Root canal treatment
A patient may need endodontic treatment for inflammation or infection that can have a variety of causes, including but not limited to: deep decay, multiple procedures on a tooth, or a single crack or chip in the tooth. Signs and symptoms may include discolouration of the tooth, swelling or tenderness of the nearby gums and prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold.
Modern endodontic treatments can be compared to a routine filling and, depending on your tooth and personal circumstances, are often completed in one or two appointments.
The procedure involves removing inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleaning the area and shaping the inside of the root canal, then filling and sealing the space. Patients must then return for a crown to be placed on the repaired tooth or for final touches to restore the tooth to full function.
The procedure, which uses modern techniques and anesthetics, is now very comfortable. However, patients may experience some mild sensitivity in the first few days after treatment, which can be relieved with over-the-counter medications or with a prescription from your health care professional.