Root canals are restorative dental procedures used to remove infected tissue from the inside of the tooth. When a tooth becomes severely damaged or decayed, this allows bacteria to reach the inside of the tooth where it causes an infection known as pulpitis. Without treatment, this infection will continue to get progressively worse and can potentially spread to the surrounding teeth. By removing the infected tissue, root canals preserve the natural tooth while preventing the infection from spreading.
Did you know…
Your teeth have three layers. The outermost and hardest layer is known as the enamel. The middle layer is porous and is known as the dentin layer. Finally, the innermost layer is known as the pulp and is composed of blood vessels and nerves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a root canal?
You will need a root canal if you have a dental pulp infection known as pulpitis. While pulpitis can only be diagnosed by your dentist, some signs that you may need a root canal include:
- Sudden tooth pain that gets progressively worse
- Tooth sensitivity that lasts even after the cause has been removed
- Pain while chewing or biting
- A single discolored tooth
- Swelling or abscess on the gums by the affected tooth
In some instances, early cases of pulpitis can even be identified on a dental x-ray before you experience any symptoms. If you are experiencing any symptoms of a pulp infection, call Birch Point Dental clinic as soon as possible to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sanket Upadhyay.
Do root canals hurt?
Many people try to avoid root canals because of their horrible reputation. However, modern root canals are only performed using dental anesthetics to ensure that you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. Additionally, the pain most people associate with root canals is actually caused by the infection itself, not the procedure. Since pulp infections surround the tooth nerve and cause inflammation, they also cause pain. By removing the infection, root canals actually help decrease your pain levels, although it may take a day or two for the inflammation to subside.
What can I expect when having a root canal at Birch Point Dental Clinic?
When having a root canal at Birch Point Dental Clinic, Dr. Sanket Upadhyay will numb your mouth and provide you with the option of dental sedation to keep you comfortable during the procedure. He will then begin the procedure by drilling a tiny hole in the top or side of the affected tooth to reach the inner pulp layer. Then, a variety of specialized root canal files will be used to remove the infected tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals. Once the chamber and canals are empty, they will be flushed with an antimicrobial solution to prevent the possibility of a future infection.
Once the infection is removed and the inside of the tooth has been cleaned, the next step is to restore the tooth. To restore a tooth after a root canal, it is first filled with a rubber-like material known as gutta percha. Dr. Sanket Upadhyay may also place one or more small metal posts inside the tooth to provide extra support. After the entire inside of the pulp chamber and root canals have been filled, then the access hole will be filled with composite resin. The final step is to place a temporary crown over the affected tooth until the permanent crown is ready to be cemented in place.
What can I expect after having a root canal?
After having a root canal, it is normal to experience some minor soreness, especially if you were in pain before the procedure. This is simply because the inflammation will take a few days to resolve itself once the infection has been removed. In most cases, you can easily manage any discomfort with over the counter pain medications. It may also be helpful to eat a temporary soft foods diet to prevent applying excess pressure to the tooth.
After your root canal, you can also expect to have a temporary dental crown. Temporary dental crowns are not as strong as permanent crowns and are more likely to become damaged or fall off. Therefore, it is important to avoid chewing on the side of the temporary crown until it has been replaced with your permanent crown.
Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Sanket Upadhyay at Birch Point Dental Clinic. Located in the Bay & Algoma neighborhood, our location allows you to have your teeth looked at while also providing the opportunity to shop local and enjoy spaghetti take out at the famous Italian Cultural Centre across the street.
