What You Should Know About Having An Abscessed Tooth
Root Canals
Affordable Dentistry in SE Calgary | Forest Lawn Dental Centre
Getting a Root Canal at Our SE Calgary Clinic
At Forest Lawn Dental Centre, our entire team is dedicated to easing any anxieties you or your family members may have around dental procedures and are here to walk you through what to expect when getting a root canal at our clinic. If you have any questions about the procedure leading up to your appointment, please don’t hesitate to give us a call to discuss anything we didn’t cover during your consultation. Here are a few commonly asked questions about this type of treatment and what to expect from your visit.
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How Does the Process Work?A crown, or cap, is essentially an artificial tooth that is used to cover the remaining part of your natural tooth. To make room for the crown, we will remove decay and file down the natural tooth as needed. In many cases, a root canal may be needed as part of the process. An impression of your prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth is taken. The impression is then used to make your new crown, which is carefully fabricated to ensure a proper bite. Your bite will be tested and adjustments can be made as needed. Keep in mind, this is a fairly common procedure and you will be under local anesthetic as your natural tooth is repaired and shaped. If you have questions, we always take the time to answer them before beginning any procedure.
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Do I Need a Crown?Dental crowns can be placed for both restorative and aesthetic reasons. There are some common situations that may necessitate the use of crowns, including the following: You need a root canal - Teeth that need root canals typically have extensive decay or damage. A crown can be used to improve the strength and function of the affected tooth. A filling isn’t enough to properly restore your tooth - If the overall structure and strength of your tooth is at risk due to a large cavity, a crown can be used. Your tooth is cracked or in danger of breaking off completely - In these situations, your tooth is more susceptible to decay and the overall tooth structure is a concern. A crown will restore proper function. You want to improve the appearance of a tooth that has been chipped or damaged due to injury - Crowns can be made to match the colour and shape of your remaining natural teeth.
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What Exactly Is a Root Canal?A root canal is a common dental procedure that’s used to treat an abscessed tooth. During the procedure, your dentist will remove infected or inflamed tissue from the interior of a tooth. This tissue, referred to as the pulp, contains nerves and blood vessels that extend to the tips of the tooth roots. A tooth becomes abscessed when the pulp becomes infected. By removing this damaged tissue, a root canal relieves pain, restores the tooth’s health and helps prevent further damage.
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When Is a Root Canal Necessary?A root canal is the most effective way to treat an abscessed tooth. Often, the only alternative is to extract the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your mouth and body, causing potentially severe health problems. An untreated tooth infection will also be painful and elevate the risk of tooth loss. A tooth can become infected when a cavity or deep crack in your tooth leaves its interior exposed and vulnerable to bacteria. Common signs of an abscessed tooth include: Severe pain when you chew or bite Swollen or tender gums Pain that radiates through your jaw Tooth discolouration Increased sensitivity to hot and cold Fever A root canal may also be necessary to treat a dental emergency such as a severely chipped or broken tooth. If the damage extends to the pulp, your dentist may use a root canal to help prevent an infection and reinforce the tooth.
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What Can One Expect From the Procedure?A root canal treatment is usually completed over the course of one or two appointments. Your dentist will begin by administering an anesthetic to numb the area. Specialized tools will be used to create an opening in the crown of the tooth and remove the infected or inflamed tissue. Your dentist will then flush out and disinfect the pulp chamber. Once the interior of the tooth is clean, a rubber-like material will be used to fill it and seal the crack against future infection. Your dentist will likely fit the treated tooth with a dental crown to restore its full function and help prevent further damage.
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Is a Root Canal Painful?Before the procedure, your dentist will administer an anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the appointment. Once the numbing wears off, the area around the treated tooth will likely be a little tender for a few days. Over-the-counter painkillers are usually sufficient to relieve this discomfort. If you have any concerns about the procedure or want to discuss additional options for sedation to help with anxiety, it’s best to discuss them with your dentist.
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What’s It Like to Recover From a Root Canal?Following a root canal procedure, the treated tooth and surrounding tissue will likely be tender for a few days. During this time, it’s best to eat soft food that doesn’t require much chewing. Avoid hard, crunchy and hot food until the tooth heals. If you have any discomfort following the procedure, then over-the-counter pain medication should be sufficient to treat it. However, if you experience persistent or severe pain afterward, contact us right away
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How Can I Avoid Needing a Root Canal?The best way to prevent the need for a root canal is to practise good oral hygiene habits. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and flossing daily will help keep your teeth healthy and free of infection. Additionally, you should get your teeth professionally cleaned and examined twice a year. This will allow your dentist to monitor them for signs of decay and damage. Early treatment of cavities and other problems will significantly reduce the risk of your teeth becoming infected.
