Root canal therapy under a microscope involves removing infected tooth pulp from the interior of a tooth. This procedure stops the infection from spreading, which can help you preserve a tooth that may otherwise be doomed to extraction. Performing a root canal procedure under a dental microscope magnifies every aspect of the treatment. This method gives the dentists at our dental clinic in Surrey, BC, a better, more close-up view of the infected tooth.

Q1: What are the Signs You Need a Root Canal?

You might need a root canal treatment if you experience ongoing dental pain or toothache. If your teeth are continually sensitive to heat or cold, tender to the touch, or hurt when you chew, these are typical symptoms of an infected tooth. Occasionally, you might not have any common symptoms, and your need for a root canal procedure will only be detected during a dental examination.

Q2: What Occurs During a Root Canal?

When our dentists carry out root canal procedures, they start by removing the inflamed or infected pulp. They carefully clean and disinfect the inside of the root canal and then fill and seal the space with dental cement. This eliminates the damaged tooth root to prevent future infections. The dentist then places a dental crown or other restoration materials to the outside of the tooth, which protects it and makes it fully functional.

Q3: Why Do Root Canals Often Take Two Appointments?

A root canal with a microscope is a complex procedure that nobody can perform in a hurry. The length of time the root canal procedure takes depends on the tooth's location and the degree of infection. For example, incisors, canines, and some premolar teeth have just one root, which gives the dentist a relatively small area to treat. This is faster than performing a root canal on a molar, which can have up to three separate roots. All these factors contribute to the time and the root canal cost in BC.

With a two-appointment case, the first appointment is used to clean and shape the internal tissue of the tooth by drilling, filing, and rinsing it. The dentist will often prescribe medical antibiotics between appointments to prevent the bacteria from coming back or taking hold. At the second appointment, the dentist fills and seals the surface of the tooth and applies the crown to the exterior. Each appointment should typically take between 30 and 60 minutes, but the dentist might need up to an hour or hour and a half in complex cases.

Q4: Does a Root Canal Procedure Hurt?

Having a root canal procedure might sound scary, but with today's technology, it's not a whole lot different from having any other tooth filled. There's very little pain, if any, because the dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the surrounding teeth and gums, so you're comfortable during the procedure. If you find yourself experiencing pain afterward, it can be managed by over-the-counter analgesics.

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed by emergency dentists in Vancouver and surrounding areas, including Surrey, BC. It might sound daunting, but our experienced dentists will make sure you’re comfortable and get the best care possible. Make an appointment today to discuss your needs.