Root Canal Treatment
Fonthill & Welland

Root canal treatment is required when the nerve (pulp) of a tooth is infected. There are many reasons a tooth can become infected but the most common include deep decay, a crack, fracture or injury to the tooth. In order to resolve the infection, the pulp is removed, and the resulting space is filled with specialized material which restores the tooth to its full function. An infected pulp that is left untreated can lead to extreme pain, a dental abscess or possible tooth loss.

A root canal is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that would otherwise have to be removed. Patients often believe that removing a problematic tooth is the only solution, but that is not always the case: extracting (or pulling) a tooth can cause significant problems for adjacent teeth. Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although, on occasion, a tooth will have to be re-treated due to new infections.

Preventing Infection in Adjacent Teeth

Ignoring an infected tooth can lead to serious problems for adjacent teeth. Bacteria from the infected dental pulp can spread, risking your entire root canal system. Through root canal treatments, we remove the infected tissue, halting the spread and protecting your natural teeth.

Root canals are crucial for maintaining overall oral health. By cleaning and sealing the affected tooth, we prevent further decay and potential future infection. Using materials like gutta percha, we ensure the treated tooth stays secure. Endodontic therapy in Fonthill can eliminate pain and safeguard against more serious issues.

Our expertise ensures proper care and a high success rate. Regular follow-ups are essential to maintain the health of the treated tooth and avoid the need for re-treatment.

Root canal procedure begins with local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth. Our skilled dentist then places a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it dry during the procedure. Here’s how we treat root canals: Here’s how we treat root canals:

1. Accessing the Pulp Chamber: The dentist makes a small opening in the tooth’s crown to reach the pulp chamber.
2. Removing Infected Pulp: Using specialized tools, the dentist removes the diseased tooth pulp, including blood vessels and connective tissue.
3. Cleaning and Disinfecting: The canal is thoroughly cleaned using sodium hypochlorite to eliminate bacteria.
4. Filling the Canal: The cleaned canals are filled with gutta percha, a root canal filling material, to seal the space.
5. Temporary Filling: A temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth until a permanent filling or crown is applied.

At Welland dental office we ensure every step is performed with precision to prevent adjacent teeth from being affected and to maintain your oral health.

Root canal treatment isn’t the only option. Here are some alternatives:

• Tooth Extraction: Removing the diseased tooth entirely. It may require a removable partial denture or implant to fill the gap and prevent misalignment of other teeth.
• Endodontic Surgery: This involves more invasive dental procedures to clean the infected area, often used when standard root canal therapy fails.
• Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple treatments to manage pain and infection, though this is less common.
• Monitoring and Medication: Temporary solution using antibiotics to manage infection, delaying the need for a root canal or surgery.

Each option has its pros and cons, and the cost varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the condition of the tooth’s root. Consult with our dental specialist to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.