After a root canal treatment, you leave the dental office but return in a week or two for the final step, which is dental crown placement. We also provide instructions for at-home care and comfort.
We offer gentle root canal therapy in Vancouver, BC.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment that clears infection from the canal of your tooth. First, your dentist numbs the area, then extracts the infection from deep within the tooth. After removing the infected material, we rinse the tooth and seal it with a temporary filling.
You return to our dental office for a crown in about one to two weeks.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that fits over your entire tooth. It is coloured and shaped to match the surrounding teeth. The crown restores function and conceals tooth flaws. With your dental crown, you can chew without worry.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
If you need a root canal treatment in Vancouver, it is because you have an infection in your tooth. These types of infections result from one or more of the following:
- Tooth injury or trauma
- Lack of oral hygiene
- Lack of dental care
- Failure to treat a cavity
You typically get a root infection when external bacteria travel to the tooth's root.
A root canal treatment prevents infection spread and loss of your tooth. It also rids the tooth of pain and swelling.
Is a Root Canal a Dental Emergency?
A root canal infection is a dental emergency because it causes pain and puts your tooth at risk. If you have a root infection, you may notice some or all of the following symptoms:
- Increasing gum or face swelling
- Toothache or increasing tooth sensitivity
- A blister on the gum near the infected tooth
Of course, dental conditions can mimic one another, so it's important to contact our dental team as soon as possible to arrange an emergency dental appointment. We can diagnose and treat your root infection at this emergency visit to restore your oral health.
How Long Does a Root Canal Last without a Crown?
After your dentist removes the infection and temporarily closes the tooth, you typically feel better immediately. And within a few days, you may forget that you have a temporary filling.
We urge you to always follow up with part two of your root canal treatment. The infection compromises tooth structure and puts it at risk for fracture. In addition, without the follow-up dental crown, your tooth may split shortly after treatment.
Biting into your favourite snack may (without warning) cause the tooth to fracture. The treated tooth may last a few weeks or a few months without a crown.
If the tooth splits, we may have to remove it and talk to you about tooth replacement.
It is always better to save the tooth!
Can You Brush Your Teeth After a Root Canal?
After your root canal treatment, you'll have less pain. However, there could still be mild soreness for a day or two. We recommend brushing the tooth but doing so gently. And it's always better to wait until the anesthesia wears off.
After the anesthesia wears off, brushing the tooth just as you brush your other teeth is essential. You want to keep it clean to avoid reinfection.
After Your Root Canal Treatment in Vancouver
Your Vancouver dentist recommends taking an over-the-counter pain reliever if you experience mild discomfort. You should also avoid eating or drinking anything hot until the anesthesia wears off.
If there is still mild swelling, you can use ice packs periodically.
Within a day or two, you should feel fully recovered.
How Can I Avoid Root Canal Infections?
- Avoid injuries to your teeth by always wearing a mouthguard during athletics.
- Avoid enamel breakage by wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth (bruxism).
- Visit your dentist every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Brush and floss your teeth after eating or at least twice daily.
- Report all oral health changes to your Vancouver dentist.
Healthy habits and regular dental care can significantly lower your risks for preventable conditions, including root infections, cavities, and gum disease!
For Root Canal Treatment Near Me, Contact Us
If you have a toothache or swelling, it's essential to contact our dental team as soon as possible to arrange emergency dental care in Vancouver. And always reach out to a staff member if you have questions about our treatments and services.