Root canal therapy – Understanding

Root Canal Therapy – Understanding Root Canals

Root canal therapy fits under the special dentistry area known as endodontics. Endodontics literally means dentistry within the tooth itself. The procedure treats disorders of the pulp (the soft tissue inside the crown and roots made up of blood vessels, nerves and lymph vessels that help keep your teeth nourished).

Endodontic treatment restores your tooth to a comfortable state by removing the damaged tissue and replacing it with a substance that will help preserve the function of the tooth.

There are many reasons that a root canal may be needed but the most common is the tooth decay. When tooth decay begins, it penetrates the outer layer of enamel and creates a cavity. If that process is not stopped, the decay will continue toward the nerve of the tooth.

Other causes include a fracture that exposes the pulp, traumatic injury such as a blow to a tooth, a cracked or loose filling or repeated fillings in a tooth and occasionally from periodontal (gum) disease.

Regardless of the initial cause, the tooth pulp becomes irritated and an abscess can occur. Bacteria from your saliva grow within the tooth pulp, causing pressure and pain. Eventually the pulp dies, causing the bone around the tooth to be destroyed.

Depending on each case, your general dentist may refer you to Willowdale Endodontics in Toronto. An endodontist, is a specialist who limits hers/his practice to root canal procedures. The sooner you get the treatment, the better. Your risk of losing the damaged tooth is decreased, your pain can be relieved, and we can prevent an infection from spreading.

Dr. Rita Kilislian is the principal endodontist at Willowdale Endodontics. She welcomes new patients and accepts referrals from general dentists in and around Toronto.

The Procedure

• Cleaning and shaping your toot canal – first, your endodontist makes an opening in your tooth and removes any filling and decay. Then, the unhealthy pulp is removed with tiny, flexible files.
• Filing your root canal – after the pulp has been removed from your root canals and they have been smoothed, your dentist may fil the canals with tiny cone-shaped pieces of gutta-percha. A sealer-cement is used to seal the filling material into place.
• Restoring your tooth – after the inside of your tooth has been treated, the outside will be restored to protect your tooth’s underlying structures and to give it a healthy appearance.

To learn more about your first appointment, you can read more on our website. If you’d like to learn more about root canals in Toronto or you have a specific concern you’d like to discuss, give Willowdale Endodontics a call today. We would love to work with you to help you save your natural teeth.