As most Edmonton dentists can attest, a root canal is a widely feared and widely misunderstood dental procedure. At Westmount Dental Centre we've seen that most patients respond much better once they have some understanding of what a root canal is and why it may sometimes be necessary.
As most Edmonton dentists can attest, a root canal is a widely feared and widely misunderstood dental procedure. At Westmount Dental Centre we've seen that most patients respond much better once they have some understanding of what a root canal is and why it may sometimes be necessary. The Root Canal Procedure The root canal procedure is named after the tooth structures which it targets. The root canals of a tooth are the part of a tooth which is "rooted" in the gums, and which contains a collection of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues known as dental pulp. A root canal performed by dentists in Edmonton doesn't begin until the area has been sufficiently numbed by local anesthetic. Once the patient can no longer feel anything in the area, the dentist uses a drill to create access to the root canals. The dental pulp is then removed, the canals are filled with a replacement material, and the tooth is sealed with a filling followed by a crown. When a Root Canal is Needed A root canal in Edmonton is performed when the dental pulp of a tooth has become infected. A pulp infection can lead to pain and swelling, and needs to be cleared out in order to ensure that it doesn't cause severe damage to the tooth or spread to other facial structures. Pulp can become infected if bacteria makes its way inside the tooth through cracks and cavities. A root canal treatment, if needed, should not be put off. If your dental pulp is infected, then it needs to be removed as soon as possible. Some signs that you may need a root canal include: severe tooth pain (especially when eating or when pressure is applied), gum redness and swelling, tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, and a discoloration of the tooth. Why There's No Need to Fear a Root Canal In the hands of a trained dental professional, a root canal is nothing to worry about. The target area will be sufficiently frozen during the entire procedure, and any discomfort and tenderness you may feel in the days that follow can be easily taken care of with over-the-counter painkillers. Forget about negative media portrayals or stories you heard from your grandparents. A root canal is one of the most important and beneficial offerings of modern dentistry, giving Edmonton dentists the ability to save a tooth while causing no pain to the patient. Need a Root Canal? Edmonton's Westmount Dental is Here for You Westmount Dental Centre provides emergency dental services and root canal procedures in Edmonton. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms of a dental pulp infection described above, then you should see one of our Edmonton family dentists as soon as you can. You can get in touch with Westmount Dental Centre if you have any other questions about root canals, and you can give us a call at 780-454-1269 if you're experiencing severe tooth pain and need to know what to do next.