Root Canals in Winnipeg

Many of us have had a cavity filled before. It’s a fairly standard procedure; the endodontist 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 treatment) 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 dental 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 root canal therapy in Winnipeg , 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 root canal 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.

Signs and Symptoms of a Root Canal

When do you need a root canal procedure? Only a qualified endodontist can diagnose the issue, but these signs may indicate that root canal treatment is necessary:
Pain and sensitivity. The most obvious indication of an infection in the root canal 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 the root canal 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.
Without a root canal procedure, an infected tooth may need to be extracted. Preserve your natural teeth by scheduling a root canal! Contact your dentist if you suspect that you have a damaged or inflamed tooth.

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 a root canal is 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 a root canal is 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 therapy, 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.

Book a Consultation

Are you looking for a dentist that can do root canals in Winnipeg? Check out Fresh Dental, a Dental clinic that combines compassionate patient care with the most modern treatments available. We offer Winnipeg root canal therapy and more—visit our website to view our other services. Regular cleanings will preserve your oral health, which can prevent root canals in the first place!
While tooth decay can be painful, a dentist can help you get back to enjoying your life. Give our dental office a call if you’d like to schedule a consultation.