Root Canal Therapy

Has you dentist just told you that you need to get a root canal therapy or you might lose your tooth? Do not worry, you are not alone. Millions of people are treated with root canal therapy or endodontic treatment every year. Root Canal Therapy (also known as endodontic treatment) is the process of removing infected or dead pulp from your tooth. Root canal therapy is a great alternative to tooth extraction and it can save your teeth in many cases. Also, keeping your tooth prevents other teeth from shifting and causing jaw problems. Save your tooth and avoid having it replaced with a dental implant with root canal therapy from your dentist in downtown Vancouver, BC  – Royal Centre Dental Group. Dr. Ryan Bernahuser has a lot of experience in endodontics and he is our Vancouver root canal specialist.

When is the root canal therapy necessary?

Root canal therapy treats the inside of the tooth. If the dental pulp gets infected or inflamed, root canal therapy is necessary in order to save the
tooth and avoid tooth extraction and further tooth replacement. Pulp infection can have several causes. It can be for instance due to deep decay, crack or chip in the tooth, tooth trauma or because there have been several procedures performed on the tooth. Pulp infection can lead to lots of pain or abscess and if untreated, you can lose your tooth. The root canal therapy is usually performed during one visit. However, depending on the number of the canals that the tooth has, the therapy might require additional trips to your downtown Vancouver dentist or endodontist.

How is the root canal therapy performed

1. A deep Infection or Inflammation

Root Canal Therapy is necessary when a deep decay or an injury/trauma damages your tooth’s root.

2. Getting to the Root

The dentist or endodontist numbs your tooth and standard drills are used to access the inside of the tooth. Moreover, your dentist may use slower speed round drills to get rid rid of decay and get better access to the canals.

3. Removing the Infected Tissue

The dentist/endodontist will then use special files to clean the infection and shape the canals. The tooth might have one or multiple root canals.

4. Filling the Canals

Rubber cones with liquid sealer are placed into the canals as a filling material. This helps the canals to stay infection free.

5. Tooth Rebuilt

A temporary filling material is put on rubber cones until you receive a permanent filling or a crown.

6. Strengthening the Tooth

To achieve the best results possible, one or more posts might be placed  into the root to strength the tooth and retain the filling.

7. Permanent Filling

Full crown also called a cap is placed and cemented into the place for the best treatment results.

How Long Will the Tooth Last After Root Canal Therapy?

With a proper dental care and oral hygiene the restored tooth may last even for a life time. However, regular check-ups and cleanings are necessary for maintaining the overall oral health.

Does it Hurt?

Since the local anesthesia is used, you will not feel any significant pain. Root Canal Therapy relives the pain.