Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect if you need root canal treatment.
#1 The Diagnosis
Our dentists will take an x-ray to determine if your tooth is infected. A tooth infection typically causes discomfort and pain that keeps you up at night or distracts you from your daily tasks.
If your tooth is infected, our dentists will recommend root canal treatment to alleviate your pain and eliminate your tooth infection, which preserves the integrity of your natural tooth.
#2 Dental Anesthetics to Numb Your Tooth
The next step is numbing your tooth and the area to be treated with dental anesthetics. As a bonus, this will also stop the pain and discomfort that the infection is causing you and deliver immediate relief.
#3 Eliminating Your Tooth Infection
Next, our dentists carefully remove the infected tissues from the inner canals of your tooth. They use leading-edge rotary hand tools, making the procedure smoother and more comfortable because flexible nickel titanium reaches your tooth's inner canals more comfortably. The devices are also electric, which makes the procedure more efficient.
After they're sure that your tooth is infection-free, they will seal it with a temporary filling that allows it time to heal properly.
#4 Strengthening Your Tooth After Healing
Once we know your tooth is completely healed, it's time to rebuild it. Unfortunately, root canal therapy makes a tooth more brittle and susceptible to breakage and fractures.
When you return to Meadow Ridge Dental Centre after root canal treatment, our dentists will strengthen your tooth with either a permanent filling or a crown. We do this to ensure that you enjoy all the chewing functions you had before your tooth infection.
Common Myths About Root Canals in Maple Ridge
Myth #1 Root Canals Are Painful.
Root canals have a lot of stories circulating about them, many of which are associated with pain. The truth is that root canal treatment eliminates the pain caused by tooth infection. In addition, today's technology makes root canal treatment more efficient and comfortable than ever.
Myth #2 Pulling a Tooth Is a Better Option Than Root Canal Treatment.
While it is true that a tooth infection can lead to tooth loss if left untreated, this is not necessarily the better option for your smile. Tooth loss causes many problems, including chewing easily, smiling confidently, and protecting your dental health. Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is always our goal.
Root canal treatment preserves your natural tooth and eliminates your infection and the discomfort caused by it.
Myth #3 If My Tooth Hurts, I'll Need a Root Canal.
Tooth pain doesn't automatically mean you'll need a root canal. In fact, it could indicate that you have decay in your tooth, which we can treat with a simple filling.
The best rule of thumb is to contact your dentist as soon as you notice tooth pain or sensitivity so we can address your problem sooner rather than later when it becomes more significant.
Do You Have Questions About Root Canal Treatment in Maple Ridge?
Contact your team at Meadow Ridge Dental Care by calling (604) 467-5944.