Westend Dental
CALL US TODAY
(780) 484-0808
NEW PATIENTS WELCOME
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Dental Terms

Dental Patient Education Resources

Root canal

Root canal Edmonton

Root canals, also known as the main canals within a tooth, are an integral part of your dental anatomy. These canals house the dental pulp chamber, dental nerves, and blood vessels that nourish and maintain your tooth's health during development. However, when infection or damage occurs within the pulp chamber, it can lead to pain and discomfort, necessitating a dental procedure known as root canal therapy.

The Importance of Root Canal Therapy

A tooth's nerve tissue or pulp is not vital for its function and health once the tooth has fully emerged through the gums. Its primary role is sensory, providing the sensation of hot and cold. Therefore, the absence of a nerve will not impact your tooth's daily functionality.

When damage or infection affects the pulp, it can lead to several issues, including:

  • Formation of an abscessed tooth, characterized by a pus-filled pocket at the root's end.
  • Swelling that may extend to other facial areas.
  • Bone loss around the root's tip.
  • Drainage problems, which can lead to gum or skin issues.

If you're experiencing dental pain or discomfort, it's essential to seek professional care promptly to address these issues and prevent further complications.

Root Canal Treatment Process

Root canal treatment is a procedure designed to eliminate infection and protect the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion. While it's commonly referred to as a "root canal," this term is somewhat imprecise. Root canals are the natural hollows within a tooth, containing nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cellular components. Root canal therapy involves removing these structures, cleaning, shaping, and decontaminating the canals, and filling them with an inert material, typically gutta-percha.

At Westend Dental Clinic in Edmonton, we provide comprehensive root canal treatment to alleviate pain and restore the health of your affected tooth.

What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure

Modern root canal treatment is far less intimidating than its reputation suggests. It is a relatively painless and highly effective procedure. Here's what to expect:

  • Initial Assessment: Dr. Alexandra Bendic or an endodontist will assess your tooth's condition and determine the need for a root canal.
  • Pain Control: Local anesthesia, typically lidocaine, is used to ensure a pain-free experience.
  • Tooth Access: The tooth is opened to access the pulp chamber.
  • Pulp Removal: The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed from the root canals and pulp chamber.
  • Cleaning and Disinfection: The canals are meticulously cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and debris.
  • Filling: The decontaminated canals are filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, to seal them and prevent future infection.
  • Restoration: A crown or filling is placed on the tooth to protect it and restore its function and appearance.

The Importance of Restoring a Tooth After a Root Canal

Following a root canal, it's crucial to protect the treated tooth with a crown or filling. This is because root canal-treated teeth are more vulnerable to fractures and can lose structural integrity without proper support. Additionally, a crowned tooth helps seal the root canal and prevents bacterial re-entry.

Regular dental check-ups, including X-rays, are essential to monitor the root canal-treated tooth's health and detect any issues promptly.

Advantages of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Efficient chewing and normal biting force.
  • Natural appearance and sensation.
  • Protection of neighboring teeth from excessive wear or strain.

It's crucial to undergo root canal treatment when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to factors like deep decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, or dental trauma. Failing to address pulp inflammation or infection can lead to pain and abscess formation.

With proper care, most teeth that undergo root canal treatment can last a lifetime, helping you maintain your natural smile and oral function.

Root Canal Irrigants

During the root canal procedure, various substances are used as irrigants to clean and disinfect the root canals. These include:

  • 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)
  • 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with surface modifiers for improved flow.
  • 2% chlorhexidine gluconate
  • 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate plus 0.2% cetrimide (Cetrexidin)
  • 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)
  • Framycetin sulfate (Septomixine)

These irrigants are crucial in achieving thorough disinfection and ensuring the success of the root canal procedure.

If you suspect the need for a root canal or are currently dealing with dental pain or discomfort, reach out to us at (780) 484-0808. Dr. Dr. Alexandra Bendic is committed to providing root canal treatments in Edmonton. Come see us at 17303 Stony Plain Rd to regain optimal oral health and preserve the beauty of your smile.

You might be interested in...

Amalgam
Dental Terms

Amalgam

Amalgam Edmonton

Understanding the Versatile Dental Amalgam

Dental amalgam fillings, often referred to as "silver" fillings, stand as the most prevalent type of filling employed

READ MORE

OUR DENTAL PRACTICE

  • Our dental clinic has been servicing Edmonton community for the past 30 years.
  • Our mission is to provide patients with oral care in a warm, cheerful and relaxed environment.
  • Our goal is for you to keep your teeth functional and healthy, and maintain a long-term partnership with you based on trust and respect.
  • Our location is convenient and has elevator access. Free parking is available during the appointment.
  • Our staff is friendly and well trained.
  • Our clinic accommodates new patients. Dental emergencies are seen based on schedule availability and referred accordingly.

For the healthiest gums use these formulas for brushing, flossing, massaging gums, mouth-rinses, proxa-brushes, sulca-brushes, rubber-tip stimulators to overcome sensitive teeth, to ease the recovery of oral surgery, and for general overall cavity prevention.

A beautiful smile can give patients a lifetime of happiness!

(780) 484-0808