Root Canal Therapy

Avero Dental makes getting a root canal a simpler, less painful procedure with more comfort options. Find out more.

Root Canal Therapy

Avero Dental makes getting a root canal a simpler, less painful procedure with more comfort options. Find out more.

Understanding Root Canal Therapy

Root canals are one of the most misunderstood dental procedures. Entertainment and the media have always portrayed root canal therapy as extremely painful and a dreaded event. It is neither, as our techniques make it much more comfortable today and make recovery easier.
Avero Dental in Kitchener, Ontario has endodontists who specialize in root canals. We have a comfortable environment that makes the experience less stressful and minimizes pain.

Reasons for Getting a Root Canal

A root canal is recommended by your dentist when you have an infected or abscessed tooth. A root canal will not only remove the infection but can save the tooth. Infections can enter the tooth root when the tooth is broken or split, when there is a cavity, or when there is other decay. Getting a root canal has both immediate and long-term benefits. It can immediately relieve the pain of the infection and preserve the tooth’s long-term chewing function. Those who are experiencing gum pain should get an exam to see if they need a root canal.

The Root Canal Procedure

In most cases, getting a root canal takes two appointments. Some dental clinics that produce customised crowns in-house can complete the process in one day. Here is what you can expect:

Step 01

First Appointment

The endodontist will numb the area they will be working on. They set up a dam and guard sheet to protect other parts of the mouth, exposing only the area they are working on. They drill into the tooth and use small tools to remove the infection. The endodontist then smooths out the tooth roots and fills them with a material to prevent reinfection. The tooth is prepped for a crown with some reshaping. An impression is made for the crown. The dentist seals the tooth with a temporary filling or crown.

Step 02

Second Appointment

This typically happens about two weeks after the root canal. A customised crown is crafted while you heal. The temporary crown is removed. The permanent crown, made of composite resin that matches your teeth, is installed using a dental adhesive.

Step 03

Longevity of Root Canals

Root canals can last a lifetime if cared for properly. They are a way to prevent a repeated infection. Some root canals fail. That can happen if the tooth is weak and splits in a way that can’t be repaired. In those cases, the tooth would need to be extracted.

FAQ

How painful is a root canal?

A root canal procedure involves only a little discomfort because the area is numbed. You feel pressure but not pain. You will feel moderate pain after the medicine wears off.

When should I get a root canal?

Your dentist will recommend a root canal when they discover an infection of the tooth pulp.

How will I feel after a root canal?

You will experience mild to moderate pain that can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. However, it will likely be less than the pain you were feeling from the infection so that you may feel some relief.

What if the pain gets worse?

Call your dentist if the pain increases. Root canals can fail, and the dentist may need to extract your tooth.

FAQs

Is a root canal painful?

The procedure is done under freezing and feels much like getting a filling. A root canal relieves the pain of an infected nerve rather than causing it.

How many appointments does a root canal take?

Often one, sometimes two, depending on the tooth and how much infection is present. Molars have more canals and take longer than front teeth.

Will I need a crown afterward?

Usually yes, especially on back teeth. A treated tooth becomes more brittle, and a crown protects it from fracturing under chewing pressure.

What happens if I leave an infected tooth untreated?

The infection will not resolve on its own. It can spread into the jaw and surrounding tissue, and the tooth is far more likely to be lost.