Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that can save your teeth from infection and decay. It involves removing the damaged or infected pulp from the inside of your tooth and filling it with a special material. If you are wondering what to expect during a root canal treatment at our Toronto, ON dental office, read on to find out more.

It is a procedure to relieve pain caused by an abscessed or infected tooth. The tooth can become infected or abscessed when you have a deep cavity or suffer dental trauma. Bacteria enter the innermost area of the tooth, called the pulp, infecting the tissues, blood capillaries, and nerves. If left untreated, the infection spreads, resulting in gum disease and tooth or bone loss.

Root canal treatment involves accessing the damaged or dead tissues and removing them. The dentist will use special tools and techniques to remove the tissues and treat the area with antibiotics. Later, they will restore the tooth using dental crowns.

You do not have to worry when you visit the dental team at Dental on Wellesley in Toronto, ON, with root canal symptoms. The root canal procedure is straightforward, fast, and painless. Below are steps to expect when you visit an endodontist near you for root canal therapy. 

1. The dentist will examine the infected tooth and then take x-rays and scans. The images will help them determine the extent of damage. They also help create a suitable treatment plan.
2. They will administer anesthetics to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues, preventing pain. They will also issue a sedative to ease any dental anxiety. They may use nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, or intravenous (IV) sedation. This will help you remain calm during the process.
3. Next, they will place a dental dam in the mouth. A small rubber dam separates the tooth being treated from the rest. The dentist uses it to keep the tooth dry and prevent the spread of infection during treatment.
4. Afterwards, the dentist will drill a tiny access hole in the tooth. It helps them reach the dental pulp and administer appropriate treatment. 
5. Then, they will use special tools to remove the infected or dead tissues inside the tooth. They will also remove nerves and damaged blood vessels. 
6. Next, they will administer antibiotics to the area, eliminating all bacteria. Afterwards, the dentist will clean the root canals and then shape them.
7. They then fill the root canals using gutta-percha. It is a rubbery material that replaces the eliminated tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. The material helps the tooth remain firm even when chewing or biting.
8. The dentist then seals the hole drilled into the tooth. Doing this keeps bacteria from re-entering the tooth, preventing infection.
9. Finally, the dentist will restore your tooth with a crown if it is weak or structurally damaged. The tooth-like cap protects the tooth from further decay, infection, and damage. It also restores dental function and improves your smile’s aesthetics. 

Root canals are safe and effective, with up to 98% success rates. Therefore, you should not worry about side effects after the endodontic procedure. You may experience mild sensitivity a few days following the procedure, but it is eased using pain medication. Recovery takes a few days, and you can resume your routine immediately.

After going for a root canal near you, our team recommends the tips below during recovery. Following them will help you avoid discomfort and heal fast and correctly.

1. Do not eat immediately after having a root canal procedure. Wait until the numbness fades to avoid biting your lips, tongue, or inner cheeks.
2. Use prescribed medication to relieve the pain and prevent infection.
3. Elevate your head while lying down. It prevents excessive soreness and swelling in the treated area.
4. Gargle with warm saline water frequently. It helps keep your mouth clean and prevents infection.
5. Use a cold compress to bring down any swelling and reduce pain.
6. Brush your teeth gently, particularly on the treated side.
7. Avoid things that cause inflammation, such as drinking or eating hot foods and beverages. Also, do not smoke, use tobacco, or drink alcohol during recovery.

Several factors can cause your tooth to decay, which often necessitates tooth removal. However, at Dental on Wellesley, our dentist will do their best to salvage your tooth and keep its normal function if the damage isn’t too severe.

Are you a resident of Toronto, ON or its environs and require our dental services? Call us today and book an appointment.