What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that is performed to remove infected or damaged tissue (pulp) from inside the tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. It is located in the chamber at the center of the tooth and in the canals that extend from the chamber to the tip of the tooth’s roots.
When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the bone and surrounding tissues and lead to an abscess (a pocket of pus) or even tooth loss.
A root canal procedure involves making an opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and canals. The dentist will then use small instruments to remove the infected or damaged tissue and clean and disinfect the canals. Once the canals are clean, they will be filled with a rubber-like material and sealed to prevent re-infection.
After a root canal, the tooth will be restored with a filling or a crown. The tooth may feel sensitive for a few days after the procedure, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The tooth will return to normal function and the patient can expect to keep the tooth for a long time. Root canal therapy is a common procedure, with a high success rate in saving the natural tooth and prevent the need of an extraction.
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Wednesday
11am – 7pm
Thursday
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Friday
9am – 4pm
West Island Smiles,
802-6600 Trans-Canada Highway,
Pointe-Claire, Québec,
H9R 4S2