Root Canal Therapy from Dentist in Banff
When tooth decay reaches the interior of the tooth, repair requires more help than a filling can provide. Root canals may have the reputation of being extremely painful, but when you need one, it may be the last resort for saving the tooth. Thanks to modern options in anesthesia and the latest dental technology, there’s nothing to fear from a root canal performed by your dentist in Banff!
Do I Need a Root Canal?
If you have an aching, throbbing tooth, chances are good that you need a root canal (also known as endodontic treatment). But sometimes, an infected tooth is so far gone that it does not ache at all. We can help you avoid the need for a root canal with routine preventive care, but if it’s been awhile since you visited the dentist, small issues may have morphed into larger, complex problems. Pay close attention to your teeth and seek treatment as soon as you sense something is wrong.
The warning signs of a tooth requiring root canal include:
- Persistent aching or throbbing tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to heat, cold, or pressure
- A foul smell emerging from the tooth
- A dark or black tooth
- A sore spot around the tooth that does not go away after a couple of days
Root Canal Procedure in 8 Steps
If you need a root canal, Dr. Sajjad will put together a treatment plan for bringing your tooth back to its original health as comfortably and quickly as possible. Many root canals are carried out over two visits to Banff Dentistry, but your treatment depends on the severity of your infection. The root canal procedure is performed in a series of about eight steps, which we’ve listed below.
- Anesthesia or sedation is administered for your complete comfort.
- A small hole is drilled in the tooth, through which your dentist access the interior.
- Special tools are used to remove all infected tissue.
- The canals are measured and reshaped.
- A biocompatible material (gutta-percha) fills the tooth.
- A permanent or temporary filling covers the tooth.
- An antibiotic is placed on the root canal to speed healing.
- If needed, a permanent crown is placed in a second appointment.
Root Canal Aftercare
If your root canal is carried out over two visits to Banff Dentistry, be careful when eating until your tooth has been permanently restored. Try to chew on the other side of your mouth, and avoid the hard, sticky foods that could dislodge your temporary crown or filling.
Immediately after your procedure, wait until you regain feeling in your jaw to eat or drink anything. You may experience some discomfort following your root canal. Take all pain medication as directed, and make sure to brush and floss as normal.
Notify your dentist if you experience swelling, extreme discomfort, a return of symptoms, or if your bite feels uneven after a few days.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
If you have a severely aching tooth or if you already know you need a root canal, don’t delay treatment. A root canal performed by your dentist in Banff can rescue your infected tooth from extraction! Request an appointment at Banff Dentistry today.
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