At Tooth Matters, we prioritize your oral health by offering root canal treatment to save damaged or infected teeth. Our skilled dental team is committed to making this procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible, ensuring a pain-free experience while preserving your natural tooth.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is a procedure designed to treat the inner part of a tooth that has become infected or damaged. Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to decay, injury, or repeated dental procedures, root canal treatment is necessary to remove the infected tissue, disinfect the root canals, and prevent further damage.

When Is Root Canal Treatment Recommended?

You may need a root canal if you experience:

• Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure.
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, even after the stimulus is removed.
• Discoloration or darkening of the tooth.
• Swelling or tenderness in nearby gums.
• A pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth.

Root canal treatment is often recommended when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, but there is still enough structure to save the tooth and avoid extraction.

The Root Canal Procedure

At Tooth Matters, our dental professionals use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that your root canal procedure is safe, effective, and as comfortable as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Diagnosis and X-rays: We begin by taking X-rays of the affected tooth to assess the extent of the infection and plan the treatment.
2. Local Anesthesia: To ensure a pain-free experience, local anesthesia is applied to numb the area around the affected tooth.
3. Cleaning the Infected Tooth: The dentist will create a small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp. Using specialized instruments, the infected or damaged tissue is carefully removed, and the root canals are cleaned and disinfected.
4. Filling the Root Canals: Once the canals are thoroughly cleaned, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This helps seal the canals and prevent further infection.
5. Restoration: After the root canal is completed, a temporary or permanent filling is placed over the tooth. In most cases, a dental crown will be recommended to protect the treated tooth and restore its full functionality.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

The root canal procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of canals involved, across 2 appointments. In some cases, more appointments may be necessary if there is extensive infection or damage.

Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?

Many people fear root canals due to outdated misconceptions, but with modern techniques and anesthetics, root canal treatment is generally no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling. Patients often experience immediate relief from the pain caused by the infection after the procedure.

Post-Treatment Care

After your root canal, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. We recommend:

• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration (such as a crown) is placed.
• Maintain good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.
• Schedule follow-up visits for further restoration and to monitor the healing process.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

• Saves your natural tooth: Rather than extracting the tooth, root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth structure, avoiding the need for bridges or implants.
• Restores function: With proper restoration, your treated tooth will function just like your other healthy teeth.
• Stops the spread of infection: Root canal therapy removes the infection and prevents it from spreading to other teeth or areas of the mouth.
• Relieves pain: Root canal treatment eliminates the source of tooth pain and discomfort, allowing you to get back to your normal routine quickly.