Root Canal Therapy in Saskatoon

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy, also referred to as endodontic therapy, is the process of removing infected, injured or dead pulp from inside your tooth.  Once removed, it is replaced with a biologically inert, rubber-like substance called gutta percha.  Your tooth and its roots remain in your mouth, but it no longer has sensation.

 

Tooth Anatomy

The visible part of the tooth is known as the crown. It is protected by the surface layer of the tooth known as the enamel. Under the enamel is a softer, more porous layer called dentin.  Beneath the dentin, comprising the central most portion of the tooth is the pulp. 

The pulp is made of blood vessels and nerves which the tooth with nutrients, oxygen, and the ability to detect hot or cold. The pulp is also essential for oral development as the teeth grow during childhood.  When the pulp becomes irreversible damaged, it becomes necrotic and can eventually cause severe pain and eventually infection or abscess.

 

Symptoms of Irreversible Tooth Pulp Damage

  • Severe toothache pain either spontaneous or upon chewing or application of pressure.

  • Prolonged sensitivity/pain to hot or cold temperatures,  even after the heat or cold has been removed.

  • Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth.

  • Swelling and tenderness in surrounding gums.

  • A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums.

  • It is important to note that it is possible for pulp to be diseased or damaged without having any of the above symptoms. Your dentist will evaluate the tooth using specific tests and X-rays to determine if root canal therapy is required.

Causes of Tooth Pulp Damage or Disease

Pulp damage can be caused by a variety of factors such as the following: tooth decay that has remained untreated, decay under a deep filling, constant and consistent tooth grinding, trauma, cracks in the teeth and the development of gum disease.

Complications of Root Canal Therapy

Despite your dentist’s best efforts to clean and seal a tooth, new infections might emerge. Among the likely reasons for this include the following:

  • Multiple infected root canals than what was anticipated.

  • A crack or fracture in the tooth that was undetected.

  • A defective dental restoration; allowing bacteria to get past the restoration into the inner part of the tooth.

  • A breakdown of the inner sealing material over time, allowing recontamination of the inner areas of the tooth.

Root Canal Procedure

The procedure is aimed at;

  • Eliminating active decay, infected tissues, and removal of pus and debris.

  • Shaping the canals: canals located in the tooth have to be shaped smoothly in order to adequately fill the area. Small instruments, disinfectants, and medications are used to carry out this shaping process.

  • Filling the canal: in a bid to prevent re-infecting of canals by bacterial, the empty canals are sealed off permanently.

  • Promoting tooth functionality: a crown is put on the top part of the tooth to ensure it is sealed off and protected from future infection.

  • If you have questions about this procedure, give us a call at our dental clinic today.