What is a Root Canal?

ROOT CANALS

The term ‘root canal’ describes the pulp-filled cavity in the root of a tooth. Root canal treatment involves replacing the infected pulp with inert material, and removing the nerve from inside of the tooth. 

Root canal therapy is an indispensable procedure in the treatment of teeth that are severely decayed, infected, or broken. The signs and symptoms of an infected root canal vary, but may include toothache, a sharp pain when biting into food, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or an aching feeling when eating sugary substances. Unfortunately, not all internally-infected teeth present obvious symptoms, which can lead to continued undetected decay. The best way to know if you need a root canal is a diagnostic radiograph by an endodontist at London Root Canals. Using digital radiography, the endodontist can illustrate the condition of your teeth, and show you the extent of the decay. If the infection has reached the pulp chamber — or nerve center — of the tooth, a root canal treatment will be necessary. Root canal therapy can maintain the longevity your teeth, saving them from extraction.

The endodontist will access the pulp chamber in the crown of the tooth, revealing the root canals contained in the roots of the tooth. The infected nerve is removed and the canals are shaped using special files to smooth the walls and ensure no pulp tissue or infection remains. The canals are then filled with a special material that seals off the root canals


Unfortunately, after root canal therapy, the tooth often becomes brittle. To protect the tooth from fracture, it is recommended that a tooth, having undergone root canal therapy, be restored with a post and a crown. 


Because of the complexity and difficulty of root canal therapy (due to multiple configurations and particularities of root canal in each individual) this treatment is always a challenge for the dentist. Sometimes is necessary to refer the patient to an endodontist specialized in root canal therapy.


What does the Root Canal procedure entail?

 

At London Root Canals in Byron, we perform root canal treatments with accuracy and meticulous care. Removing infection is efficient and thorough with our rotary endodontic equipment, and we can effectively prepare the root canal for treatment with the use of vibrating ultrasonic hand pieces. After removing the damaged nerves and sterilizing the tooth, we fill the root canal with thermoplastic gutta-percha, an advanced filling material that conforms to the exact shape of your root canal with the use of heat. After sealing the cleaned root canal to prevent infection, a porcelain restoration such as a crown replaces the damaged tooth structure so that your tooth will function optimally.

 

Call (519) 963-3131 to set up a complimentary consultation.

Loading images...
loading

Sarah<br> 
Director of First Impressions<br>
<a href="mailto:sarahjoy@riverparkdental.ca">sarahjoy@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Carolina<br> 
New Patient Coordinator<br>
<a href="mailto:carolina@riverparkdental.ca">carolina@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Estelle<br> 
New Patient Coordinator<br>
<a href="mailto:estelle@riverparkdental.ca">estelle@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Mattia<br> 
Patient Care Specialist<br>
<a href="mailto:mattia@riverparkdental.ca">mattia@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Sandra<br> 
Patient Care Specialist<br>
<a href="mailto:sandra@riverparkdental.ca">sandra@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Adriana<br> 
Patient Care Specialist<br>
<a href="mailto:adriana@riverparkdental.ca">adriana@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Courtney<br> 
Patient Care Specialist<br>
<a href="mailto:courtney@riverparkdental.ca">courtney@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Rosaria<br> 
Patient Care Specialist<br>
<a href="mailto:rosaria@riverparkdental.ca">rosaria@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Amy<br>
Hygiene Co-ordinator<br> 
<a href="mailto:amy@riverparkdental.ca">amy@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Claudia<br>
Hygienist<br> 
<a href="mailto:claudia@riverparkdental.ca">claudia@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Jenna<br>
Hygienist<br> 
<a href="mailto:jenna@riverparkdental.ca">jenna@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Monica<br>
Clinical Care Specialist<br> 
<a href="mailto:monica@riverparkdental.ca">monica@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Nidia<br> 
Clinical Care Specialist<br>
<a href="mailto:nidia@riverparkdental.ca">nidia@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Caitlyn<br> 
Clinical Care Specialist<br>
<a href="mailto:caitlyn@riverparkdental.ca">caitlyn@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Luz<br> 
Clinical Care Specialist<br>
<a href="mailto:luz@riverparkdental.ca">luz@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Brittany<br> 
Clinical Care Specialist<br>
<a href="mailto:brittany@riverparkdental.ca">brittany@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Daniela<br>
Clinical Care Specialist<br> 
<a href="mailto:daniela@riverparkdental.ca">daniela@riverparkdental.ca</a> 
Gema<br> 
Operations Quarterback<br>
<a href="mailto:gema@riverparkdental.ca">gema@riverparkdental.ca</a>