Root Canals in Vancouver BC
Decades ago, if a tooth was severely damaged by disease or injury, it was usually removed. Fortunately, today we can perform root canal treatment to save a tooth that we might otherwise need to extract.
At Alta Dental Studio, we know that even the thought of a root canal can cause anxiety that makes you want to forgo treatment. Our team understands these feelings, and we want you to know that our goal is to provide all the care and compassion you need to feel comfortable.
However, you should also know that in recent years we have seen incredible advances in dental technology and techniques that make having a root canal no more complicated than having a tooth filled. And in spite of what you have heard, root canals don’t cause pain; they relieve it.
Symptoms of an Infected Root Canal
Several symptoms indicate that a root canal may be needed:
- Severe pain, especially when pressure is applied to the tooth
- Tenderness or swelling of nearby gums
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Darkening or discolouration of the tooth
- A pimple on your gums
Why You Need a Root Canal
Deep inside your tooth is soft tissue called pulp that contains blood vessels and nerves that keep your tooth healthy. There are several ways that bacteria can enter the pulp and cause an infection including a deep cavity or filling, a crack or chip in a tooth, or dental trauma.
When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it causes pain that worsens over time, and we need to perform a root canal to remove it. Even if you aren’t in pain, bacteria continue to damage the bone and supporting structures that hold the tooth in place. If we don’t treat the infection, the only option will be to remove the tooth.
Many people are fearful about root canals because they don’t know what’s involved. The process is straightforward, and we can typically complete it in one or two visits to our office.
