What Is A Root Canal Treatment and Why You May Need It?

The tooth consists of 3 layers, an outer layer named enamel, a sub-layer that is named dentin, and a chamber at the core of the tooth where blood vessels and nerves are found. This chamber is called the pulp. These blood vessels and nerves are what make the tooth alive and what connect the tooth to the rest of the system. A root canal treatment is necessary when a tooth has been subjected to trauma or decay deep enough to involve the pulp. When the pulp is inflamed or infected, it becomes very painful and hard to ignore. The only way to preserve this tooth is to remove all these blood vessels and nerves, clean and disinfect the tooth and fill the canals found in the roots. Hence the name, a root canal treatment. 

A Root Canal Is A Common Procedure That Is Done At The Dentist’s Office

The reason why root canal treatments are infamous and have a bad reputation is that many people are in so much pain leading up to the treatment. When a tooth is heavily inflamed or infected, it becomes difficult to fully anesthetize the tooth to prepare it for treatment. So the procedure may become not be as painless as other procedures. On top of that, a root canal treatment is a lengthy procedure so being open for an extended period of time in the dental chair is difficult for some.

A root canal in the past was a terribly painful procedure but due to the advancement in medication and freezing, root canals are now more comfortable, quick, and painless.

How To Know If You Need A Root Canal?

Root canals are generally simple for a dentist to diagnose. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may want to visit our Broadway Smiles location in Kitsilano:

• Pain while biting or chewing 
• Pimples on the gums
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swollen gums
• Deep decay or darkening of the gums

If your dentist has prescribed a root canal, there is no need to worry! Due to anesthesia and freezing, the procedure can be done painlessly and comfortably. 

If you believe you may have symptoms that require a root canal, book an appointment with Vancouver’s best dentists at Broadway Smiles. We would love to treat your symptoms and are committed to providing you with the simplest and more painless solutions.