Endodontist Winnipeg | Root Canal Specialist

Many of us have had a cavity filled before. It’s a fairly standard procedure; the dentist freezes your mouth, removes the decay, and applies the filling material.

But when a cavity reaches the deeper layers of the tooth, it could cause an infection, and a root canal procedure may be necessary. This treatment can be used to save a tooth that may have otherwise been extracted.

Root canals (also known as endodontic treatments) involve replacing a tooth’s damaged or infected nerves, which will relieve pain, restore function, and improve the appearance of a tooth.

What is a Root Canal?

A tooth is composed of several layers, all of which play a role in the functioning, appearance, and health of your mouth. They are as follows:

Enamel: The outermost layer of the tooth is what’s visible most of the time. This white and durable mineral protects the inner layers of your tooth from damage and decay.
Dentin: This part of your tooth is right under the enamel, and has a pale yellow colour; when it’s exposed, it may be the cause behind visible staining. The tubules inside dentin are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, which is why enamel damage often causes sensitivity.
Pulp: The pulp chamber is where the soft and sensitive tissues are housed, including the nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels. As a tooth matures, the pulp provides it with nutrients, but once it’s fully grown, that’s no longer necessary. During a root canal, the pulp of the tooth is completely removed, and the tooth receives nutrients from other tissues in the mouth.
Root: This is what supports the tooth structure and anchors it into your jaw bone. If tooth decay or infection reaches the pulp or roots of your teeth, you may require a root canal treatment to prevent tooth loss. During this procedure, the infected nerves and tissues are removed completely from the tooth. Once the root canal of your tooth has been cleaned, it’s filled and sealed for protection.

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Signs and Symptoms of a Root Canal

When do you need a root canal? Only a qualified dentist can diagnose the issue, but these signs may indicate that treatment is necessary:

Pain and Sensitivity

The most obvious indication of an infection is a toothache. If you find yourself wincing when you consume hot or cold beverages, it could be due to exposed tooth pulp. You may notice that your gums are swollen or redder than usual.

Discolouration

Your tooth may take on a darker colour if it becomes infected. This is a tell-tale sign that it’s time to visit the dentist.

Numbness

If an infection or injury has spread to the nerves of the teeth, you may lose sensation in that area. A tooth that was once sensitive and achy may suddenly go numb.

Root Canal Treatment

This procedure is done to remove decayed or infected material, so to prevent the patient from experiencing pain or losing their tooth.
Before the treatment begins, the patient’s tooth will be frozen using a local anaesthetic. There’s an old misconception that root canals are painful, but due to the numbing agent, you’ll hardly feel a thing! Most people report that a root canal feels similar to a standard filling.

Once the mouth is frozen, an access area is made into the tooth. This allows the dentist to remove the pulp, bacteria, and infected or damaged nerve tissues from the pulp chamber. Then, the dentist thoroughly cleans and disinfects the area. The tooth is shaped and filled in. When root canals are performed on molars, we typically recommend capping the tooth with a crown for lasting support.

Root canals are an incredibly effective intervention for decayed and damaged teeth, with a success rate of over 85%. You may require several appointments to complete the root canal, so to allow the infection to clear up before the tooth is sealed.

What Can I Expect after a Root Canal?

Following your procedure, you may experience heightened sensitivity for several days. The root canal site may be inflamed or swollen. We suggest taking an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate these symptoms. Try not to chew using the tooth that was treated until it heals.

These sensations are normal and to be expected, but if you have any concerns, you can call your dentist.

Endodontist in Winnipeg