Getting to the “root” of the problem!
Most people have pre-conceived notions that a root canal is filled with pain and discomfort. In fact, root canal therapy doesn’t cause pain. It actually relieves it! Advances in dental technology have made root canal therapy virtually a pain-free experience.
When the inside, or pulp of a tooth becomes infected, you feel pain. Removing the pulp (blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue) inside your tooth will only affect your perception of hot and cold; the tooth can survive without the pulp.
Common symptoms of root canal infection:
- Sharp, acute and intense pain
- Sharp pain when biting down
- Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods
- Dull ache and pressure
- Tenderness and swelling in the nearby gums
What should you expect if Dr. Daphne Kwan recommends root canal therapy to save one of your teeth?
First, you should understand that root canal therapy could save the life of your decayed or infected tooth. The procedure begins by administering a local anaesthetic to relieve pain and discomfort. A small opening is made on the chewing surface of the tooth to gain access to the infected tissue. Fine instruments are used to remove the infected tissue and clean the inside of the tooth. A tooth can have anywhere between 1-4 roots. Each root or canal must be properly clean, prepared, filled and sealed with biocompatible filling materials. They are sealed with an adhesive cement to prevent future infection. The tooth is then restored with a crown to prevent fractures, especially if it’s a molar or a premolar tooth.