you by our dental team, and that you attend all of your recommended follow-up appointments.
How long does a root canal last?
When properly restored and maintained, a tooth with a root canal filling can last for many years. However, like any other tooth, it can become decayed or fractured or the tissue around it can get gum disease. Professional cleanings by a dental hygienist and regular dental exams will help keep your teeth and restorations healthy.
