At Mirage Dental, we are pleased to offer root canal therapy. One of the most common dental procedures performed, root canal therapy, can save your natural teeth from extraction. Because teeth are unable to heal themselves, root canal therapy can be performed to save teeth that are diseased, infected, fractured, or have become non-vital over time. Performing a root canal can reduce the need for extracting the affected teeth.
Root Canal Therapy
Your SE Calgary Choice for Root Canal Therapy!
The Root Canal Myth
The traditional myth of Root Canal Therapy is that it is very painful. Contrary to popular belief, however, Root Canal Therapy actually relieves the pain and discomfort that is very common with abscessed teeth and infection. At Mirage Dental, we are always attentive to your comfort both during and after your appointment, and we are committed to ensuring you are comfortable throughout. Patients with anxiety regarding root canal therapy have the option to consider one of our sedation options during their root canal appointment.
Why Might You Need a Root Canal?
Root Canal Treatment becomes necessary when the pulp (the soft inner tissue of your tooth) becomes infected or exposed. This happens when the hard outer shell of the tooth (the enamel) has failed, and the interior pulp has become compromised. The most common reasons for the pulp of the tooth becoming infected is due to a cracked tooth, a deep cavity, or an injury to a tooth.
Once the pulp of the tooth is infected or exposed, an abscess, or infection, can occur at the root tip where it meets the jawbone. An abscess destroys bone surrounding the tooth and causes pain.
What are the Signs of an Infected or Compromised Tooth?
Surprisingly, there are sometimes no outward signs that the tooth is unhealthy. At some point, however, you may notice one (or more) of the following signs that may indicate an infection or compromised tooth:
- Any pressure to the tooth causes a sharp pain
- Your tooth becomes much more sensitive to hot or cold. The sensation lingers even after the source is removed.
- Your tooth begins to darken
- You experience tenderness in your gums
- You have tooth pain that interrupts your sleep
- You experience spontaneous, throbbing tooth pain
Do I Have To Have A Root Canal?
Whenever possible, the Mirage Dental team will always recommend saving your natural teeth! Sometimes, however, a tooth cannot be saved by root canal treatment, such as in the case where it is beyond repair or if you choose not to proceed with a root canal on a particular tooth. The alternative to a root canal is having the tooth extracted and replaced with an implant, bridge, or denture to restore chewing function and prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting.
Root Canal Prevention
The best way to prevent the need for a root canal treatment is by maintaining good oral hygiene, keeping a healthy diet, and taking proper safety measures during sports by using a proper mouth guard. Additionally, a tooth becomes vulnerable to deep infections that affect the pulp because of repeated need for dental treatment to the tooth, such as deep fillings.
No matter what condition your teeth are in, it is never too late to apply these preventative principles to protect your teeth. The team at Mirage Dental is here to help you on the path to good oral health.
If you think you may require root canal therapy or you have any questions, Mirage Dental is here for you! To learn more, call Mirage Dental at (403) 272-1500 to schedule a consultation today.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Call Mirage Dental at (403) 272-1500 to set up your Root Canal Therapy appointment today!
