Saving Your Natural Tooth
During a root canal procedure, the tooth’s pulp (the inner living tissue) is removed, and the created space is filled with specialized, medicated dental materials. This process restores the tooth’s functionality. Root canal therapy not only extends the life of your natural tooth but also maintains the health of the jaw bone and surrounding tissues. Opting to save your natural tooth can prevent further pain and additional expenses in the future.
There are several indicators that you might need root canal therapy:
- Persistent sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Intense pain in the tooth.
- Redness or swelling of the gums around the affected tooth.
- Discolouration of the tooth.
- The presence of an abscess (or pimple-like swelling) on the gums.
The Root Canal Treatment Plan
A root canal treatment usually requires one or two office visits and is performed by either a dentist or an endodontist. Here is how we perform your root canal:
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
The initial step involves taking an x-ray of the tooth and adjacent bone to determine the root cause of your symptoms. Your specialist might recommend antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications to manage any infection or inflammation. Typically, the pain in the tooth arises from pressure caused by the infected or inflamed pulp, so alleviating this pressure can help lessen discomfort during the procedure.
Prepping the Tooth
When it’s time for the root canal, we’ll start by carefully numbing the area, ensuring your teeth and surrounding tissues are anesthetized for your comfort. Your well-being and peace of mind are our top priorities. Once you’re at ease, we’ll create an access hole in the tooth. Through this, we’ll remove the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and any associated debris.
Sealing the Tooth
Based on the severity of the abscess, we might place medication inside the tooth to fully eradicate any infection. If the treatment spans multiple visits, we’ll insert a temporary filling. You should start feeling some relief at this stage. The tooth will be permanently sealed only after it is thoroughly cleaned and confirmed to be healthy.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Damage to a tooth can arise from various causes, including extensive decay that reaches deep into the tooth, physical trauma that impacts the tooth’s integrity, the presence of a dead nerve within the tooth, or a crack that compromises the tooth’s structure. These issues can lead to significant dental problems if not addressed promptly.
Leveraging contemporary techniques and advanced technology, combined with a compassionate approach to dental care, our team of highly skilled specialists is able to offer root canal treatments that are virtually pain-free.
Although antibiotics might offer temporary respite in certain situations, addressing the root cause of the infection – the infected nerve – is essential to prevent recurrence. The permanent solution involves removing the pulp through a root canal procedure or extracting the tooth entirely.
Typically, a root canal treatment is completed in one or two appointments. Simpler or less complicated cases often require about 30 to 60 minutes of treatment time. However, more complex cases may take longer, approximately 90 minutes.
You typically need a dental crown after a root canal on your molars and premolars to minimize the risk of the tooth fracturing. Front
teeth – canines and incisors – may not require a dental crown. Your dentist will make recommendations based on the condition of your tooth and their clinical judgment.
What Our Patients are Saying
Neil L. Silvert
From the friendly staff; to the welcoming clean and healthy environment; to the incredible expertise of Dr. Jaclyn Chin and her associates, we could not be happier and more impressed with our experience in this tremendous dental practice.
For the best in oral healthcare and the most caring professionals, contact Bloor West Dental Group.
Christina Cavanagh
Absolutely excellent!! In the over 20 years I have been a client of this dental practice, I've never experienced more dedication to the craft and such a caring group of individuals, who work as a team to provide meaningful assistance during both regular check-ups and emergencies. Thanks to Carolyn, Jean, Jackie, Jaclyn, Sylvanna, and all others, I never fear a trip to the dentist and always know they are there for me!
Adam Tkach
Just had my first appointment post-COVID-19. I was very impressed with the protocols in place and check-in process from the electronic sign-in to the temperature and oxygen checks when you arrive. Clean facilities have never been an issue here and there was hand sanitizer readily available in the waiting area. Overall great experience and felt safe coming back.
