Prep work before Root Canal procedures: the highlighted area in the xray shows an abscess surrounding the root. If left on untreated, the neighbouring healthy teeth can get infected.

The root canal is perhaps the most maligned and feared dental procedure out there, however we think of it as being a procedure that makes your life far more comfortable.

Root Canals are a Preventative Measure

The most important thing to know is that a root canal is intended to save your teeth. When a tooth has become severely damaged, cracked or abscessed, we need to treat it quickly to prevent more serious issues occurring such as decay of neighbouring teeth or further complications to the jawbone and blood stream.

During treatment we remove the small, thread-like tissue in the center of the tooth and roots, known as the pulp. Once the damaged, diseased or dead pulp is removed completely and the space is thoroughly cleaned, it is filled with a special compound. This compound keeps bacteria from spreading to the jaw and causing a host of problems. Sounds terrible, right? It isn’t. In most cases it is not much different from getting a filling. Local anesthetic is used and in most cases the procedure takes 60-90 minutes to complete.

Here’s a good video that demonstrates the procedure and provides an idea of the careful work that the dentist needs to do to ensure that the root canal is a success the first time.

Over the years, Alma Dental Centre has become more and more adept in the area of root canals. Dr Sidhu is a 6 year member of the City Centre Endodontic Study Club, and Club president for the last 4 years.

At the study club, Dr. Sidhu meets with other Vancouver Dentists under the mentorship of a highly experienced root canal specialist (endodontist) for hands-on and theoretical training on the latest practises and techniques for root canals. Every case provides its own unique set of problems, which makes continuous study so important.

If you have had an accident or are experiencing severe tooth pain, you may need a root canal. Treatment is far less painful then living with the problem. Give us a call to learn more.