What Is a Root Canal?
The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth. It contains nerves and blood vessels and provides nourishment for your tooth. It can become infected if you have:
- A deep cavity
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- An injury to the tooth, even if there is no visible crack or chip
If this is left untreated, the tissues around the root of your tooth can become infected. You will often feel pain and swelling, and an abscess may form inside the tooth and in the bone around the end of the root. An infection can also put you at risk of losing the tooth, because bacteria can damage the bone that connects your tooth to your jaw.
What Is Involved in a Root Canal?
A root canal treatment usually takes one or two office visits. There is little to no pain because your dentist uses local anesthetic so you do not feel the procedure. Once it is complete, you should no longer feel the pain you felt before.
Before treatment begins, your dentist will:
- Take x-rays to get a clear view of your tooth and the surrounding bone.
- Numb the area around your tooth so you are comfortable.
- Place a thin sheet of rubber over the tooth to keep it dry, clean and protected from bacteria in the mouth.
During treatment, your dentist will:
- Create an opening in the top of your tooth.
- Remove the tooth's nerve from inside the tooth and from the root canals.
- Clean inside the tooth and each root canal, and may treat the tooth with germ-killing medicine.
- Fill the root canals with a rubber-like material to seal them against future infection.
- Place a temporary filling to protect the tooth until a permanent filling or crown can be placed.
Can I Have a Root Canal at My Regular Visit?
Your dentist may need to schedule a follow-up appointment, or you may be referred to a dentist who specializes in the pulp and tissues around the teeth. This specialist is called an endodontist. Your dentist will explain what is best for your tooth.
Why a Crown or Filling Follows
After a root canal, you need a follow-up visit. Your dentist removes the temporary filling and replaces it with a permanent filling or a crown to protect the tooth from further damage. A post may also be placed in the root canal to help hold the filling materials in place and to support a crown, if you need one.
Before Your Visit
- Tell us about your pain, how long you have had it and anything that makes it better or worse.
- Share your medical history, medications and allergies.
- Let us know if you feel anxious. We offer laughing gas and sedation options.
- Bring your insurance information, if you have it.
- Eat beforehand if you can, since your mouth will be numb for a few hours afterward.
After Your Treatment
- Your tooth and the area around it may feel sensitive for a few days. Talk with your dentist about how to relieve any discomfort.
- Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if the infection has spread. Take them as directed.
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has its permanent filling or crown.
- Keep your follow-up visit so the temporary filling can be replaced.
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth once a day and see your dentist regularly.
- Call us if you have swelling, fever, severe pain, or bleeding that does not stop.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last?
With proper care, your restored tooth can last a lifetime. Good home care and regular dental visits help keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Costs, Insurance and Payment
We provide a free cost estimate before treatment, bill all major and government insurance plans directly where coverage applies and follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. If you are not covered, instant financing with easy monthly payment plans is available.
Why Choose Heritage Valley Dental?
- Local anesthetic so you are comfortable
- Laughing gas and sedation options for anxious patients
- Same-day emergency appointments and walk-ins welcome
- Open seven days a week, with weeknights until 8:00 pm
- Clear explanation of your options and a free estimate
