GENERAL DENTISTRY

ROOT CANAL THERAPY

A Simple Solution for Severe Tooth Pain

Are you struggling with severe tooth pain, sensitivity, or discomfort? Root canal therapy at Arbutus North Dental is an effective and gentle solution to relieve your pain and save your natural tooth. If you’re experiencing issues with your tooth’s inner pulp, root canal therapy can restore your tooth’s health and function, allowing you to enjoy a pain-free, confident smile.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consider root canal therapy:

Persistent Tooth Pain: Especially when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth.
Sensitivity: Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the stimulus is removed.
Swollen or Tender Gums: Around the affected tooth, possibly with a pimple-like bump.
Tooth Discoloration: A gray or darkened appearance of the tooth.
Abscess: A pimple-like bump on the gums that may be accompanied by an unpleasant taste or odor.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, don’t wait—contact us today to schedule a consultation.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to treat the inside of a tooth when the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected or severely damaged. Root canal therapy involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the tooth, and then sealing it to prevent further infection. After treatment, your tooth is restored to full function, allowing you to chew, bite, and smile with confidence.

This procedure is essential for saving teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted due to infection or damage, and it can alleviate the intense pain often associated with severe tooth infections.

How Root Canal Therapy Works: A Step-by-Step Process

At Arbutus North Dental, we ensure that root canal therapy is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

Initial Consultation & Diagnosis: We will begin with a thorough examination, including X-rays, to assess the extent of the damage or infection and confirm if root canal therapy is the best solution.
Anesthesia for Comfort: Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area, ensuring you feel no pain during the procedure. Many patients find that a root canal feels similar to getting a standard filling.
Accessing the Tooth’s Interior: A small opening will be made in the crown of your tooth to access the infected pulp. The pulp and any infected tissue will be carefully removed.
Cleaning & Shaping: The inner chambers of the tooth will be cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to remove bacteria and prevent further infection.
Sealing the Tooth: Once the tooth is cleaned, we will seal it with a biocompatible material to prevent future infection and restore the tooth’s strength.
Restoration with a Crown: In most cases, a dental crown will be placed over the treated tooth to protect it and restore its full function, ensuring that it can withstand everyday chewing and biting.

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?

Contrary to common misconceptions, root canal therapy is not painful. Thanks to modern dental techniques and effective anesthesia, most patients experience minimal discomfort. In fact, the pain from an infected tooth often subsides immediately after the procedure, and many patients report that the procedure feels no different than getting a standard filling.

If you’re anxious or concerned about pain, our friendly team will ensure you’re as comfortable as possible throughout the process.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Choosing root canal therapy over tooth extraction has several important benefits:

Save Your Natural Tooth: Root canal therapy preserves your tooth, maintaining the structure of your smile and preventing the need for costly tooth replacement options like implants or bridges.
Relieve Pain: Root canal therapy alleviates the intense pain caused by tooth infections, allowing you to return to your normal life pain-free.
Maintain Normal Function: Your treated tooth will continue to function normally for chewing and biting, preventing other teeth from shifting out of place.
Long-Term Oral Health: Preserving your tooth helps maintain the integrity of your jawbone and surrounding teeth, ensuring better long-term oral health.

Why Choose Us for Your Root Canal Therapy in Vancouver?

At Arbutus North Dental, we are committed to providing exceptional dental care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Our experienced team of professionals uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure the best possible outcome for your root canal therapy.

Experienced Endodontists: Our skilled team specializes in root canal treatments, helping save thousands of teeth with precision and care.
State-of-the-Art Technology: We utilize advanced diagnostic tools and modern equipment to ensure accurate and effective treatments.
Comfort and Care: We prioritize your comfort throughout the procedure, using gentle techniques to ensure a pain-free experience.
Compassionate Approach: We understand that dental procedures can be intimidating. Our team is here to support you every step of the way and make your treatment as stress-free as possible.

Post-Treatment Care: How to Care for Your Treated Tooth

After your root canal therapy, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity, especially if the tooth was severely infected. Here’s what you can do to ensure proper healing:

Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers as directed by your dentist to manage any discomfort.
Avoid Chewing on the Treated Tooth until it is fully restored with a crown to prevent damage.
Follow Good Oral Hygiene Practices by brushing and flossing gently around the treated area.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure the success of the treatment.

With proper care, your treated tooth can last for many years, possibly for the rest of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does a root canal take?

Most root canal procedures take about 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. If you need multiple visits, we’ll explain the timeline in detail.

Will I need a crown after the procedure?

In most cases, a crown is necessary to restore the tooth’s strength and functionality after a root canal. We’ll discuss your specific needs during your consultation.

Can I eat after the procedure?

We recommend avoiding eating on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored with a crown. If you have temporary filling material, it’s best to wait until the anesthesia wears off before eating.

How much does root canal therapy cost?

The cost of root canal therapy can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the number of visits required. We offer flexible payment plans and will provide you with a clear estimate before beginning treatment.

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

Your dental care is our priority. With 25 experienced technicians on our team, we’re ready to handle all your needs. Share your details, and we’ll give you a call to discuss your smile transformation. Looking forward to connecting with you soon!