Root Canal Therapy Near Me
Patients and dentists who reach this page seeking root canal therapy in Calgary have probably already ruled out other forms of treatment. They may be experiencing moderate to severe pain, and they will require timely treatment to avoid further damage, which may result in the need for extraction.
Dr. T Shackleton is often referred patients from other dentists to treat orofacial pain and endodontic treatments. We very often see patients with severe cases, and can recommend alternative treatments should a root canal not be suitable for the patient in question.
When to Choose a Root Canal?
Root canals fall into the area of dentistry known as endodontic treatments. This is derived from the Greek words endo and odont, which translate as inside and tooth respectively, and that is exactly what this procedure treats: the inside of the tooth.
Root canals are the chosen method of treatment when decay and damage has progressed beyond the surface of the tooth, and the pulp on the inside of the tooth is affected. Superficial repairs to the tooth will not solve the problem in this case, and even if the cavity were repaired, the infection and pain would remain and worsen over time.
The Root Canal Process
By the time patients are referred to our practice, they have already ruled out simpler forms of treatment, and their regular general dentist has recommended that they opt for a root canal.
Our patients are generally referrals from other dentists, who have determined that a root canal or similar treatment is the best solution to a patient’s dental pain. During the preliminary examination additional x-rays are often needed (e.g. periapical radiographs, bite wing, or CBCT), but they are focused on the affected tooth or teeth.
Once it is confirmed that the tooth in question is a good candidate for a root canal, our SW Calgary office uses local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort, and the pulp inside the tooth is removed. We then clean and shape the void inside the affected tooth and apply a temporary or permanent filling.
We do not typically complete the restorative work on the tooth once the root canal is completed. Instead, we send a report on the patient’s procedure to their regular dentist, who then schedules an appointment for a week or two later, to complete the final restoration of the tooth.
Are All Teeth Suitable for Root Canals?
Unless they are very badly damaged, most teeth are suitable for root canals. If the tooth itself is not stable enough to support a crown, a post can be placed in the tooth to add structure, and the process completed around this.
If your patient has significant bone loss, the root canal is not accessible or there are other rare complications, they may not be suitable candidates for a root canal. In these cases, we will make recommendations for alternative forms of treatment. These treatments may include various types of surgery, depending on the condition of the tooth and surrounding bones and gums.
What Is Root Canal After Care?
Once you refer your patient to us for a root canal therapy, and the procedure is completed by restoration of the tooth surface, they will have full, normal use of the tooth.
During the process, while there is only a temporary filing in place, the patient will need to take extra care to avoid damage to the filling and the tooth, but after full restoration they can resume normal eating, brushing and flossing.
How Much Will a Root Canal Cost?
The cost associated with root canal therapy near you varies widely, depending on factors such as which tooth is affected, and the severity of the damage. Endodontic treatment is typically significantly lower in cost than tooth removal followed by replacement with an artificial tooth would be.
For more information about root canal procedures in our Calgary office, please contact us at 403-242-9952 today.