Winnipeg Root Canal

Something seems amiss with one of your teeth. Could it be a minor toothache, or is it a tooth infection?

Many of us have had a cavity filled before, but a root canal procedure is a bit different. During this treatment, your dentist will remove decayed or infected tissue from the inside of the damaged tooth.

At Affinity Dental, we offer endodontic services in Winnipeg, MB. We’re going to dive into what root canals involve, and how they can repair an infected tooth:

What Are The Signs Of A Canal Infection?

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s time to call your dentist:

Sensitivity. Do you find yourself wincing when you drink your morning coffee, or have a sip of ice-cold water? When the nerves of your teeth are exposed, extreme temperatures can be painful.

The tooth has changed colour. A tooth with an abscess (or infection) may begin to darken; changing from white to grey, brown, or black. On the gum tissue that surrounds it, you may notice a pimple.

Bad breath. Despite brushing your teeth and rinsing with mouthwash, you still notice a strange, lingering taste in your mouth.

Inflamed, red, or bleeding gums. The tissues that surround our teeth are an indication of how healthy our mouths are. If your gums are in bad shape, an infected tooth could be to blame.
Toothache. You notice a stabbing pain whenever you bite down. It may be caused by bacteria in the pulp chamber of your tooth. However, painful teeth aren’t always due to a root canal infection; this is also a common side effect of cavities.

What Causes Root Canal Infections?

What happens if the tissues inside of your tooth become decayed or infected? Left untreated, the infection can spread, which may lead to the loss of your tooth.In most cases, tooth infections begin with a cavity. A small hole in your tooth allows bacteria to enter the pulp chamber, where nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues are housed. This can also happen if your tooth is damaged during an accident or injury, which may have resulted in cracks or chips.To prevent a root canal infection, we recommend that you do the following:

Visit your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and exam

Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and use an antibacterial mouthwash

Call your dentist if you have any oral health concerns

Root canal infections can lead to multiple missing teeth. It’s important to intervene early on to prevent the infection from spreading.

Root Canal Therapy Process

Has your dentist told you that you have an infected tooth? The phrase “root canal procedure” might make you clammy with discomfort. However, these are some of the most common dental procedures in Winnipeg, MB. Thanks to local anaesthesia, you’ll hardly feel a thing.

In a tooth, the root canal system contains pulp, which supplies a developing tooth with nutrients. But once the tooth is fully grown, it no longer needs those tissues. Your dentist can remove them to clear up the infection and repair the tooth. Then, they can fill in the chamber using a permanent filling material designed for root canals.

The treatment will begin when your dentist administers a local anaesthetic (a numbing agent). Once you’re fully numb, they will make an access hole in the tooth. Then, they’ll remove any infected dental pulp, nerves, or blood vessels. The area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before it’s filled.

Once your root canal treatment is finished, your tooth may need reinforcement to support the structure of the filling. The root canal treatment removes a lot of natural tooth material, which makes it more prone to breaking. Your dentist may suggest capping the tooth with a porcelain or metal crown to protect it.

And that’s it! Overall, the procedure is similar to having a cavity filled.

Aftercare For Root Canal Treatments

In the days that follow your root canal surgery, you may notice swelling, increased sensitivity, and mild pain. To make your recovery more comfortable, follow these aftercare tips:

Try to avoid extreme temperatures, such as hot/cold foods and drinks

Chew on the side of your mouth that’s opposite from the recently treated tooth

To bring down any swelling, apply a cold compress to your cheek

Will I need painkillers or antibiotics?

An over-the-counter painkiller, like ibuprofen, is usually sufficient to manage any discomfort from a root canal surgery. If you are experiencing severe pain, it’s a sign that something may have gone wrong—contact your dentist if you have any concerns.

To clear up any lingering bacteria or infection, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics before or after your root canal treatment.

Call Affinity Dental Today

You want to keep your natural teeth in mint condition. If you need a root canal in Winnipeg, MB, our experienced dentists are here to help.

Using advanced dentistry techniques, we can treat an infected tooth to alleviate your pain and restore your smile. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Monday	8AM – 5PM
Tuesday	12PM – 8PM
Wednesday	8AM – 5PM
Thursday	12PM – 8PM
Friday	8AM – 3PM
Saturday	CLOSED
Sunday	CLOSED

Monday	12PM – 8PM
Tuesday	8AM – 5PM
Wednesday	12PM – 8PM
Thursday	8AM – 5PM
Friday	8AM – 3PM
Saturday	9AM – 3PM
Sunday	CLOSED