If you have been experiencing pain then your dentist may have performed an examination and determined that you are in need of root canal surgery. Our Toronto endodontists discuss root canal surgeries, what they are and why your dentist has recommended this procedure.
What Is Root Canal Surgery Used To Treat?
If you have experienced a severe tooth injury or other dental trauma then the pulp of the tooth may become infected, if this occurs then your dentist may recommend that you have root canal surgery in order to save and repair your tooth. Only your dentist can examine the tooth and confirm whether you need this dental surgery since pulp damage can commonly have no visible indication that there is infection or trauma.
Root canal therapy (also referred to as endodontics) can save a tooth that has developed a severe infection on the inside. Root canal surgery provides your dentist or endodontist with the ability to save your tooth from what would otherwise be an extraction. Missing teeth can lead to complex dental issues that can be difficult, time-consuming and costly to repair. So it is always preferable to save the tooth with a root canal if at all possible.
Some of the issues that root canal surgery can help treat are:
Severe Toothache Pain
One of the main symptoms that may accompany infection is tooth pain. You may notice sharp pain whenever you apply pressure to the tooth, such as during chewing. You will most likely experience sensitivity to temperature such as when drinking or eating hot or cold foods.
Bump on the Gums
A bump on your gums is also referred to as a dental cyst, this small, pimple-like bump forms on the gums near a tooth that may need a root canal. Dental cysts develop around the roots of an infected or decayed tooth. They can also commonly form when the pulp of the tooth has become infected.
Darkening of the Tooth
When a tooth experiences serious decay or damage it can cause the overall appearance of the tooth to darken. If you notice one of your teeth is a darker shade than the others, there may be an issue with the inner pulp.
What to expect during a root canal procedure
With modern dental technology and techniques, root canal therapy has become a relatively simple and minimally invasive procedure when compared with a tooth extraction or other procedures.
Your dentist or endodontist will ensure that the area is completely numb before then creating an opening in your tooth. The bacteria, diseased blood vessels or dead tissue will then be removed from the interior of the tooth. The inner chamber of the tooth will be shaped and irrigated with water, rinsing any remaining decay, bacteria or damaged tissue.
Your dentist may also apply an antimicrobial solution to eliminate any remaining bacteria while reducing the risk of developing further infection once the procedure is complete.
After the chamber has been thoroughly cleaned and dried, it will be filled with medicated dental material. Your dentist will then place a temporary filling to seal the tooth until a permanent crown is placed.
A few weeks later, your dentist or endodontist will place a permanent crown to help protect your tooth.
If you are curious about others' experiences during their root canals, you might type "root canal reviews" into your favourite search engine and read up on the topic. Most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime, and help you maintain confidence in your smile.
Would you like to learn more about what you can expect from this treatment? Our Toronto endodontists are here to answer any questions that you may have prior to treatment.