Feel Better Fast with Expert Root Canals in Calgary

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To anyone who is looking for a new dentist, is not completely happy with their current dental care provider, or who needs a trust-worthy second opinion on anything from cavities, root canals and crowns to bite issues to full mouth restoration, run – don’t walk- to South Centre Dental.

— Je Dn, ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Google Review

What is a root canal?

A root canal treatment is a procedure in which an infection is removed from the inside of your tooth. Once the tooth and root system are disinfected, it is filled, and a crown is placed on the tooth to keep it from breaking.

Why do I need one?

An infection in the centre of your tooth will most likely cause a lot of discomfort, sometimes pain, and that infection may spread. These infections don’t heal on their own, therefore a root canal needs to be performed to maintain the health of your tooth, mouth, and entire body.

Common Symptoms Of Needing A Root Canal Treatment

You may need a root canal if you're experiencing the following symptoms:
  • Dull continuous ache or shooting pain in your teeth or jaw
  • Discolouration of your tooth
  • Severe temperature sensitivity
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Swollen gums
  • Spontaneous pain when chewing or not chewing
  • Severe toothache and pain when biting down or chewing
  • A loose adult tooth

Your dentist will diagnose the need for a root canal based on your symptoms, clinical tests, and X-rays.

What happens during a root canal procedure?

Each tooth is different, molars typically have 3 or 4 canals, while front teeth typically have 1 or 2 canals. Depending on how many canals, a root canal can typically take around 1-2 hours to complete. If the root canal system is complex, you may be referred to a root canal specialist, an endodontist.

A routine root canal procedure includes the following:

Step 1

First, we numb the area of your mouth around the tooth getting the root canal.

Step 2

After the tooth and the area around it is numbed, dental instruments are used to clean out and shape each canal.

Step 3

The canal is then disinfected before being filled and sealed with a filling material called gutta percha.

Step 4

Our dentist will then recommend a crown on the tooth to prevent any future fractures.

What does root canal recovery look like?

It’s normal to have some sensitivity after your root canal treatment, more so if you had ongoing or pain before your treatment. However, there isn’t anything you need to do specifically after your root canal procedure, the best thing would be to rest and avoid chewing hard foods on that side of your mouth until there is a permanent crown in place (if we haven’t already done that). This helps to avoid any future damage or discomfort.

We may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatories before or after your treatment, depending on whether or not an infection is present. If you have any other questions regarding care after a root canal, don’t hesitate to ask us!

Do you need a root canal?

Contact us to book your appointment today!

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How to prevent needing a root canal

Root canals are needed most often due to deep tooth decay. To help prevent root canals, continue the same things you would do to prevent tooth decay by:
  • Practicing good oral hygiene
  • Eating healthy
  • Using fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash
  • Maintain regular dental checkups so we can treat the decay with a simple filling before it progresses to needing a root canal treatment

FAQs

Not typically, no. Like any medical or dental procedure, there may be some discomfort during or after the procedure, but not always! There are many scary stories and anxieties that come from root canals, but the truth is, they feel more like having a filling done, you’ll just be in the chair a little longer.

Each patient and case will be different. If you’re feeling anxious about a root canal treatment, we offer different dental sedation options to ensure you’re as comfortable as you can be.

It depends on how many canals there are to clean. Each tooth is different, molars typically have 3 or 4 canals, while front teeth typically have 1 or 2 canals. Most root canals are covered by dental benefits, but we recommend reviewing your coverage before booking an appointment.

For a better quote on the cost of a root canal treatment, contact our office.

In most cases, yes! Unless there is a severe infection that may need to be managed over days or weeks.

Sometimes all of the infection or canals cannot be addressed in one appointment, and we have to medicate the tooth and wait for some healing to occur before we can finish the treatment. However, this is a rare occurrence depending on how bad the decay or infection is.

About Dr. Jennifer Silver

Dr. Jennifer Silver understands that living with tooth pain is a discomfort no one should have to endure! She’s been performing root canals in Calgary for the past 15 years, making sure each and every patient is comfortable and informed about the procedure. If you need a root canal, Dr. Silver is here to help you get rid of pain and get back to the foods you love!

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