Acreview Dental Clinic

Root Canal Therapy in Courtenay Near Comox Valley

Root Canal Near You

Most TV shows and movies like to make root canals sound scarier and more painful than they are. Root canals, when a patient is properly frozen or anesthetized, can be painless and well-tolerated. A root canal involves removing the decay in the crown of a tooth, similar to a filling. Then, when the tooth is open, we clean the small chamber inside your tooth and the spaces or canals that go down into their roots. Once clean, we seal it so bacteria and infection cannot get back in.

Once a root canal is completed and the tooth has healed, we often recommend we place a crown on the tooth. Teeth that have root canals tend to be more fragile and prone to fracturing. A crown helps ensure bacteria can’t get back into the root system and helps strengthen the tooth above the gums so nothing breaks apart.

The steps involved in the procedure are described below:
  • Diagnosis: A preliminary examination of your mouth, along with x-rays will be done. This allows your dentist to make sense of the current state of your oral health and determine if a root canal is the best method.
  • Accessing the decay: After the anesthesia is applied, your dentist will make a small hole in the top of your tooth; this allows them to access the decayed or infected pulp that resides inside.
  • Removing the pulp: Your dentist will extract the pulp and thoroughly clean the chamber with a special disinfectant solution.
  • Filling the space: Once they’ve made sure that any lingering debris or bacteria is gone, your dentist will move on to sealing the space. A material called gutta-percha is used. This stops the site from being reinfected.
  • Applying the restoration: Typically, a dental crown is placed over the tooth to protect it. You’ll be given a temporary one while the permanent one is being made at a dental lab. Porcelain is used to help the device blend in with the rest of your smile. Once it’s ready, you’ll return to have the permanent crown installed.
  • Follow-up visit: If needed, your dentist in Comox Valley will have you come in several days later so they can check your tooth and make sure that it is healing nicely.

Have questions or concerns about receiving root canal therapy near you? That’s not a problem! Our amazing team of dental professionals is here to guide you on your oral health journey; they’ll do all they can to make sure you’re comfortable at each stage of the process.

We anticipate your visit very much so please, contact us today!

778-653-7557