Get the (Not so Scary) Facts on Root Canal Treatment
This safe and common procedure saves teeth.

How familiar are you with root canal therapy?

Technically known as “endodontic” treatment, this dental procedure is performed by dentists to treat tooth roots that have become infected or died in order to ultimately save the patient’s natural tooth from eventual extraction and loss.

Fortunately, the success rate of root canal therapy is very high, and anyone undergoing the procedure often experiences minimal discomfort thank to the help of local anesthetic.

When is root canal therapy performed?

Patients who have experienced deep decay or infection in the tooth may have root canal therapy as an option if the damage is not so significant to deem the procedure unfeasible. A tooth may also experience damage all the way to its root caused by physical trauma or injury such as through a sports-related accident, biting down on a hard object, or having repeated dental procedures performed on that tooth.

While requiring root canal treatment may not be 100% preventable (accidents do happen), our Guelph dentist assures that you can greatly reduce your risk of dental damage through proper daily oral hygiene practices, in addition to protecting your teeth in any other ways you can. This includes wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth, and wearing a sport guard while partaking in any competitive physical activity.

What to expect during a standard root canal procedure

Depending on a patient’s individual case, the root canal therapy may be performed by the dentist or may be referred to a specialist. For example, infected molars with additional canals are more difficult to treat, and therefore best referred to an endodontist.

During a typical root canal treatment, the dentist or endodontist will first administer a local anesthetic to protect the patient from any discomfort. Next, he or she will place a dental dam around the tooth. Then, an opening will be made in the tooth to gain access to the root canals, which are then made larger and cleaned thoroughly.

Finally, a special filling material called “gutta percha” is used to fill the canal, and a dental crown will later be placed in order to cap off the treatment and provide protection and stability for years to come.

Our Guelph dentist is always happy to save a tooth

For all of your dental needs, our Guelph dentist is pleased to help. Contact our clinic today to book a visit!