Calgary woman after endodontic root canal treatment

Root canal therapy is a treatment that can save your tooth and prolong its life by many years.

The term 'root canal' commonly describes the dental treatment of removing a tooth’s pulp, disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling the tooth with restorative material.

However, a root canal is actually a chamber inside your tooth where the pulp tissue resides. The treatment is more correctly referred to as root canal therapy, or endodontic therapy.

When is root canal therapy needed?

A cracked tooth or significant decay may result in the pulp of your tooth becoming exposed, allowing bacteria to enter the nerve and cause infection. This can lead to great discomfort, but root canal therapy can be used to remove the infection and prevent it from spreading to surrounding bone and muscle tissues.

Symptoms of an infection in your root canal may include:

  • A toothache and pain that’s either constant or spontaneously occurs

  • Tooth pain in response to biting pressure

  • Tooth pain in response to atmospheric changes (e.g. when on an airplane)

  • Tooth pain in response to movement (e.g. running or moving from standing to lying down)

  • Swelling around a tooth

  • Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold

Though it’s possible these symptoms may result from other issues, we recommended that you contact us so we may diagnose the problem properly.

How does root canal therapy work?

We will first thoroughly inspect your tooth and discuss your needs with you, to ensure root canal therapy is the best option. The treatment begins with local anesthetic, the removal of the infected pulp, and disinfection and shaping of the root canal. The root canal will then be filled with a biocompatible material to replace the pulp, which is typically gutta-percha, a natural rubber.

Learn more about Root Canal Therapy.

The Team at Ambiance Dental, are your dentists, located in downtown Calgary, offering uncompromising care.

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If you've had a tooth extracted or have several missing teeth, dental implants may be a good option for restoring your smile.

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We strive to see our Calgary clients in need of emergency dental care within 24 hours (same day, where possible).

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Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a treatment where a durable tooth-coloured material is applied to your tooth surface and sculpted to create a natural looking tooth.

Visit our Downtown Calgary Dental Clinic

New patients are welcome! Come in for a short Meet & Greet or book a New Patient Comprehensive Exam. The better we get to know you, your concerns, and your oral health, the better we can provide a positive experience for you.
You can visit us at 850 2nd Street SW #212, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2P 0R8 or call us at 403-261-7661 to get started.

…or come in for a short Meet & Greet first.

Frequently Asked Question About Root Canal