Root Canals, Crowns & Bridges

ROOT CANAL: YOUR DENTIST NEAR ST. JOHN’S ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

People sometimes say of unpleasant experiences that “they’d rather have a root canal.” But the truth is that with modern techniques of oral surgery and sedation, a root canal by a dentist in St. John’s will rarely cause any more discomfort than getting a filling. Since patients requiring root canal treatment have usually experienced considerable pain from the infection in their tooth, we have found that most people experience notable relief from pain after their root canal procedure at Paradise Dental Care.

It is natural to have some questions and even apprehension when faced with any sort of surgical procedure. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about root canals from your Paradise Dental Care team. Should you have a high level of anxiety regarding dental treatment, we are happy to discuss your options for sedation with you.

WHAT CAUSES TEETH TO BECOME INFECTED?

Under the protective layers of enamel at the core of your teeth is a soft tissue chamber that contains nerves, veins, arteries and lymph vessels that all help keep the tooth healthy and thriving. The pulp chamber branches off at the top of the tooth and forms a canal into the root. Deep cavities, injuries to teeth or a tooth fracture can expose the canal to bacterial infection. Infections, if untreated, will kill the pulp. This often results in increased blood flow and pressure within the tooth. That pressure can lead to pain and, eventually, tooth loss.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

If your dentist determines that root canal treatment is necessary to save an infected tooth, the procedure is relatively short and your Paradise Dental team will make every effort to keep you comfortable throughout. Your dentist will:

Give you a local anaesthetic to numb the area around the tooth
Position a rubber dam around the infected tooth to prevent bacteria from saliva from entering the tooth
Enlarge the opening in the tooth as necessary to reach the root canal system
Remove the infected tissue by slightly widening and cleaning the root canal system
Fill and seal the canal to prevent any further infection
Place a temporary or permanent filling to close the tooth; depending on the tooth and the size of the opening, the dentist may later position a permanent crown on the tooth so you can chew more comfortably.

Following the root canal treatment, we’ll give you after-care instructions to promote healing and comfort. While you may experience a little soreness at the site of the root canal, most people find it temporary and easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication. A second visit may be necessary for the placement of the crown.

WHAT IS A DENTAL CROWN?

A dental crown is a cap made in the shape of your tooth and adhered into place over the exposed part of your tooth. Once the crown is placed, it will function like your natural tooth surface and, depending on the material you choose, your crown will blend in with your natural teeth. We offer the following type of dental crowns:

Metal crowns
Ceramic crowns
Porcelain crowns

HOW IS A DENTAL CROWN PLACED?

After infected tissue is removed from the tooth, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to the lab so a custom-fitted crown can be made. Once your crown is sealed in place, you’ll be able to chew naturally, and to clean and floss your teeth as usual.

WHAT IS A DENTAL BRIDGE?

Another way to replace missing teeth is with a dental bridge. A fixed bridge is a false tooth that is fused between two crowns that fills the area of a missing tooth. This prevents the remaining teeth from shifting into the empty spot. Unlike a denture, you cannot remove a bridge, as it is fixed in place. Our experienced dentist prepares the teeth on both sides of the open space for crowns to anchor the bridge. An impression is made to create the model for the false tooth. A temporary bridge is then created for you to wear as the permanent bridge is made. At the second appointment, we will check the fit of your new bridge and ensure your bite feels natural and comfortable. When the fit is exactly right, the bridge is then bonded in place.

Your comfort before, during and after a root canal procedure is important to us. From the initial examination to the final placement of the dental crown, your St. John’s area dental team at Paradise Dental Care will make every effort to give you relief from the pain of an abscessed tooth and to preserve or restore a natural bite. If you are in pain from an infected tooth, don’t delay: call us and schedule an appointment!

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