Do you often have pain when chewing or find your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold liquids and foods? Do you have a cracked or chipped tooth causing you pain? A root canal treatment at an Airdrie dental clinic may be just what you need!
How a root canal treatment is performed
Your teeth are made up of three layers – the outer enamel shell, a hard layer of dentin, and a soft inner layer of pulp containing blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissue. When bacteria penetrate the two outer layers of a tooth, it can cause an infection in the soft inner layer, leading to inflammation and abscess causing intense pain.
A visit to an Airdrie dental clinic can determine if a root canal treatment can save the natural tooth. A root canal treatment is performed by:
- Creating a small hole in the crown of the tooth
- Removing the infected and inflamed inner tissue of the tooth
- Carefully cleaning and disinfecting the interior of the tooth
- Temporarily filling the hollow area to prevent further damage and reoccurring infection
Root canal treatments can typically be performed in one visit to an Airdrie dental clinic. Once the tooth is healed, a secondary visit is required to apply a permanent crown.
What to expect with root canal treatment
A standard root canal is typically performed with local anesthesia. As the anesthesia wears off, you may find your gums are tender and sore around the treated tooth. Recommended aftercare includes over-the-counter pain killers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, applying ice to the affected area, and not chewing around the treated area.
If you experience severe pain or pressure lasting longer than a few days, an uneven bite, visible swelling inside or outside of the mouth, or any of the symptoms experienced prior to treatment return, visit your nearest Airdrie dental clinic as soon as possible as these can be signs of a new infection.
Although considered a serious procedure, root canal treatments in Airdrie are performed by specialists daily and are no more painful than most other dental procedures. In fact, they’re recommended to eliminate or prevent pain caused by infection.
Pricing for root canal treatments can vary and most clinics are able to direct bill through your benefit plan to reduce the upfront cost of the treatment. For more information or to book an appointment, contact us at Yankee Valley Dental and we’d be happy to answer your questions.