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What Is Sedation Dentistry?Whether administered orally or intravenously, our sedation dentists are trained to put patients into a relaxed state before and during a dental procedure. Almost like sleep, but not quite so deep, sedation relieves anxiety and allows patients to feel more comfortable and calm in the dentist’s chair. The practice can be used for all dental treatments, from routine cleanings to root canals and tooth extractions.
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Is It Right for Me?Our patients are screened for possible drug interactions and medical conditions. While under sedation, we monitor oxygen levels, blood pressure, and heart rate. Sedation dentistry in Calgary might be right for you if you are eager to reap the following rewards: Relieves anxiety Makes visits go by quickly Helps with relaxation Ensures a stress-free appointment Leaves you with little recollection of treatment If your teeth are particularly sensitive or have a low pain threshold, sedation dentistry can help. It can even work for children who fear the dentist or refuse to cooperate.
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What Are Dental Veneers and How Do They Work?Porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates are custom-made covers of tooth-coloured materials designed to envelop the front surface of your teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers constitute thin shells that can be bonded to your teeth to improve the overall look of your smile. We provide porcelain veneers that are considered a stronger and long-lasting option than composite resin. The best part about the treatment is that it takes as little as two visits to the clinic. Your veneers are then individually crafted and customized to fit your needs. They are a convenient solution to achieving brighter and healthier-looking teeth.
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How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?You should never expect your dental restoration treatments or cosmetic dental implants to last forever since they are unnatural, and veneers are no different. However, on average, if you maintain a healthy oral care routine and take good care of your porcelain veneers, they may last up to 10 years or more. Before opting for this treatment, acknowledge that it is irreversible. Once your veneers wear out, you will need to have them replaced.
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Who Is the Right Candidate for Dental Veneers?Most people with minor dentistry issues can opt for dental veneers. However, your dentist will recommend you to go for another procedure if you have gum disease, tooth decay, or just poor oral health in general. Correcting these problems first will ensure that veneers will work well for you. Long-term success with dental veneers requires realistic expectations as well as specific goals. You also need to maintain an adequate amount of tooth enamel to help keep the dental veneer in place. You can achieve this with a commitment to maintaining excellent oral healthcare. You can safely choose veneers as your ideal treatment plan if you have: Discoloured teeth: Staining and plaque buildup can turn your teeth away from their natural whiteness. Veneers can brighten discoloured teeth and regain their natural white shade. Chipped teeth: Small portions of teeth damaged due to accidents can be treated with porcelain veneers Gapped teeth: Wide spaces, especially between front teeth, can make your smile look unnatural. Veneers can be a way to restore them. Crooked teeth: Uneven teeth can lead to many oral health problems. Avoid these by opting for dental veneers. Irregularly shaped teeth: The dissimilarity between teeth can ruin your beautiful smile. Undo the damage by consulting your dentist about porcelain veneers.
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What Are Dental Implants?A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that can be surgically placed in your jaw to serve as an anchor for a crown, dental bridge or dentures. It’s typically made of titanium and lasts a lifetime. A dental implant can restore your smile if you’ve lost your teeth. This prosthesis can also replace a severely damaged or painful tooth. Your dental implant will support a custom-made artificial tooth to match the size, shape and colour of your natural teeth. It will give you a healthy-looking smile, and no one will notice you have the implant. Additionally, a dental implant can make it easier to eat and speak, especially if you are missing several teeth. This prosthesis is also more durable, comfortable, and convenient than other tooth replacement solutions.
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Why Choose Dental Implants?Dental implants benefit people with missing or broken teeth and have several advantages over other restorative methods, such as dentures. These benefits include: Dental implants offer a permanent tooth replacement solution compared to other dental restorations that must be periodically readjusted. Dental implants act as a new root under your tooth and signal the body where the bone is needed in your jaw, preserving your facial structure. They help in the complete restoration of your natural chewing as well as speaking abilities, with no precautions needed to be taken. They blend with the shape of your teeth and look natural, unlike other restoration options that may take a while to adjust your jaw.
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Is a Dental Implant Right for You?If you have a gap in your smile, dental implants can effectively replace your missing teeth. If you’re considering your options, the best course of action is to book a consultation with our dentist in SE Calgary to discuss appropriate options based on your health. While most patients can get dental implants without a problem, it’s not the right solution for everyone. Dental implants may be recommended if: You’re in good health You have healthy gums Your jaw can support the implant Since missing teeth can cause your jawbone to resorb over time, you may not have enough bone tissue to support the implant. If this is the case, a bone graft might be required before you can get a dental implant.
