Don’t Fear the Root Canal – What to Know Before Your Appointment
If the words “root canal” make you squirm in your chair, you’re not alone. This common dental treatment has earned a reputation over the years — but the truth is, a root canal is a routine, highly effective procedure that can help save your natural tooth and relieve pain. At Lethbridge Dental Services South, we’re here to help you understand what a root canal really involves — and why it might be your best option for getting out of pain and back to smiling.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection or damage inside the tooth. Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If this pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to decay, a crack, or trauma, a root canal may be necessary to clean out the infected tissue and save the tooth.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
There are several symptoms that might indicate the need for a root canal, including:
- Persistent toothache or throbbing pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- A darkened tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth
These symptoms don’t always mean you need a root canal, but they are signs you should book a dental appointment as soon as possible. Only a dentist can determine the right treatment after a clinical exam and appropriate diagnostic imaging.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
The goal of a root canal is to remove infected or damaged tissue while preserving the structure of your natural tooth. Here’s what typically happens during the procedure:
- Numbing the Area: We make sure you’re comfortable by using local anesthesia to numb the affected area.
- Cleaning the Tooth: Your dentist makes a small opening in the tooth and uses special tools to remove the infected pulp.
- Shaping and Filling: The inside of the tooth is cleaned, shaped, and filled with a biocompatible material.
- Restoration: In most cases, a crown is placed on the tooth after the root canal to protect it and restore full function.
With modern dental technology, most patients find root canals are no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling.
Root Canal Benefits
- Pain relief: One of the biggest benefits is getting rid of pain caused by infection or inflammation.
- Tooth preservation: Keeping your natural teeth helps maintain jaw structure and function.
- Improved oral health: Treating infection early prevents it from spreading to other areas of your mouth or body.
Are Root Canals Safe?
Yes. Root canals are a well-established, evidence-based treatment provided by licensed dental professionals across Alberta. All procedures at Lethbridge Dental Services South are performed following the highest clinical standards set out by the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA), with patient safety and informed consent as top priorities.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients return to normal activities within a day. You might experience mild sensitivity or discomfort for a few days, but over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough to manage it. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions and may schedule a follow-up to ensure healing is progressing as expected.
Root Canals in Lethbridge: Your Smile, Saved
At Lethbridge Dental Services South, we know root canals can sound intimidating — but we’re here to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re dealing with dental pain or have been referred for endodontic treatment, we’re happy to answer your questions and walk you through your options.
Need to book a root canal in Lethbridge?
Visit www.ldss.ca or call us today to schedule an appointment. Your comfort and care are always our top priorities.
This blog post is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace professional dental advice. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or other symptoms, please book an appointment with a licensed dentist.