The phrase “root canal” often sends waves of fear into dental patients, but you shouldn’t let that deter you from getting the oral healthcare you need. In fact, root canals aren’t usually the source of pain; typically, patients are in far greater distress when the need for a root canal occurs in the first place.
As a trusted Montreal dentist, Dre Nathalie Kadoch works with her patients who need root canals to help them understand why root canal therapy works and how it will help them enjoy smiles and family meals long after the procedure is complete.
Pre-Therapy
Before your dentist can perform any procedures, she must take x-rays of the tooth to determine the length and shape of the root’s placement within your oral cavities. She’ll use a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth, then she’ll place a dental dam around it, which prevents bacteria from getting inside the tooth’s fixtures.
Root Canal Therapy
Using a dental drill, your dentist will make a small opening into the affected tooth. Using long, thin instruments, your dentist will extract the pulp that lives inside the tooth. The instrument will also enable the dentist to get into the pulp chamber and the root canals so she can flush it with a bleach substance that flushes out any debris and bacteria. This helps cleanse the pathway so your dentist can usher in a hygienic fashion.
Once the root canal is complete, your dentist will fill the hole she created with a substance that’s soft and a little bit rubbery.
Post-Therapy
After the root canal is complete, your dentist will need to protect the hole and the new filling with a crown. The buildup that holds the crown into place securely fills the hole and protects the dentin (the soft, inner tissue of the tooth) while the crown itself serves as an artificial tooth that’ll be crafted to look and feel just like it naturally belongs in your mouth.
You may experience a little discomfort for the first few days after your root canal, but this is normal, and it’s really just the leftover effects of the pain you were experiencing before your root canal. Your dentist may prescribe painkillers to help ease the aches.
Are you searching for a Montreal dentist who can help you with your root canal needs? You needn’t look further! Centre Dentaire will happily schedule your initial appointment if you call us or fill out our online form!