At Parkland Dental, your friendly general dentist in Sicamous, BC, we are committed to our patient’s dental health and longevity. If you have an infected or damaged tooth, endodontic treatment may be necessary.
Root Canal Treatment: An Overview
Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure that is used to treat teeth that are infected or damaged deep within the root canal. This treatment can help to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, and it can alleviate pain and discomfort associated with infection or inflammation.
At Parkland Dental, we specialize in providing high-quality root canal treatment to our patients. Our experienced dental professionals use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure that each patient receives personalized, compassionate care throughout their treatment.
The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
One of the primary benefits of root canal treatment is that it can help to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. Extracting a tooth can lead to a host of complications, including shifting of neighbouring teeth, changes in bite alignment, and increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Root canal treatment can also alleviate pain and discomfort associated with infection or inflammation in the tooth’s root canal. By removing damaged tissue and bacteria from the root canal, your dentist can help to reduce swelling and inflammation, and restore your tooth’s function and appearance.
Finally, root canal treatment can often be completed in just one or two visits to your dentist, making it a convenient and efficient treatment option for many patients.
How Root Canal Treatment Works
The process of root canal treatment typically involves the following steps:
- Numbing the area: Your dentist will start by numbing the affected tooth and the surrounding area with a local anesthetic. This will help to ensure that you don’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
- Removing damaged tissue: Your dentist will then make an opening in the top of the tooth and use specialized tools to remove any damaged or infected tissue from the root canal.
- Cleaning and shaping the canal: Once the damaged tissue has been removed, your dentist will use special tools to clean and shape the root canal to prepare it for filling.
- Filling the canal: After the root canal has been cleaned and shaped, your dentist will fill it with a special material to help prevent further infection and restore the tooth’s function.
- Sealing the tooth: Finally, your dentist will seal the tooth with a temporary filling and schedule a follow-up appointment to place a permanent filling or crown.
Caring for Your Root Canal
After your root canal treatment is complete, it’s important to take good care of your tooth to ensure its longevity.
Here are a few tips for caring for your root canal:
- Brush and floss regularly: Good oral hygiene habits are essential for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods: While your tooth may be restored after root canal treatment, it’s still important to avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or using your teeth to open packages.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help to prevent further damage or decay to your teeth and fillings. Your dentist can also monitor the condition of your root canal and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements.
At Parkland Dental in beautiful Sicamous, BC, we are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful, confident smile. If you have any questions about root canal treatment or would like to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of friendly, knowledgeable dental professionals is here to help you every step of the way.