Root Canal Procedures
What is a "root canal"?
Root canals are hollow channels in the roots of a tooth. The channels contain nerves that are sometimes called the pulp. "Root canal" is the common term for endodontic treatment. Dentists also refer to it as a root canal procedure, therapy, or surgery.
Why might I need endodontic treatment?
A root canal procedure might be necessary if you have tooth pain caused by a deep cavity. A cavity near the centre of the tooth can infect the pulp, thus irritating the nerve and causing pain. If the infection is not treated the patient might lose the tooth and require a dental implant or a dental bridge. A root canal procedure removes the infected tissue, stops the pain, and saves the tooth.
How is a root canal done?
First, we take low dose x-rays to determine how close the the nerve is to the cavity and if the pulp is infected. If it is, we freeze the area then remove the cavity and infected pulp. We then fill the space with a harmless material known as gutta percha, a naturally occurring and biologically inert (i.e. non-allergenic) latex. Both the procedure and the recovery are brief. Patients typically report immediate relief from the pain they had had before the procedure.
Root canals are hollow channels in the roots of a tooth. The channels contain nerves that are sometimes called the pulp. "Root canal" is the common term for endodontic treatment. Dentists also refer to it as a root canal procedure, therapy, or surgery.
Why might I need endodontic treatment?
A root canal procedure might be necessary if you have tooth pain caused by a deep cavity. A cavity near the centre of the tooth can infect the pulp, thus irritating the nerve and causing pain. If the infection is not treated the patient might lose the tooth and require a dental implant or a dental bridge. A root canal procedure removes the infected tissue, stops the pain, and saves the tooth.
How is a root canal done?
First, we take low dose x-rays to determine how close the the nerve is to the cavity and if the pulp is infected. If it is, we freeze the area then remove the cavity and infected pulp. We then fill the space with a harmless material known as gutta percha, a naturally occurring and biologically inert (i.e. non-allergenic) latex. Both the procedure and the recovery are brief. Patients typically report immediate relief from the pain they had had before the procedure.
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Concourse Dental Group - Dr. Samira Jaffer
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