If you’ve ever had the term “you need a root canal” spoken to you by your dentist, you might have felt anxious. The reality is that a root canal in Scarborough is an extremely routine and safe procedure that saves your natural tooth and preserves your smile. Rather than removing a tooth, a root canal helps preserve it, allowing you to eat, smile, and speak with ease.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a way to clean, repair, and protect a tooth that has been weakened by infection or damage. Deep within every tooth, below the dentin and enamel, there exists a soft tissue known as the pulp. The pulp is where nerves and blood vessels are located, which cause the tooth to be alive. When the pulp becomes infected due to decay, injury, or cracks, it may cause pain and more serious problems if not treated.
Why Would You Need a Root Canal?
You might need a root canal if the pulp of your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. Some of the common reasons are:
- Deep cavities that reach the pulp.
- Cracked or chipped teeth that let bacteria in.
- Repeated work on the same tooth.
- Injury or trauma that harms the inner tissue.
If not treated, the infection will spread and cause swelling, abscesses, or even the loss of the tooth.
How Do You Know if You Might Need One?
Some things to watch for that could mean you need a root canal:
- Persistent tooth pain that won’t leave.
- Pain when chewing or biting down.
- Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold.
- Swelling around the gum area.
- Tooth darkening (discoloration).
If these symptoms are present, you should visit a dentist near you to best determine how to protect your smile!
What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?
Many people worry about needing a root canal, often because of old fears about pain. With today’s dental advances, root canal therapy has become an easy and pain-free treatment. The steps typically include:
- Numbing the area—A dentist ensures the area will not experience any pain when being operated on.
- Disinfecting the tooth—removing the infected pulp.
- Shaping the canals—shaping and cleaning within the tooth.
- Sealing the tooth—the canals are sealed using a biocompatible material to plug the canals.
- Repairing the tooth—a filling or a crown is inserted to cover the tooth and re-establish strength.
Is Root Canal Therapy Better Than Extraction?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Preserving your natural tooth is always preferable to removing it. With a root canal, you can:
- Retain your natural chewing function.
- Preserve your natural smile.
- Prevent shifting of other teeth.
- Avoid the necessity for bridges or implants.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last
When done correctly, a root canal lasts for many years—usually for a lifetime with proper care. Check-ups, brushing, flossing, and not applying too much pressure (such as biting hard things) ensure success. If you’re looking for a root canal near you, having the right dental team can ensure that your tooth heals as well as possible and lasts as long as it can.
Where Can You Get a Root Canal Near You?
If you need root canal therapy, you don’t have to go far. You can have a reliable dentist in Scarborough help you through the process and ensure that your tooth is treated the best it can.
Keep Your Smile Safe with Orb Dental
When dealing with tooth pain, immediate treatment and care can prevent the loss of a tooth. At Orb Dental, you can count on experienced, caring professionals to provide you with care in a friendly and comfortable environment. If you have a tooth that is causing you pain, or if you would simply like to get some advice on keeping your teeth great, the Orb Dental team will take care of you.
Don’t wait until your tooth feels worse; book a visit today to see how Orb Dental can provide effective care to preserve your smile!
FAQs:
- Is it painful to have a root canal?
Not at all. Root canal treatment is completed under local anesthesia. As such, you feel little or no pain during the procedure.
- How long does it take to complete a root canal?
Root canals can usually be completed in one or two visits, depending on the condition of the tooth.
- May I eat after a root canal?
Yes, but it is best to wait until the anesthesia wears off and to stick to soft food for the first day.
- Is it better to have a root canal than to have the tooth removed?
In most cases, yes. Saving your natural tooth helps you maintain your bite, preserve your smile, and improve your overall oral health.
