Root Canal Treatment
The aim of a root canal treatment (also known as endodontic treatment) is to save a tooth that has been badly damaged due to decay, injury or even disease.
Many people prefer to save a tooth than to have it extracted because a natural tooth generally functions better than an artificial tooth.
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Before a root canal treatment is suggested, your dentist will typically take some radiographs and examine your tooth. If a root canal treatment is suggested to you, here is what you can expect:
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The root canal treatment is usually done in one to two appointments. During the first appointment, your Richmond dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you do not feel any pain during the procedure. A rubber dam (a sheet of latex) is used to isolate the tooth and keep it clean and dry during the treatment. To reach the pulp of the tooth, an opening is made with a dental drill. Your dentist will then use special instruments and files to remove the inflamed/infected pulp. Each root canal is then cleaned, enlarged and shaped. Once the canals are cleaned, your dentist will fill each canal with a permanent material (gutta-percha) and seal the opening of the tooth with a temporary filling.
After the root canal procedure is completed, your dentist may recommend that the tooth requires an artificial crown. This is because a tooth treated with a root canal is structurally weaker and may have a higher risk of fracture.
If you have a toothache, or spot an abcess on your gums, be sure to make an appointment with your Richmond dentist as soon as possible.
Make your next appointment at our Richmond dental clinic so that we can help you. Visit us at 145-5555 Gilbert Road, Richmond, or give us a call at 604-370-1450.
