Kanaka Creek Family Dental uses new technology to make root canals more predictable and painless such as higher magnification, rotary instruments and CBCT X-rays in Maple ridge.
Just hearing the words root canal can strike fear in many patients. Fear of the unknown can be a strong force. Our dentist in maple ridge are here for you to not only explain the procedure but ensure it goes smoothly. Root canals is a dental procedure where unhealthy tissue is removed through careful cleaning and disinfection and the root system is then filled with a biocompatible filling material. This seals the tooth and prevents any further ingress of bacteria from the oral environment.
Here are some of the most common questions we get when discussing root canals:
What is a root canal?
Teeth are made up of three layers: enamel, dentin, pulp. The enamel is the outer hard protective layer of your tooth. Cavities start from the outside and work their way toward the center of the tooth through the dentin into the pulp. The pulp or nerve of the tooth is what provides your tooth with sensation and blood supply. The nerve is a very delicate network of fibers and tissues in the center of the tooth. When a nerve gets damaged by a cavity, trauma or crack it begins to become irritated. An irritated nerve makes a tooth more sensitive to cold and bite pressure. This is when a root canal is needed, to remove the infected and irritated nerve. The tooth is hollowed out and the nerve space is filled with a special biocompatible filling. Once the nerve space is cleaned and filled, the tooth is now pain free!
Does a root canal hurt?
The process of performing a root canal is intended to be pain free. Our well trained team at Kanaka Creek Family Dental in maple ridge will freeze the infected tooth to ensure you do not feel discomfort after the procedure. Newer freezing techniques and technology have made root canals hassle free. Our maple ridge dentist team works hard to make the procedure predictable. With our 3D x-ray machine (CBCT) we are able to visualize all the nerve canals, ensuring no infected nerve tissue is left behind. After a root canal, pain killers are recommended for 1-3 days after the procedure to aid in healing.
What do I have to do after a root canal?
After a root canal is completed the tooth is now ready for a crown. After losing its blood supply the tooth is weak and prone to fracture. The crown is custom fabricated for your tooth to ensure strength. After the crown is completed the tooth is restored to original form and function.
