Root Canal Treatment
Are you suffering from severe tooth pain or an infection? We’re here to help. Lewis Estates Dental provides root canal treatment and root canal extractions in West Edmonton and Metro Edmonton area.
Get the relief you need
You know the feeling: You bite into a cold scoop of ice cream, only to have shocks of pain reverberate through your jaw, and perhaps linger for a while after.
Could it be tooth sensitivity, a cavity—or do you need root canal treatment? No matter the cause, it’s vital to visit the dentist as soon as you experience pain. Dr. Bains and our highly trained team will help you get to the root of the problem. Learn more about our emergency dental treatment procedures.
Root canal infection symptoms
You may need root canal therapy if you experience these signs and sensations:
- Intense tooth pain when biting down
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Gum swelling and tenderness
- A persistent toothache, possibly with discomfort in the head or neck region
- Tooth discolouration
Causes of root canal infection and inflammation
So, when exactly do you need to get a root canal? The answer lies in the pulp of your teeth. Deep under the outer enamel, and beneath the inner layer called dentin, this tissue contains nerves and blood vessels that nourish healthy development.
Sometimes, the pulp can become inflamed or infected. Left untreated, the condition can worsen, becoming painful and eventually turning into an abscess. At this point, the pulp has died and needs to be removed with root canal therapy. Since these nerves and blood vessels are only necessary for growing the tooth, the enamel and dentin can still survive, nurtured by the surrounding tissue.
Causes of tooth abscess can include:
- Deep cavities
- Repeated dental treatment
- Tooth breakage
- Trauma to the face
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
Get root canal treatment in Edmonton
Leveraging X-ray technology, we can diagnose if your tooth pain stems from an abscessed pulp. We’ll examine the root canal shape and assess the root structure and its adjacent bone for evidence of infection or pathology, and also assess the tooth for other symptoms. If necessary, we’ll begin the root canal therapy.
Ideal for many patients, root canals can be highly beneficial and successful:
We may prescribe antibiotics to assist in managing the infection, but this is only a small part of the solution. Since blood no longer flows to the tooth, a root canal is the only way to clear the infection. Be sure to book your appointment with us so we can get you back to a healthy and pain-free state.
How root canal therapy works
If the procedure is necessary, don’t stress—patients often report little to no pain, comparing the discomfort to a tooth filling. Our compassionate team will complete your root canal treatment in a safe and professional manner:
- We administer a local anesthetic to the tooth and its surrounding tissues
- To prevent bacterial recontamination, we place a dental dam
- Then, we create a hole in the tooth to allow access to the root canal(s)
- Using small files and antibacterial rinses, we clear out the infected tissue
- After cleaning and drying the root canals, we seal the tooth with a biocompatible sealer, a rubber compound called gutta-percha and a filling (temporary or permanent)
- The number of visits to be complete your root canal will be determined by the extent of infection
- For the first six to 12 months, we monitor the healing progress of the tooth. It can take up to two years for recovery
Teeth tidbit
Root canals are an effective treatment for abscessed teeth
This procedure allows you to keep your own tooth and avoid the cost of tooth replacements. Root canals also treat only the problem area, without affecting the surrounding teeth.
It's your time to shine
Schedule your next visit and we’ll keep your mind, body, and smile healthy for years to come.