Root Canal Therapy in Victoria
Root Canal Therapy Near You
Persistent pain in the area around a single tooth may indicate that it is extremely infected or decayed. The good news is Victoria, BC dentist Dr. Adam W. Pite at Oak Bay Dental Clinic can often relieve discomfort quickly with a root canal treatment, saving a tooth that is severely damaged. Though the term “root canal” has a notorious association with pain, with all of the advances in the field of dental care and pain management, receiving a root canal treatment is now a comfortable and efficient way to preserve and restore your oral health.
When is a Root Canal Treatment Needed?
When decay and infection cause damage to the nerve and pulp of a tooth, a root canal treatment is performed. Common symptoms that indicate a possible need for root canal treatment are:
- Consistent pain (may include throbbing) in the tooth area
- Pain caused by the pressure of chewing or as an extended reaction to contact with hot and cold temperatures
- Tender, swollen gums
- Discoloration
- The appearance of a pimple on the gums
What Does the Treatment Entail?
Before starting a root canal Dr. Pite will take CBCT scan. In addition to assisting the diagnosis, CBCT images can also be used as a guide to plan and carry out complex root canal treatment and surgery. 3D images inherently have more detail than two dimensional radiographs and are better suited to show the complex anatomy of a root canal system. Using 3D imaging prior to a surgery is critical to avoiding damage to nerves and other vital anatomical structures. Treatment planned using a CBCT is more thorough, predictable, and generally more minimally invasive than standard treatment with 2-dimensional images. During a root canal, Dr. Pite gently removes your tooth’s damaged tissue and nerves, then carefully cleans and seals the tooth to protect it from bacteria. The procedure may require more than one visit, depending on the severity of the infection. Following treatment a crown is recommended.
What Can I Expect My Root Canal Recovery to Be Like?
You will experience instant pain relief after your root canal treatment. During your root canal recovery, chewing on the affected side of the mouth should be avoided until the filling or final restoration is completed. Your tooth may be sensitive for a couple of days following the procedures. Any discomfort you experience can be easily managed through the use of over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen. Your oral health routine should continue as usual and should include brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
The root canal treatment has a success rate of 83-93% and will often last a lifetime as long as a proper restoration is placed on top of it.