Your tooth pulp is a mass of connective tissue containing blood vessels and nerves. It originates in the center of the tooth. If your pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection, you may need a root canal in Hamilton.
Root Canal Treatment Explained
The objective of a root canal is to clean the infected root canal, prevent re-infection, and save the damaged or infected tooth. Here are the steps of the process.
- Diagnosis – Your endodontist orders X-rays of the infected tooth to assess the extent of damage
- Preparation-A licensed anesthetist administers local anesthesia to numb the affected regions you do not feel any pain during the procedure
- Accessing the opening- The endodontist carefully makes an opening in the crown to gain access to the pulp chamber and root canals
- Cleaning and shaping- The professional removes the infected or damaged pulp using small instruments and cleans and shapes it
- Disinfection- The canals are disinfected using antiseptics and antibacterial solutions
- Filling the root canals– Your endodontist fills the canals with a biocompatible material (usually gutta-percha) and seals the opening with a temporary filling to prevent infection until the tooth can be permanently restored
- Restoration- Once the area heals, the tooth is restored using a permanent filling and a crown is installed to prevent reinfection
Benefits
Root canal treatment can improve a person’s quality of life and oral health. When performed by a certified and experienced endodontist, it is safe. Some people may experience mild pain in the treated tooth for a few days after root canal treatment. Any pain after a root canal usually goes away once inflammation subsides.
Here are some significant benefits of root canal treatment.
- Pain relief- The most obvious benefit of root canal is that it reduces the pain caused by infected or inflamed tooth pulp
- Infection control- A root canal involves removing bacteria and dead or dying tissue to prevent infection from spreading to adjacent teeth
- Preservation of the affected tooth- Another benefit of root canal is that the affected tooth isn’t removed. Tooth preservation is important to prevent chewing problems and maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth
- Improved oral health- Root canal improves periodontal health by treating the root cause of tooth infection and preventing potential complications
- Cost-effectiveness– Root canal treatment is more cost-effective than extraction and treatments that involve replacing missing teeth with dental bridges
- Fewer treatment sessions- Most people will need 1-3 settings
- High success rate- Root canal therapy boasts a high success rate (ranging from 85%-95%)
Rosewood Dentistry is a leading dental clinic in Hamilton, We are equipped to perform a range of dental procedures. To schedule an appointment, call 905-547-8033 or click here.