Root Canal Treatment to Help Preserve Your Tooth
Tooth pain can interfere with eating and sleeping. Maple Ridge Dental Centre provides root canal treatment in Maple Ridge to treat inflammation or infection and help preserve the affected tooth. An examination is needed because similar symptoms can have different causes.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected because of deep decay, a crack, trauma or another problem, root canal treatment may be recommended. The treatment removes the affected pulp, cleans and seals the space inside the tooth, and helps preserve the natural tooth.
Signs You May Need an Assessment
- Persistent or severe toothache
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or tenderness near a tooth
- A pimple-like bump or drainage on the gums
- A cracked tooth or deep decay
Some teeth requiring treatment cause few or no symptoms, which is why a dental examination and appropriate X-rays are important.
What Happens During Treatment?
Your dentist examines the tooth, performs appropriate tests and reviews X-rays. Local anesthetic is used for comfort. A small opening is made in the tooth, the affected pulp is removed, and the canals are cleaned, shaped, filled and sealed.
Treatment may require one or more appointments. A temporary filling may be placed between visits. After treatment, the tooth usually needs a permanent filling or crown, depending on its condition and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is root canal treatment uncomfortable?
Local anesthetic is used to numb the area. Some tenderness after treatment can occur and usually improves as the tooth heals. Please contact the office if symptoms are severe or worsening.
Will I need a crown afterward?
Many back teeth benefit from a crown after root canal treatment because they can be more vulnerable to fracture. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate restoration for your tooth.
Request an Assessment
If you have persistent tooth pain, swelling or sensitivity, request an appointment online or call 604-463-2536. For urgent symptoms, please call the office directly.