Root Canal – All There Is To Know About the Treatment
Have you ever had a horrendous throbbing toothache, you couldn’t even sleep? You visit the dentist the following morning and the news comes in. Root canal treatment in Mississauga is the only way to save your tooth. If you have experienced such a nerve-racking ordeal, you are certainly not alone.
So What is a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment, also referred to as endodontic treatment, is a procedure whereby the damaged or infected pulp is removed. The procedure not only saves your tooth, but also prevents infection from spreading to other teeth.
When Should a Root Canal Be Carried Out?
A root canal treatment in Mississauga should only be carried out when it’s absolutely clear the pulp is indeed infected or damaged. An X-ray assessment will be carried out to establish the pulp infection. You should also look out for symptoms like;
- Sensitivity to cold or hot food or drinks
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling gum near affected tooth
- Tooth turning or becoming black
- Swollen face
- Discharge of pus from the gum near the affected tooth
How is a Root Canal Procedure Carried Out?
The first essential step is taking an X-ray to determine the extent of the infection. The dentist will then use anesthesia to numb the affected area. This step is not necessary since the nerve is already dead. So if your dentist or endodontist does not use anesthesia, don’t panic. A hole is drilled to remove the decayed nerve tissue, pulp, bacteria and other related chaff. Before the drilling a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva.
The tooth is then cleaned out using water and root canal files. Thereafter, it’s sealed with a temporary filling. Mississauga root canal treatment cannot be completed in a single visit. The next appointment is when a permanent filling placed.
Is There an Alternative to Root Canal Treatment in Mississauga?
“The only other effective alternative to a root canal treatment is tooth extraction”, says Dr. Palwinder Dhillon, a dentist at pearl Dental Care in Mississauga.
Is Root Canal Painful?
The procedure is not painful as perceived. It should actually be painless since a local anesthetic is used.
Are There Possible Complications in Root Canal Treatment?
Just like any other procedure, potential risks are always there. They include;
- Discomfort for a few days
- Waiting too long for a final restoration cause bacteria re-infection
- Cracked tooth may go undetected
- A file could break and get stuck in the root canal