You Can Save Your Natural Tooth With Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure that can save your natural tooth and alleviate pain caused by infection or damage. At Ridgeway Dentistry in Ridgeway, ON, and Bertie Dental Office in Fort Erie, ON, Dr. John Inigo and his team provide high-quality root canal treatments to help patients maintain their oral health and restore their smiles.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or have noticed swelling around a tooth, you might need root canal therapy. Our Ridgeway and Fort Erie dentists are committed to providing compassionate care and excellent results for all their patients.

Call 905-894-5555 for our Ridgeway dental office and 905-871-2903 for our Fort Erie dental office.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that treats the inside of a tooth. It’s performed when the soft tissue inside the root canal, called the dental pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. The dental pulp contains blood vessels and connective tissue, which contribute to the growth and development of the tooth.

During a root canal procedure, the dentist removes the damaged dental pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the root canal, then fills and seals the space. This process eliminates the source of pain and infection while allowing you to keep your natural tooth.

Why Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary for an Infected Tooth?

Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen for several reasons:

1. Deep Decay: When tooth decay reaches the pulp chamber, it can cause infection.
2. Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple procedures on the same tooth can damage the pulp.
3. Cracked or Chipped Teeth: These can allow bacteria to enter the pulp, causing infection.
4. Injury to the Tooth: A blow to the tooth can damage the pulp even if there’s no visible crack.

If left untreated, the infection can spread beyond the root canal system and cause an abscess. This can lead to bone loss around the infected tooth, swelling that may spread to other areas of the face or neck, and even systemic infection. Root canal therapy is often the best way to save a natural tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. 

The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy offers numerous benefits:

1. Pain Relief: It eliminates the pain caused by infected or inflamed pulp.
2. Preservation of Natural Tooth: It allows you to keep your tooth rather than having it extracted.
3. Improved Oral Health: By removing the infection, it prevents the spread of bacteria to other teeth.
4. Restored Function: After treatment, you can chew and bite normally again.
5. Enhanced Appearance: The treated tooth can be restored with a crown, matching your natural teeth.
6. Cost-effective: In the long run, it’s often more affordable than extracting the tooth and replacing it with an artificial one.
7. Efficient Procedure: Most root canals can be completed in one or two appointments.

Recognizing the signs you need a root canal can help in seeking timely endodontic treatment and avoiding further complications. 

Root Canal Candidacy

You might be a candidate for root canal therapy if you’re experiencing:

1. Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure
2. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
3. Discoloration of the tooth
4. Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
5. A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

However, sometimes there are no symptoms, and the need for a root canal is discovered during a routine dental exam. That’s why regular check-ups are crucial for maintaining your oral health. The root canal cost can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the tooth affected, but it’s often more cost-effective than alternatives like tooth extraction and replacement with implants or bridges.

Dr. Inigo will perform a thorough examination, including X-rays, to determine if you need root canal therapy. He’ll discuss your options and help you make the best decision for your oral health. Contact us today to schedule your root canal therapy.

The Root Canal Procedure Process

The root canal process typically involves the following steps:

1. Examination and X-rays: Dr. Inigo will examine your tooth and take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage.
2. Anesthetic: Local anesthetics are administered to numb the area around the tooth.
3. Isolation: A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva during the procedure.
4. Access Opening: An opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
5. Pulp Removal: The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed using special instruments.
6. Cleaning and Shaping: The root canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
7. Filling: The cleaned root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
8. Sealing: The access opening is sealed with a temporary filling.
9. Restoration: In most cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its full function.

The entire process usually takes one to two appointments, depending on the complexity of the case.

Root Canal Aftercare

After your root canal therapy, it’s important to follow these aftercare instructions:

1. Take prescribed medications as directed by Dr. Inigo.
2. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration is placed.
3. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing.
4. Avoid very hot or cold foods for the first few days after treatment.
5. If you experience severe pain or pressure lasting more than a few days, contact our office.
6. Schedule and attend all follow-up appointments as recommended by Dr. Inigo.
7. Continue with regular dental check-ups and cleanings to maintain your oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a root canal procedure take?

Most root canal procedures take between 60 to 90 minutes. However, more complex cases might require two appointments.

Is root canal treatment painful?

With modern techniques and anesthesia, root canal treatment is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. You might experience some sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Alternatives to root canal treatment, such as tooth extraction, may require additional procedures to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.

How long does recovery take after a root canal?

Most patients can return to their normal activities the day after the procedure. However, it’s best to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration is placed.

How long does a root canal last?

With proper care, a tooth that has had root canal therapy can last a lifetime. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are key to maintaining the health of the treated tooth.

Alleviate Tooth Pain at Inigo Dentistry

Root canal therapy is a valuable dental procedure that can save your natural tooth and alleviate pain caused by infection or damage. At Ridgeway Dentistry in Ridgeway, ON, and Bertie Dental Office in Fort Erie, ON, Dr. John Inigo and his team are dedicated to providing high-quality root canal treatments in a comfortable and caring environment.

Contact Ridgeway Dentistry at 905-894-5555 or Bertie Dental Office at 905-871-2903 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Inigo. Let us help you maintain your healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.