Root Canal Therapy in Woodstock

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to treat infection or inflammation within a tooth. The procedure involves removing the affected tissue, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing the tooth to help preserve its natural structure and function.

Inside each tooth is the pulp, a soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp can become inflamed or infected as a result of deep decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, repeated treatment on the same tooth, or an injury.

Root canal therapy may be recommended for patients experiencing:

• Persistent or severe toothache
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
• Swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums
• Darkening or discolouration of a tooth
• A recurring pimple-like bump on the gums

In some cases, an infection is present without noticeable symptoms and is identified during a routine examination.

Whenever a tooth can be restored, preserving it is generally preferred to removing it. A treated tooth continues to function like a natural tooth and helps protect the alignment of the surrounding teeth.

Root canal therapy helps to:

• Relieve pain caused by infection or inflammation
• Prevent the infection from spreading
• Maintain natural chewing and biting
• Keep neighbouring teeth from shifting
• Reduce the need for a bridge, implant or denture

Root canal therapy is often completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of the tooth.

1. Examination and diagnosis

   The tooth is examined to confirm the cause of the symptoms and to determine whether root canal therapy is the appropriate treatment.

2. Local anesthetic

   The tooth and surrounding area are numbed so the patient remains comfortable throughout the procedure.

3. Cleaning and disinfection

   The inflamed or infected pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected.

4. Sealing the tooth

   The canals are filled and sealed to prevent reinfection, and a filling is placed to close the tooth.

Root canal therapy is performed under local anesthetic, and many patients find the procedure similar to having a filling.

For patients who feel anxious about dental treatment, laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is available to help them relax during the appointment.

Mild tenderness for a few days after treatment is common and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. A crown is often recommended afterwards to strengthen and protect the treated tooth.

Aftercare recommendations include:

• Avoiding chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored
• Taking pain relief as directed
• Returning for the final crown or filling
• Maintaining regular brushing, flossing and check-ups

When a tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be recommended. Extractions are performed at our Woodstock office, where oral surgery is provided by Dr. John McIntosh, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

The options for replacing an extracted tooth, including bridges, dental implants and dentures, are explained during the consultation.