Root Canals South Edmonton
If your tooth is severely damaged or has an infection inside it, a root canal may be our best chance to save it. Whenever possible, its preferable to save a tooth rather than remove it.
Many people start to feel anxious and upset when they hear that they need a root canal in Edmonton. This is understandable; root canals don’t exactly have a stellar reputation!
We’ve got great news for you, though. The old days of uncomfortable root canals are gone. Improvements in dental techniques and technologies allow dentists to perform root canals that are more comfortable and more predictable with a higher success rate.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Often the unknown can increase fear of a particular experience. Having a better understanding of what to expect can help relieve patients’ anxiety.
Before beginning your procedure, our team will make sure that you are comfortable. We have created a relaxing environment in our practice that is truly a feast for the senses! Sedation options like nitrous oxide and oral sedation are also available, and if you feel like this would be helpful for you, just let us know.
Before administering the anesthetic, Dr. Dennis George Anithottam will apply anesthetic topically to start the numbing process. After the anesthetic is administered, we’ll wait to allow the medication to work so that you don’t feel a thing when we get started.
Orchards Dental - South Edmonton
Root Canals in Edmonton
A full-service family oriented South Edmonton dental clinic
1504 91 Street SW #6
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Once you are completely numb, Dr. Dennis George Anithottam will create an access to the interior of your tooth. Using instruments specifically designed for root canal therapy, he will remove the damaged and infected material, including the nerve, from the inside of your tooth. Removing the nerve will help to relieve the pain the infection or damage is causing you.
Once the interior of the tooth is disinfected, Dr. Dennis George Anithottam may place some medication to prevent reinfection. Finally, the tooth will be sealed to keep out bacteria. In most cases, teeth that have had root canal therapy will require a crown because removing the nerve causes the tooth to become brittle. A crown will help protect the tooth and restore function.
The enamel is what protects your teeth however any major breach can cause a root canal procedure. Teeth that have been affected by causes such as severe tooth decay and large cavities will most likely need a root canal procedure before any other restoration procedures can take place. Severe damage to a tooth resulting from an accident or injury can lead to a root canal procedure needing to be done. If your tooth has a large enough crack that pathogens can enter and invade the nerves and pulp deep inside the tooth it is recommended that a root canal be done to avoid any pain.
Signs for possible root canal therapy:
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Severe and frequent tooth/gum pain
- Swelling or tenderness around the tooth
- Abscess on the gums
- Large visible cavities
- Bad taste or odor near affected tooth
- Pus that drains into your mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck and jaw near the affected tooth
How to prevent future Root Canals
Going through a root canal procedure is not fun and is something you want to avoid putting yourself through. You can prevent having to go through a root canal procedure by following good dental hygiene and paying attention to your dental health.
Some steps to follow to maintain good dental hygiene are:
- Brush and floss regularly
- Have regular checkups with Dr. Dennis George Anithottam
- Have previous filling or dental procedures checked during your regular dentist visits
- Wear protective mouth gear while playing sports
How Do I Know I Need a Root Canal?
Unfortunately, pain is often the first indication for many patients that an infection has developed. This pain is often severe and throbbing, which can be exacerbated by chewing. The tooth may also be quite sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. You may also notice that the colour of the tooth has changed or you have a lesion or a bump on your gums that isn’t healing.
Regular check-ups can help us catch a problem earlier in its development – before it causes you pain. We think that’s a pretty good reason to keep up with a six-month check-up schedule!
If you are experiencing pain, don’t hesitate. Call us right away and we’ll get you in for an examination. Infection and other damage to the interior of the tooth shows up on x-rays, and we’ll be able to diagnose your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
There is usually a lot of fear associated with 
