Symptoms
Sometimes, in the early stages of infection there is no pain. In some cases, the colour of your tooth will darken, which could mean that the nerve of the tooth has died, or is dying. In other cases, there is either sensitivity or severe pain. Usually. Dr. Vard will confirm clinical findings through an xRay.
We prefer to save teeth rather than extract them.
What happens?
You will need a root canal treatment if the dental pulp of your tooth is damaged or infected. Dental pulp is the soft core at the center of a tooth. It extends from the crown of the tooth (the visible top part) down to the tip of the roots deep within the gum line. This dental pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. So when a tooth becomes damaged by decay or a trauma, it makes it possible for bacteria can get into the soft core of the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment Diagnosis
When pulp becomes infected, the infection can spread through the root canal system of the tooth which eventually leads to an abscess. An abscess is an inflamed area in which pus collects and causes swelling of the tissues around the tooth. The symptoms of an abscess can range from a dull ache to severe pain, and the tooth may be tender when you bite.
Dr. David will take dental X-rays to assess the damage to the tooth and administer a local anesthetic to the affected area.
Root Canal Procedure
To start, Dr. Vard will remove decay from the outer areas of the tooth. Then, by making an opening through the crown of the tooth, he will get access to the dental pulp. Once Dr. Vard gets access to the dental pulp, he will remove the infected or diseased pulp.
The aim of the treatment is to save the tooth.
Saving the tooth involves removing all the infection from the root canal areas. When that is done and after a period of healing, Dr. David will restore the structure of the tooth. After that, the area will be prepared for the next stage which is the filling process.
Next Steps
If your root canal treatment requires more than one visit, Dr. Vard will give you a temporary filling and crown on top of the affected tooth. This temporary crown helps protect the tooth from food debris and saliva while the natural healing process takes place.
You should try to avoid biting or chewing with your temporary crown.
Once the tooth is fully cleaned, treated and healed, it’s time to refill it to restore its structural integrity. Dr. Vard will remove your temporary crown and filling. And, using a compound of rubber and sealer paste will fill, the cleaned and healed area, inside the tooth. Once the dental pulp area is refilled with this paste, an adhesive filling will be added to the root canals to make sure they’re protected from saliva or food debris. To ensure the structural integrity of the tooth, Dr. Vard may also recommend inserting a metal post into the tooth.
The tooth’s outer strength is then restored by placing a crown on top.
Crowns are made of several different kinds of material and can be tinted or coloured to match the exact colour of your other teeth.
After A Root Canal Treatment
Your tooth, and the surrounding area, might be a little sensitive after your treatment. This is completely normal. Over-the-counter pain medications will help alleviate lingering pain or pressure.
Otherwise, your restored tooth and crown will be both functional and will look great.
Good Oral Hygiene
By practicing good oral hygiene, it will help ensure that your restored tooth will continue to work well.