If you have been told that you need a root canal in Langley, then you are not the only one. More than fifteen million root canal procedures are performed each year in North America. While many people are nervous about getting root canal treatment, the fact is, these treatments are very effective in maintaining your natural teeth for as long as possible, despite trauma or decay. At Willowbrook Park Dental Center, we are happy to provide root canal treatment to all our patients. Read on to learn what to expect when undergoing a root canal near you.
Preparing for Your Treatment
Luckily, you don’t need to do too much to prepare for your root canal procedure. Depending on the kind of sedation your dentist in Langley chooses, you may have to avoid eating and drinking before your appointment, and you may need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. If you are on any medications, ensure that you tell your dentist prior to your procedure. Most of the time, root canals take less than an hour to complete.
How Root Canal Treatment Works
It is pretty common for all of us to get cavities at some point or another, but in some cases, the decay can extend into the center of your tooth, where all the essential nutrients and blood vessels are. When this happens, your tooth is at risk of dying and needing to be extracted. However, with root canal treatment, our dentist near you can remove the infected portion of the tooth and prevent you from tooth loss.
After applying a local anesthetic, our dentist will use a drill to create an access hole in your tooth so they can reach and remove the infected tissue. Once the damaged or infected tissue is removed, the cavity will be filled with a special material and sealed. In most cases, our dentist will require you to return to the office after a few days of healing to get a dental crown placed. The reason for this is that your treated tooth will be weaker after root canal therapy. The crown provides additional strength and protection, which is very important to help your tooth withstand the pressures of chewing and biting. Additionally, once the pulp of your tooth is removed, you will likely notice that your tooth darkens in color. A dental crown can be customized to match your neighboring natural teeth, so it blends in seamlessly with your smile.
Recovering From Your Procedure
It is normal to experience a small level of discomfort following your procedure. In most cases, over-the-counter pain medications work well to alleviate your discomfort. You may also apply ice to your cheek to reduce inflammation and soreness. You should be able to return to your regular routine within a day or so of your treatment.
Visit Willowbrook Park Dental Center
If you are in need of root canal treatment, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team of dental professionals at Willowbrook Park Dental Center. We are happy to provide you with high-quality dental treatments to ensure that your oral health remains in optimal condition for years to come. Please get in touch to book a consultation today.