Dental Terms

Root canal Edmonton

Root canals, also known as the main canals within a tooth, are an integral part of your dental anatomy. These canals house the dental pulp chamber, dental nerves, and blood vessels that nourish and maintain your tooth's health during development. However, when infection or damage occurs within the pulp chamber, it can lead to pain and discomfort, necessitating a dental procedure known as root canal therapy.

The Importance of Root Canal Therapy

A tooth's nerve tissue or pulp is not vital for its function and health once the tooth has fully emerged through the gums. Its primary role is sensory, providing the sensation of hot and cold. Therefore, the absence of a nerve will not impact your tooth's daily functionality.

When damage or infection affects the pulp, it can lead to several issues, including:

• Formation of an abscessed tooth, characterized by a pus-filled pocket at the root's end.
• Swelling that may extend to other facial areas.
• Bone loss around the root's tip.
• Drainage problems, which can lead to gum or skin issues.

If you're experiencing dental pain or discomfort, it's essential to seek professional care promptly to address these issues and prevent further complications.

Root Canal Treatment Process

Root canal treatment is a procedure designed to eliminate infection and protect the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion. While it's commonly referred to as a "root canal," this term is somewhat imprecise. Root canals are the natural hollows within a tooth, containing nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cellular components. Root canal therapy involves removing these structures, cleaning, shaping, and decontaminating the canals, and filling them with an inert material, typically gutta-percha.

At ABC Dental Care in Edmonton, we provide comprehensive root canal treatment to alleviate pain and restore the health of your affected tooth.

What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure

Modern root canal treatment is far less intimidating than its reputation suggests. It is a relatively painless and highly effective procedure. Here's what to expect:

• Initial Assessment: Dr. Monica Lau or an endodontist will assess your tooth's condition and determine the need for a root canal.
• Pain Control: Local anesthesia, typically lidocaine, is used to ensure a pain-free experience.
• Tooth Access: The tooth is opened to access the pulp chamber.
• Pulp Removal: The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed from the root canals and pulp chamber.
• Cleaning and Disinfection: The canals are meticulously cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and debris.
• Filling: The decontaminated canals are filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, to seal them and prevent future infection.
• Restoration: A crown or filling is placed on the tooth to protect it and restore its function and appearance.

The Importance of Restoring a Tooth After a Root Canal

Following a root canal, it's crucial to protect the treated tooth with a crown or filling. This is because root canal-treated teeth are more vulnerable to fractures and can lose structural integrity without proper support. Additionally, a crowned tooth helps seal the root canal and prevents bacterial re-entry.

Regular dental check-ups, including X-rays, are essential to monitor the root canal-treated tooth's health and detect any issues promptly.

Advantages of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy offers numerous benefits, including:

• Efficient chewing and normal biting force.
• Natural appearance and sensation.
• Protection of neighboring teeth from excessive wear or strain.

It's crucial to undergo root canal treatment when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to factors like deep decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, or dental trauma. Failing to address pulp inflammation or infection can lead to pain and abscess formation.

With proper care, most teeth that undergo root canal treatment can last a lifetime, helping you maintain your natural smile and oral function.

Root Canal Irrigants

During the root canal procedure, various substances are used as irrigants to clean and disinfect the root canals. These include:

• 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)
• 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with surface modifiers for improved flow.
• 2% chlorhexidine gluconate
• 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate plus 0.2% cetrimide (Cetrexidin)
• 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
• Framycetin sulfate (Septomixine)

These irrigants are crucial in achieving thorough disinfection and ensuring the success of the root canal procedure.

If you suspect the need for a root canal or are currently dealing with dental pain or discomfort, reach out to us at (780) 486-0788. Dr. Dr. Monica Lau is committed to providing root canal treatments in Edmonton. Come see us at 18250 89 Avenue NW to regain optimal oral health and preserve the beauty of your smile.

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