Root Canal Therapy for Tooth Pain in Kelowna
If you are suffering from a toothache or tooth pain, it could be a symptom of a tooth infection or dental abscess. If this is the case, call your dentist in Kelowna so our doctor can help you determine if you need a root canal. Root canal therapy is a tooth-saving procedure with a remarkably high success rate. Even if the important inner structures of a tooth become damaged, you can save your natural tooth by getting a root canal.What is a Root Canal?
Your teeth contain narrow passageways called root canals, and the root canals contain a substance called pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues. When there is a crack or chip in the tooth, bacteria can reach the inner parts of the tooth and damage the pulp, leading to tooth pain and potential tooth loss. Root canal therapy is the dental procedure that is used to treat this type of tooth infection.
What is a Root Canal?
There are several symptoms that might indicate you are in need of a root canal in Kelowna:
If you suspect you are suffering from an inner tooth infection, come see Dr. Malfair in Kelowna for a thorough oral health examination. He may also discover an infection during your twice-yearly general health checkups.
Benefits of a Root Canal
At Love Your Smile—Dr. Stephen Malfair, we understand that the thought of a root canal can be daunting, but we’re here to assure you that this common procedure is a vital step in saving your natural teeth and restoring your oral health. Here are a list of benefits that come with getting a root canal:
- Pain Relief: The procedure alleviates the pain and discomfort caused by an infected or damaged pulp.
- Tooth Preservation: A root canal helps save your natural tooth, which is essential for maintaining proper bite alignment and jawbone health.
- Functional Restoration: The treated tooth can function normally, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
- Prevention of Infection Spreading: By removing the infection and sealing the tooth, a root canal prevents the spread of bacteria to surrounding teeth and tissues.
Save Your Natural Tooth Comfortably
When Dr. Malfair recommends a root canal, he is committed to saving your natural smile with a comfortable and effective procedure. With modern technology, root canals are more comfortable and efficient than ever. Many patients actually compare root canals to ordinary dental fillings, because the discomfort level is about the same for either procedure.
Root canal therapy may require one or two appointments. These appointments are about 30-60 minutes long but can last longer for larger teeth like molars.
You will be given a numbing anesthetic to remain pain-free during the process, and you can also explore our sedation dentistry options for additional relaxation. Dr. Malfair will remove the damaged pulp from the root canals and gently clean the area. He will then fill the canals with a rubbery material and seal the tooth with a dental filling or crown.
The Root Canal Process
DOES A ROOT CANAL HURT?
Most patients report that a root canal is similar to having a routine filling. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the tooth and surrounding area to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free. Some discomfort or mild soreness may occur afterward, but it is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
HOW MUCH DOES A ROOT CANAL COST?
Root canals can vary in cost depending on the tooth. Molars are more expensive than others because of their location. Generally, a root canal costs between $700 – $1500. This also depends on insurance coverage. We work with you and your insurance providers to have your dental needs met.
Caring for Your Tooth after a Root Canal
It is important to take care of your teeth after undergoing any dental treatment. This will ensure the lifespan and health of your teeth and the treatments performed. To maintain the health of the treated tooth, patients should:
- Avoid Hard Foods: Refrain from chewing on hard foods or objects that could damage the restored tooth.
- Have Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep the teeth surrounding the gums clean and healthy.
- Attend Regular Check-Ups: Schedule follow-up visits to monitor the condition of the treated tooth and address any concerns promptly.
Emergency Root Canal Treatment
Root canals can fall under emergency dentistry if they are serious enough. Tooth infections are extremely painful, and if left untreated for too long, can lead to serious complications including losing the tooth.
If you are worried you have a tooth infection of any sort, you can always schedule an appointment, even if you have seen the dentist recently. Don’t wait for your 6-month appointment to find pain relief and prevent further pain.
Get Tooth Pain Relief Now
If tooth pain is affecting your life, don’t let a fear of root canals or fear of the dentist keep you away from our office. Here at Love Your Smile—Dr. Stephen Malfair, our expert dentist is proud to provide stress-free and successful root canals to our patients who want to save their natural smiles. Call us to schedule your consultation for a diagnosis from our root canal dentist in Kelowna today.
MEET DR. STEPHEN MALFAIR
Dr. Stephen Malfair has been practicing dentistry in his hometown of Kelowna since 2002. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of British Columbia, Dr. Malfair returned to Kelowna to take over his childhood dentist’s practice. Dr. Malfair is passionate about staying current in his field, having achieved Kois Mentor status, which reflects his dedication to continuing education.
Along with his experienced team, Dr. Malfair focuses on providing attentive care with an emphasis on good communication and patient comfort. When not in the office, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, making the most of what Kelowna has to offer.