Root Canal Treatment in Maple Ridge BC

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect if you need root canal treatment.

#1 The Diagnosis

Our dentists will take an x-ray to determine if your tooth is infected. A tooth infection typically causes discomfort and pain that keeps you up at night or distracts you from your daily tasks.

If your tooth is infected, our dentists will recommend root canal treatment to alleviate your pain and eliminate your tooth infection, which preserves the integrity of your natural tooth.

#2 Dental Anesthetics to Numb Your Tooth

The next step is numbing your tooth and the area to be treated with dental anesthetics. As a bonus, this will also stop the pain and discomfort that the infection is causing you and deliver immediate relief.

#3 Eliminating Your Tooth Infection

Next, our dentists carefully remove the infected tissues from the inner canals of your tooth. They use leading-edge rotary hand tools, making the procedure smoother and more comfortable because flexible nickel titanium reaches your tooth's inner canals more comfortably. The devices are also electric, which makes the procedure more efficient.

After they're sure that your tooth is infection-free, they will seal it with a temporary filling that allows it time to heal properly.

#4 Strengthening Your Tooth After Healing

Once we know your tooth is completely healed, it's time to rebuild it. Unfortunately, root canal therapy makes a tooth more brittle and susceptible to breakage and fractures.

When you return to Meadow Ridge Dental Centre after root canal treatment, our dentists will strengthen your tooth with either a permanent filling or a crown. We do this to ensure that you enjoy all the chewing functions you had before your tooth infection.

Common Myths About Root Canals in Maple Ridge

Myth #1 Root Canals Are Painful.

Root canals have a lot of stories circulating about them, many of which are associated with pain. The truth is that root canal treatment eliminates the pain caused by tooth infection. In addition, today's technology makes root canal treatment more efficient and comfortable than ever.

Myth #2 Pulling a Tooth Is a Better Option Than Root Canal Treatment.

While it is true that a tooth infection can lead to tooth loss if left untreated, this is not necessarily the better option for your smile. Tooth loss causes many problems, including chewing easily, smiling confidently, and protecting your dental health. Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is always our goal.

Root canal treatment preserves your natural tooth and eliminates your infection and the discomfort caused by it.

Myth #3 If My Tooth Hurts, I'll Need a Root Canal.

Tooth pain doesn't automatically mean you'll need a root canal. In fact, it could indicate that you have decay in your tooth, which we can treat with a simple filling.

The best rule of thumb is to contact your dentist as soon as you notice tooth pain or sensitivity so we can address your problem sooner rather than later when it becomes more significant.

Do You Have Questions About Root Canal Treatment in Maple Ridge?

Contact your team at Meadow Ridge Dental Centre by calling (604) 467-5944.

If you’re suffering from a toothache, the cause may come from many sources, including tooth fractures, enamel wear, periodontal or gum disease. However, a deep tooth infection is a common reason for especially severe toothaches. This condition will require prompt care if you wish to relieve pain and save your tooth. Neglecting treatment for this infection could endanger your overall health as bacteria can move from your tooth into your neck, causing inflammation that may impede your airways.

Symptoms of Tooth Root Infections in Maple Ridge

In the early stages, dental infections are known to progress without many indicators. But by the time they are a root infection, the symptoms become more and more prominent.

You may have a root infection when you experience one or more of the following:

• Tooth pain that increases when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Inflammation in your gums
• A small bump on your gums where it hurts
• Black areas on the painful tooth
• General fever
• Swollen glands in your neck, such as tonsil or adenoids

Root canal treatment eliminates dental infections at their source, removing all bacteria and damaged tissue from within your tooth. Your dentist then seals your inner tooth to prevent future infections and may protect your remaining tooth with a dental crown.

Although everyone’s experience is different, most patients recover from a root canal in about three to five days and are back to normal within a week.

Root Canal Recovery Tips: What You Can Do

After your procedure, there are some things you can do at home to expedite the recovery process:

• Don’t eat or drink anything until your numbness wears off.
• Eat soft foods, such as smoothies and mashed potatoes.
• Try not to chew on the treated tooth.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate any discomfort.
• Place an ice pack on your face for 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling and numb the area.
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours. This can help with healing.
• Avoid smoking or drinking from a straw.
• Contact our office if your pain worsens after 48 hours or if you have severe swelling or a fever.

Root Canal Treatment Maple Ridge, BC

To learn more about the root canal recovery process, or if you’re experiencing tooth pain or extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, feel free to reach out to our experienced dental team!

At Meadow Ridge Dental Centre, your oral health is our top priority, and we’ll do whatever we can to save your natural tooth.

You can reach us at (604) 467-5944.