Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a common treatment used to help preserve damaged or severely infected teeth without the need for more extensive procedures like dental implants. Here at Kemptville Smiles Dentistry, your family dentist in Kemptville, Dr. Besher Alfarra is pleased to assist you in treating and repairing your affected tooth by using root canal treatments.

Why is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?

At the core of our teeth is a soft connective tissue called the dental pulp. If a tooth becomes cracked, chipped, damaged, or infected by a deep cavity, the pulp can become inflamed which in turn can cause severe pain and sensitivity. Extensive damage to the pulp can also cause the tooth to become more vulnerable to bacteria, which often leads to serious infections and a number of other issues. Over time this can progress to bone loss and may require a tooth extraction. Fortunately there is a way to prevent the pulp from being infected or inflamed. Your Kemptville dentist, Dr. Besher Alfarra offers root canal treatments as a solution to the problems addressed.

What’s Involved in a Root Canal Procedure?

After inspecting the tooth and determining if a root canal treatment is necessary for you, your dentist in Kemptville will recommend a follow up procedure to be completed as soon as possible. During this appointment, patients will be given a local anesthetic to prevent any discomfort. Your Kemptville dentist will then begin to remove the infected or diseased pulp. Once the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, a filling will be used to seal the root canal. Depending on the condition of your tooth, a root canal procedure could require one or two visits along with medication that can be applied to the tooth to clear up any infection.

What To Do It You If You Need A Root Canal?

If you are experiencing mild to severe discomfort, a sharp sensitivity in your teeth, swelling in your gums or face, and you notice a change of color in your tooth, then schedule an appointment with Kemptville Smiles Dentistry today. Our family dentist in Kemptville, Dr. Besher Alfarra will be able to determine if you require a root canal.

How to handle certain dental emergencies:

Avulsed tooth (knocked-out tooth):

When a tooth gets knocked out from trauma, the oral tissues become damaged and it can be difficult for them to heal on their own. In most cases, a tooth can be placed back into position if you get to the dentist promptly.

If your tooth gets knocked out follow these steps:

• 1. Call our office at (613) 258-7373.
• 2. Pick up the tooth and rinse it under warm water. DO NOT touch the root.
• 3. Place the tooth back into its socket if possible – if not tuck it into your cheek.
• 4. If the tooth cannot be placed back in the mouth, place it in a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It is important that the tooth does not dry out.
• 5. See your dentist as soon as possible.

We will try our best to replace the tooth in its natural socket, but if damage is too severe then root canal therapy might be necessary.

Lost filling or crown:

When a crown or filling comes loose it’s often while eating. Once out of the mouth, the affected tooth can be very sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. Generally crowns become loose because of decay beneath the tooth. The decay causes shape changes in the teeth which can cause problems with the fit of the crown.

Make a dental appointment as soon as possible if you lose a dental crown or filling. Crowns can be reinserted so it is important to keep them in a cool, safe place. If the crown is out of the mouth for a long period of time, the teeth may shift and cause further damage.

Cracked or broken teeth:

Teeth are strong, but still prone to fractures. Sometimes cracks that don’t extend down into the root might cause minor discomfort when eating something hot. However, if it is a deeper injury and your tooth has been cracked or broken then you should see us as soon as possible because extraction might become necessary.

If a segment of your tooth has been broken off, here are some steps that can be taken at home:

• 1. Call our office at (613) 258-7373.
• 2. Rinse the tooth and mouth with lukewarm water.
• 3. Apply gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding.
• 4. Place a cool, damp cloth on the cheek to help with swelling and relieve any pain.
• 5. Take a topical pain reliever.

The nature of a tooth’s break or fracture will determine what we are able to do at our dental office. If the crack extends into the root, then this may be a situation where a root canal is needed. Though root canal treatment should only proceed when all other options have been exhausted.

Dislodged/loose teeth:

Your dentist will reposition the tooth and stabilize it. If the tooth fails to heal you may require a root canal. The process of a root canal helps to save the tooth by removing any bacteria in its interior so it can no longer cause pain but also prepares the mouth before installing crowns and bridges. If this procedure is done early enough there’s less risk of complications occurring in the future.

It is important to call our office immediately if you have a loose or dislodged tooth. Prior to getting to the office, use a cold compress and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency please contact our office at (613) 258-7373.