Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp, nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and restored with special medicated dental materials.

Root canal treatment is highly successful, although on occasion, a tooth may have to be retreated due to new infections. A root canal procedure usually requires one appointment and can be completed at Enamel Dental Centre by your Penticton dentist family.

After the treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed. A crown will be required to restore the tooth after the root canal treatment. Without a crown, a root canaled tooth is susceptible to fracture. We will give you care instructions following your appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular Penticton dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

Root Canal Retreatment

In rare cases, root canal therapy fails to work as expected. The treated tooth might not heal properly or a patient might experience post-surgical complications that jeopardize the tooth. A root canal retreatment is almost identical to the original procedure, aside from the structural removal. The success rate for a root canal retreatment is approximately 75%.

Root canal treatments and retreatments are a better alternative than extraction for most individuals. If a tooth has good bone support, a solid surface and healthy gums beneath it, it stands a good chance of being saved. Opting for root canal retreatment can be far less expensive than the alternatives.

If you have any questions or concerns about root canal retreatment, please ask your Penticton family dentist.

If you are experiencing any issues with a root canaled tooth, we encourage you to contact our office immediately to schedule an appointment.

Root Amputation

Root amputation is a specialized dental procedure, whereby one root is removed from a multi-root tooth. The tooth is then stabilized and rendered fully functional with a crown or filling.

The general purpose of root amputation is to save an injured or diseased tooth from extraction. Dental implants, extensive bridgework and custom-made tooth replacements are other options. Generally, root amputation and the necessary crown work are less expensive and can be completed in a few visits.

If you have any questions or concerns about root amputation, please ask your Penticton family dentist.