Did you know root canal therapy could potentially save your smile and help you avoid tooth extraction? One option for treating a severely damaged or infected tooth is extraction. However, root canal therapy makes it possible to preserve the affected tooth and even strengthen it. At All West Dental, your Lethbridge, AB, dentist, Dr. David Gunderson, can determine if root canal therapy can help.
Signs a Root Canal is Needed
When the soft pulp tissue inside a tooth becomes severely damaged or infected, the tooth can become too weak to perform normal biting and chewing functions properly. Pulp tissue can become damaged due to an injury, accident, or dental decay. Infection of the pulp often results when cavity-causing bacteria make their way to the center of the tooth where the pulp tissue is located. The infection can then spread down through the canals of the root and even beyond the tooth.
There are several signs a root canal might be needed, such as experiencing sharp pain when biting into food. See a dentist if you develop any of the signs listed below. Our Lethbridge, AB dentist can determine if your tooth needs a root canal. Signs a root canal might be needed include:
- Severe toothache
- Persistent toothache
- Pain or pressure in the mouth
- Sharp pain when biting into or chewing food
- Extreme sensitivity to cold or hot items
The Root Canal Procedure
The procedure for performing a root canal is quite similar to filling a cavity. Both procedures involve removing infected or decayed areas and strengthening the tooth with a dental filling. During root canal therapy infected or damaged pulp tissue is removed from the center of the tooth, as well as from the canals. Next, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned to ensure no infected or damaged pulp or debris is left behind. Then, the tooth is filled with dental filling to strengthen and restore it. Oftentimes, a crown is placed to protect and strengthen the tooth.
Root canal therapy can save your smile by strengthening and restoring severely infected or damaged teeth and helping you avoid extraction. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with needing a root canal, schedule an appointment with Dr. Gunderson, your Lethbridge, AB, dentist, by calling All West Dental at (403) 380-3300.