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Advantages of Getting a Dental ImplantGetting a dental implant offers several benefits: Permanent solution: Dental implants are a long-lasting and permanent solution for missing teeth. With decent care, they can last a lifetime. Natural look and feel: Implants look and feel like natural teeth. They blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, providing a natural appearance. Improved speech: Missing teeth can affect speech clarity. Dental implants restore speech to its natural rhythm and clarity. Better chewing function: Implants function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat your preferred foods without discomfort or restrictions. Preserve jawbone: Implants help preserve the jawbone's integrity by stimulating bone growth. This prevents bone loss, which can occur with missing teeth. Enhanced confidence: Dental implants restore your smile, boosting self-confidence and self-esteem. No risk of decay: Unlike natural teeth, dental implants are not susceptible to cavities. However, good oral hygiene is still essential to prevent gum disease. Comfort and convenience: Implants eliminate the discomfort and inconvenience of removable dentures firmly anchored in the jaw. Improved oral health: Adjacent teeth remain unaffected as implants don't rely on neighbouring teeth for support, promoting oral health. Long-term cost savings: While the cost at the beginning may be higher than other options, the long-term benefits often outweigh it, as implants require minimal maintenance and are less likely to need replacement.
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How Does the Procedure Work?Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel pain during the dental implant procedure. If you’re apprehensive, we offer oral or IV sedation to ease your anxiety and maximize your comfort. Once your mouth is numb, your dentist will remove the old tooth and place the titanium implant in your jaw if necessary. Afterward, the bone and the gum tissue will need to heal, which can take several months. After recovery, your dentist will attach an abutment to the implant. This small metal post will hold the artificial tooth or dental bridge.
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How Long Do Dental Implants Last?A dental implant is a permanent solution that can last a lifetime. However, just like natural teeth, they must be properly cared for. This includes brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristle brush and flossing daily. You should also schedule a professional cleaning and exam with your dentist twice yearly.
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Are You Currently Accepting New Patients?Yes. Simply call to book an appointment and we’ll open a file for you.
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Is Your Clinic Easy to Access by Car/Transit?Yes. Forest Lawn Dental is easy to get to by both bus and by car. Our clinic is located at 17 Ave SE at the corner of 36 St, just off Deerfoot Trail. We offer free parking for those driving in and for those using transit, buses 23, 26, 57, 66, 72, 125, 126 and 440 all stop a mere stone’s throw away.
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What Payment Options Are Available?We accept cash, credit and debit payments at our clinic. Financing is also available through a third party with monthly payment plans.
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Do You Offer Direct Billing to Insurance Companies?Yes! We provide direct billing to all insurance companies that offer this service. Forest Lawn Dental Centre accepts all insurance.
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Do You Accept Dental Emergencies?Forest Lawn Dental Centre gladly accepts dental emergencies. We understand that problems arise when you least expect them, and we make sure to keep our schedule open for any dental emergencies that come in. Some potential emergencies could include, but are not limited to: Chipped or broken teeth Knocked-out teeth Object caught between teeth Lost filling Lost crown Painful or swollen gums
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Does Your Clinic Treat Children?Yes. We pride ourselves on providing dental services for the entire family.
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When Should My Child Start Seeing a Dentist?The Canadian Dental Association recommends that children should first visit a dentist by one year of age, or within six months of the arrival of the first tooth.
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My Teeth Are Feeling Sensitive. Does That Mean I Should See a Dentist?Yes. Any tooth discomfort warrants a checkup. If tooth sensitivity is ongoing, there’s likely a corrective procedure that can help. Bonding, fluoride varnishes, and dentin sealers are all possible treatments that can bring much-needed relief.
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How Often Should I Change My Toothbrush?We recommend that you change your toothbrush at least every three months, but sooner if the bristles are starting to fray.
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How Often Should I Get My Teeth Cleaned?Brushing and flossing your teeth at home are important steps to maintaining your dental health. We recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for about two minutes per brushing session. And don’t forget to floss every day. For oral exams and professional cleanings, be sure to schedule a dentist appointment every six months.
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Do I Need a Dental X-Ray at Every Checkup?The need for a dental X-ray is dependent on your overall oral well-being. If you have excellent dental health, then it’s likely that you won’t need an X-ray at every visit. More frequent X-rays are required when there are ongoing dental challenges.
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When Is the Best Time to Begin Orthodontic Work?We recommend that all children have an orthodontic evaluation once their permanent teeth start coming in, usually around the age of seven. This is to ensure that teeth are developing normally and to outline a treatment plan if necessary. Orthodontic work can begin at any time, even in adulthood.
Schedule a Consultation With Your Dentist at Forest Lawn Dental Centre
At Forest Lawn Dental Centre, we’re dedicated to helping you maintain or restore a healthy smile. Our dental centre provides comprehensive family-friendly dentistry, cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics. For more information about root canals, or to schedule an appointment at our clinic is SE Calgary, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.