At Constitution Dental in Downtown Ottawa, our family dentists do everything they can to save a patient’s tooth before resorting to tooth extraction. We believe that nothing, not even dental implants, are quite as good as having strong, healthy teeth that are natural, even if they have had some dental work done. That’s why we offer a number of restorative dentistry procedures at our dental clinic to help patients regain the functionality and aesthetics of their teeth. Continue reading to learn about our root canal procedures, or contact our dental office today to discuss other restorative dentistry options, such as dental crowns, dental bridges, dental implants, and dentures!
What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that is performed when a patient has an infected tooth that is causing toothaches, jaw pain, or any other kind of discomfort. Like all other restorative dentistry procedures, the point of root canals is to save the infected tooth, rather than pulling the tooth altogether. Root canals tend to have a bad reputation as being particularly painful, but in reality, this dental procedure is quick and requires a local anesthetic, with most patients only feeling minor discomfort for a few days following a root canal.
How Do Root Canals Work?
During a root canal treatment, your dentist will numb the area, then carefully drill a small hole into the top of the infected tooth. Then, they will gently remove the tooth’s pulpy center, where the infection is present, to prevent it from spreading and causing further tooth decay. Once the infected tooth pulp has been removed, your dentist will clear out the rest of the cavity and place a rubbery synthetic nerve where the pulp used to be, filling in the space and providing support for the tooth. Then, they will seal the hole in the top of the tooth with a dental filling and cap it with a dental crown.
Are Root Canals Worth It?
As previously noted, the purpose of a root canal procedure is to save an infected tooth from becoming deteriorated and eventually falling out. By removing the source of the infection, the pulpy center, your dentist gives the tooth a second chance at remaining intact. Trust us when we say it’s far better to have a root canal than it is to deal with a missing tooth as an adult, which would require some kind of tooth replacement, like a dental implant or dental bridge.
At the end of the day, root canals aren’t so bad — sure, they aren’t the ideal scenario, but they save you from having to deal with more complicated dental procedures down the road. Plus, they work! According to WebMD, “Root canal treatment is highly successful; the procedure has more than a 95% success rate. Many teeth fixed with a root canal can last a lifetime.”
Schedule Your Root Canal Procedure At Constitution Dental
Are you experiencing toothaches, extreme tooth sensitivity, tooth discoloration, or tender gums near a specific tooth? If so, you could have an infected tooth. Book an appointment with us online, or call Constitution Dental in Downtown Ottawa today. We look forward to seeing you!