When searching for root canal treatment in Waterloo, you might feel a little anxious. Nothing sounds more intimidating than hearing you need a root canal. The truth is, it’s not as scary as it sounds. A root canal is a very common dental procedure that is done relatively quickly with minimal healing time and is used to save millions of teeth each year.
So what is it exactly? According to the Canadian Dental Association, a root canal is when the pulp, the soft tissue beneath the enamel and hard white surface of your tooth, is removed and replaced with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha. When tooth pulp is infected, it becomes inflamed and can cause severe tooth pain. In order to save your tooth, the infected pulp must be removed. So why is getting a root canal treatment in Waterloo better than getting a tooth extraction or other alternatives?
Save your natural teeth- A root canal allows you to save your tooth. This can be less expensive than implants or dentures and enables your smile to remain unchanged. Once a root canal is performed, you can continue chewing and eating. It is recommended that you cap/crown your root canaled tooth, especially a back tooth to protect it from breaking long term. With proper care and dental cleanings, a root canal can last a lifetime.
Quick and easy- A typical root canal treatment at your dentist in Kitchener Waterloo can be done within 1 or 2 appointments.
Minimal downtime- Other than feeling numb from pain medication for an hour or two after the procedure, a root canal doesn’t cause pain after treatment, although some patients may experience sensitivity for about a week. Patients are able to drive themselves home after their appointment and resume normal activities if just done with local freezing or nitrous oxide gas.
So what happens during a root canal?
1. Anaesthesia is administered.
2. A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to protect from bacteria.
3. Your dentist makes an opening in the damaged tooth.
4. The pulp (nerve) is removed.
5. Your dentist cleans and fills the canal.
6. The opening is sealed with a filling. A cap/crown is recommended after to protect the tooth from future breakage. This is a separate procedure.
Root canals are an easy and relatively pain-free treatment that can help you maintain your smile and oral health. If you have any questions about root canal treatment, be sure to contact your dentist in Kitchener, Waterloo.
Connect with us at Waterloo Smiles Dentistry for a free no obligations consultation to see what treatment is right for you. Click here to make an appointment or call today.