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Root Canal Calgary, AB

Root Canal An Overview

dentist for root canals in Calgary, AlbertaA root canal or endodontic treatment is performed when a tooth has become severely damaged or decayed, affecting the health of the internal tooth pulp, nerves or blood vessels. In some cases an abscess can form inside the tooth, causing sudden or throbbing pain. It is important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible if you experience any of the common signs that you may need a root canal.

Dr. Shruti Chahal can perform a root canal to save your natural tooth from extraction at Foothills Dentistry in Calgary. This is the best treatment to save the natural tooth when the pulp chamber becomes infected. Saving the tooth is better for your oral health versus having it extracted. We have extensive experience providing this general dental treatment for patients of all ages.

Common signs that you may need a root canal can include:

  • Change in the color of a tooth, often becoming gray looking
  • Sudden tooth pain, severe discomfort that may be localized
  • Trauma

A successful root canal treatment can help stabilize your dental health and your bite, keeping your natural teeth and bite structure in place. Dr. Chahal has in office digital technology for evaluating the health of your tooth, gums and surrounding oral structures.

A thorough exam and evaluation are the key to making the most appropriate treatment recommendation and the best possible outcome. Patients needing a root canal can benefit from our comprehensive dental services that enable complete treatment to be offered in our office, avoiding the need to travel to a specialist for care.

Root Canal What to Expect

After digital diagnostics are complete, Dr. Chahal will begin the process by numbing the area around the tooth that is being treated. The first step in the root canal process is to create a tiny opening on the back side of the tooth. Dr. Chahal will drill a small how to gain access to the infected inner pulp chamber. This will allow her to clean out the interior of the tooth to remove diseased and damaged tissue using special dental tool.

The next step is to fill the tooth with a stable, biocompatible material known as “gutta percha”. A dental filling is used to seal the tooth to prevent future infection. In most cases, a dental crown is recommended. Placing a cap on the treated tooth will further strengthen it and support a lasting result from the root canal. This may be performed in a subsequent appointment.

A tooth that has received a root canal can be cared for like the rest of your natural teeth with daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits for routine dental care with Dr. Chahal will enable our team to monitor the long term health and stability of your root canal, spotting any developing concerns as early as possible for prompt intervention.

Utilizing Sedation Dentistry for a Root Canal

We offer sedation dentistry for patients who suffer from fear of the dentist or dental anxiety. Our anxious patients can benefit from this because it will allow them to remain calm during the appointment. Using sedation is very effective and safe for anxious patients. Your comfort is our greatest priority at Foothills Dentistry.

Root Canal FAQs

How painful is a root canal procedure?

Root canal treatment involves little pain because dentists use anesthesia or sedation to numb your mouth so that you feel no pain during the procedure. Once anesthesia has worn off, patients may feel some sore tender pain around the area of the root canal. OTC medication can be taken to regulate this.

Are you asleep for a root canal?

Dentists may give certain patients sedation for root canal procedures so that they are fully relaxed during the treatment. Ask your dentist if dental sedation is right for you.

How long does it take for a root canal to feel normal?

Patients should expect their mouth to feel off for a couple of days after a root canal. Patients’ gums may be inflamed, the area of the root canal may be tender, and patients may want to avoid chewing with teeth around the area for a couple of days.

What is the most difficult tooth to get a root canal on?

From a dentist’s perspective, molars tend to be the most challenging teeth for performing root canals. The reason is that molars are located far back in the mouth, which makes them harder to access. Also, molars usually have multiple roots that can have complex root canal systems. This complexity demands more time, patience, and precision from an endodontist or dentist. However, we can perform root canals on these teeth regularly with modern technology and techniques.

Can you still get a cavity after a root canal?

Yes, it’s still possible for the tooth to develop new cavities after a root canal procedure. The root canal treatment removes the nerve and pulp from the inside of the tooth. However, the outer surface of the tooth remains vulnerable to decay. Brushing and flossing daily, avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and maintaining regular dental checkups are important. Good oral hygiene will prevent new cavities from forming on a tooth that’s had a root canal.

Does a root canal hurt the next day?

It’s not uncommon for patients to feel some discomfort or mild pain a day or two after a root canal procedure. This is mainly due to the natural inflammation response of your body to the cleaning and shaping of the canals within the tooth. However, this post-procedure pain should be easily manageable with over-the-counter painkillers. It usually goes away within 2 to 3 days. If you’re experiencing severe pain or discomfort that persists longer than that, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible.