Root Canal Treatment

Relieve dental pain and protect your natural tooth with root canal treatment at 525 Dental in London, Ontario. Root canal therapy, also called endodontic treatment, is used when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed, infected or damaged.

During treatment, the affected pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, shaped and sealed. Root canal treatment can help preserve the natural tooth and restore its function while avoiding extraction when the tooth can be successfully saved.

At 525 Dental, we take a careful and personalized approach to diagnosing tooth pain and determining whether root canal treatment is appropriate for you. If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling or discomfort when biting, contact our London dental office for an assessment.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat the inside of a tooth when the dental pulp has become inflamed, infected or damaged.

The pulp is the soft tissue located inside the tooth. It contains nerves and blood vessels that help the tooth develop. Once a tooth has fully developed, it can continue to function without the pulp because it receives nourishment from the surrounding tissues.

Root canal treatment removes the damaged or infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the root canal system, and then fills and seals the space. The tooth is subsequently restored with an appropriate filling or crown, depending on the amount of remaining tooth structure and the location of the tooth.

Why Might You Need Root Canal Treatment?

A tooth may require endodontic treatment when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Common causes include:

• Deep tooth decay
• A cracked or fractured tooth
• Injury or trauma to the tooth
• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
• Damage to an existing restoration
• Bacteria entering the inside of the tooth

If inflammation or infection of the pulp is left untreated, it can cause ongoing pain or lead to an abscess.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Symptoms can vary depending on the tooth and the underlying problem. You may experience:

• Persistent or severe toothache
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swelling or tenderness around the tooth
• Tender or swollen gums
• A cracked or chipped tooth
• Discolouration of the tooth
• A pimple or drainage on the gums
• Pressure or discomfort around the affected tooth

Not every tooth with pulp damage causes noticeable pain. A dental examination and, when clinically appropriate, X-rays can help determine the cause of your symptoms.

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment generally involves several steps:

1. Examination and Diagnosis

Your dentist will examine the affected tooth and assess your symptoms. Dental X-rays may be taken when clinically appropriate to help evaluate the tooth and surrounding structures.

2. Local Anesthetic

The tooth is numbed with local anesthetic to help keep you comfortable during treatment.

3. Removing the Damaged Pulp

A small opening is made in the tooth, allowing the dentist to access and remove the inflamed, infected or damaged pulp.

4. Cleaning and Shaping

The root canals are carefully cleaned, disinfected and shaped to remove the affected tissue and prepare the canals for sealing.

5. Filling and Sealing

The cleaned canals are filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This helps seal the root canal system and reduce the risk of reinfection.

6. Restoring the Tooth

After root canal treatment, the tooth needs to be restored to protect it and return it to normal function. Depending on the condition and location of the tooth, this may involve a permanent filling or dental crown. Back teeth often require crowns because they experience significant chewing forces.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Many patients are concerned about discomfort associated with root canal treatment. Modern local anesthetic and dental techniques are designed to keep patients comfortable during the procedure.

The tooth may feel tender or sensitive for several days following treatment, particularly when there was significant inflammation or infection beforehand. Severe pain or swelling after treatment is not typical and should be reported to your dentist.

If you are experiencing dental pain, don’t wait for the symptoms to become worse. An assessment can help determine the cause of the pain and whether root canal treatment or another treatment is appropriate.

Benefits of Saving Your Natural Tooth

When a tooth can be successfully treated, root canal therapy can help you retain your natural tooth rather than having it extracted.

Keeping your natural tooth can help:

• Maintain normal chewing function
• Preserve your natural smile
• Maintain the position of surrounding teeth
• Avoid the need to replace a missing tooth with a bridge or implant
• Restore the tooth’s function after treatment

The Canadian Dental Association notes that successful root canal treatment allows patients to keep the affected tooth rather than having it removed.

What Happens After a Root Canal?

Following root canal treatment, your tooth may be temporarily tender. Your dentist will provide instructions for caring for the treated tooth and will discuss any additional restoration that may be required.

A root canal-treated tooth can still develop cavities or gum disease, so regular brushing, flossing and dental examinations remain important. With proper care, a treated tooth may last as long as your other teeth.

Root Canal Treatment or Tooth Extraction?

When a tooth is severely damaged or infected, your dentist will assess whether it can be successfully restored.

If the tooth can be saved, root canal treatment may allow you to keep your natural tooth. If the tooth cannot be predictably restored, extraction may sometimes be necessary. Your dentist can discuss the condition of the tooth and explain the available treatment options.

If extraction is being considered, the replacement options may include a dental implant, bridge or denture depending on your individual circumstances.

When Should You Seek Dental Care?

Contact a dentist if you experience persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, pain when biting or other unusual symptoms.

Seek prompt dental attention if you have significant swelling, severe dental pain, or signs of an infection. Dental infections can sometimes progress beyond the affected tooth and require timely treatment.

Endodontics in London, Ontario at 525 Dental

At 525 Dental, we provide personalized dental care for children, adults and families in London, Ontario. If you are experiencing tooth pain or have been told that you may need a root canal, our dental team can assess your tooth, explain your treatment options and help determine the appropriate next step.

Conveniently located at 525 Oxford Street East in London, Ontario, we welcome new patients.

Call 519-672-1190 to schedule an appointment.