That deep, throbbing tooth pain you keep pushing aside? It’s not going anywhere. What starts as mild sensitivity can quickly become an unbearable ache that disrupts your sleep, your eating habits, and your peace of mind.
We get it; no one wants to hear the words “you need a root canal,” and the fear of the unknown, pain, cost, and complicated procedures all make it worse. But avoiding it won’t fix the problem; it will only make it worse.
If you’re considering root canal treatment in Calgary, it’s important to understand your options, as there’s more than one way to save a dying tooth.
What Is a Root Canal and When Do You Need One?
When a tooth’s pulp becomes infected or inflamed, usually due to decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures, it can’t heal on its own and travels down the root and causes serious pain and swelling.
A root canal is the only way to stop the infection from spreading deeper into your jawbone or bloodstream, but if left untreated, it can cause health complications.
Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inner chamber, and seals the tooth, giving it a second chance at life, but here’s the part most people don’t know: there are different root canal procedures depending on your situation.
4 Major Kinds of Root Canal Treatments
Yes, root canals come in more than one type. Dentists choose between several types of root canal treatments, each tailored to specific conditions, infection levels, and even the shape of your tooth.
Let’s break them down.
1. Standard Root Canal
This is the classic root canal performed when infection is limited to the tooth’s pulp. Under local anesthesia, the dentist removes the infected tissue, cleans and shapes the canal, and fills it.
It typically takes one to two appointments and is the most common method used by a dentist in Calgary.
2. Surgical Root Canal (Apicoectomy)
If the infection has spread to the tip of the root and doesn’t respond to standard treatment, surgery becomes necessary.
An apicoectomy involves cutting into the gum tissue to access and remove the infected tip of the root, sealing the area from the end. It’s invasive, but sometimes it’s the only option to prevent tooth loss.
3. Pulpotomy
Used mainly for children or emergency cases, this involves removing only the infected pulp in the crown of the tooth while leaving the roots intact. It buys time, but it’s not a permanent solution.
4. Root Canal Retreatment
Just because a root canal was done doesn’t mean it’s permanent. Sometimes the original treatment fails due to reinfection or an incomplete seal. In these cases, the dentist removes the old material, re-cleans the canals, and refills the space.
Each of these different root canal procedures serves a specific purpose, and choosing the right one is critical.
Why Knowing Your Treatment Options Matters
Knowing what options are available matters because not all options are for everyone. A molar with three roots requires more precision than a front tooth with one root.
Whereas a more severe damage would need 3D scans, digital imaging, and a referral to an endodontist, the amount of information you gather can help you make the right decision.
Selecting the Right Root Canal Treatment
Every infected tooth is different. So, choosing root canal treatment that fits your unique situation is vital.
You should never accept a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are a few things your dentist will consider before recommending a procedure:
- How major is the infection?
- Has the tooth been treated previously?
- What is the shape and location of the tooth?
A skilled dentist near you will identify these factors before planning your treatment.
The best procedure is the one that addresses your condition effectively with the least amount of risk.
The Silent Risk of Waiting Too Long
One of the most dangerous things you can do when you need a root canal is wait.
“Just a little pain” can quickly become a severe dental emergency. Once the infection reaches the bone or the surrounding tissue, a process like a root canal might also seem less effective. You could face:
- Need for a Tooth extraction
- Infection in the Jawbone
- Facial swelling
- Difficulty eating or speaking
Worse, the infection can spread through your bloodstream, increasing the risk of heart problems or other serious complications.
This is why it’s so important to understand root canal treatment options and act quickly.
Which Root Canal Is Best?
There’s no universal answer to the question as the best root canal option varies based on your needs.
What works for a back molar with three canals won’t work for a cracked front tooth. And what succeeded years ago might not hold up today if bacteria have crept back in.
Your job isn’t to figure out the procedure yourself; it’s to ask the right questions and trust the process.
A skilled Calgary dentist will guide you through the decision, using imaging and thorough exams to identify the best path forward. But you must take that first step.
Wrapping Up!
You can’t see an infection inside your tooth, but you can feel its warning signs. And ignoring them won’t make the problem go away. It’ll only deepen the damage and increase your risk of serious complications.
Tooth Pain Today, Tooth Loss Tomorrow.
Every day you wait allows the infection to spread, the decay to worsen, and your chance of saving the tooth to shrink. Time is not on your side when it comes to root infections.
Don’t gamble with your health. Seek the right treatment before it’s too late. Contact our dental clinic at Iglewood Family Dental and let’s bring your smile back.
