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Helping You Understand the “Nitty Gritties” of a Root Canal Procedure


person having tooth pain

Although they sound scary and complicated, root canals have come a long way. With innovative techniques and technology, the root canal procedure is now relatively comfortable, and it doesn’t usually require more than one or two trips to a dentist or endodontist. If your dentist has suggested a root canal treatment, don’t panic. Keep reading to learn the nitty-gritty of a root canal procedure.

What Is a Root Canal Procedure?

A root canal procedure is also known as endodontic treatment. The procedure involves removing damaged, infected or dead pulp from a tooth. The area inside the hard layers of each tooth is known as the root canal system. This system is full of the soft dental pulp. When Is a Root Canal Procedure Needed? A dentist performs a root canal procedure to remove the bacteria and dead or dying tissue from inside the tooth. The pulp inside the tooth can lead to tooth infection. This often occurs because of an injury or a serious, untreated cavity. Without treatment, the tooth infection can result in pain and can worsen. In some circumstances, the dentist may need to remove the tooth. A root canal treatment may be exactly what you need to get your smile back on track. What Are the Benefits of Root Canal Treatment? Many people believe that root canal treatment is expensive, time-consuming, and causes a significant amount of pain and discomfort. While the treatment can be pricy and somewhat time-consuming, there are many benefits to the procedure. These include:

  • Gets rid of severe pain

  • Durable and long-lasting

  • Retains your original tooth

  • Protects neighboring teeth

  • Saves money on frequent visits to the dentist

What Types of Root Canal Treatment Are There? There are several different types of root canal procedures that can be performed depending on your circumstances. However, all aim to save your tooth and prevent decay and bacteria from further damaging it. Here are several different types of root canal treatments to learn.

  • Nonsurgical root canal treatment

  • Apicoectomy

  • Pulpotomy and pulpectomy

What Are the Root Canal Treatment Steps? There are several steps to root canal treatment. They are:

  1. The dentist begins by numbing the treatment area.

  2. Next, the dentist drills through the tooth to reach the root canals and pulp chamber.

  3. Then, the dentist shapes and fills the canals.

  4. The dentist seals the hole made to the access hole.

  5. The patient may receive antibiotics to kill the rest of the infection.

  6. If the root canal was performed on the back tooth or the tooth has significant damage, the patient must return for a crown.

Do You Need Root Canal Treatment in NW Calgary? If you require a root canal procedure, don’t worry. At Northland Village Dental Centre, we can assure you restore your tooth, alleviating pain and preventing the spread of infection. Book an appointment with us today.

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