Relief for infected teeth
Root Canal Therapy in Nanaimo
Root canal therapy is used to treat infection or inflammation inside a tooth. This can happen when decay, cracks, injury, or deep damage reaches the inner pulp, where the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels are located. Without treatment, the infection may worsen, and the tooth may eventually need to be removed.
At Wentworth Dental, our Nanaimo Dental Clinic provides root canal therapy to help relieve discomfort, remove infection, and preserve the natural tooth whenever possible. The goal is to protect your oral health while helping restore comfort and function.
A root canal may be recommended if you have ongoing tooth pain, lingering sensitivity, swelling, tenderness, or a tooth that has been deeply damaged by decay or trauma.
Saving Natural Teeth With Root Canal Therapy
During root canal therapy, the Dentist removes the infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth. The inner area is then carefully cleaned, shaped, disinfected, and sealed to help protect the tooth from further infection.
After the root canal is complete, the tooth may need a dental crown or another restoration to restore strength and chewing function. This is especially common for back teeth or teeth that have lost structure because of decay or damage. Root canal therapy may help with:
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
Tooth Pain Caused by Infection
Lingering Hot or Cold Sensitivity
Swelling Around the Affected Tooth
Deep Cavities Reaching the Pulp
Cracked Teeth with Nerve Involvement
It is normal to experience mild tenderness or sensitivity after root canal therapy, especially once the local anesthetic wears off. This discomfort usually improves over the next few days and can often be managed with the instructions provided by your Dentist.
During the first few days, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth, especially if a final restoration has not yet been placed. Continue brushing and flossing carefully, and contact Wentworth Dental if pain worsens, swelling develops, or your bite feels uneven.
Helpful recovery tips include sleeping with your head slightly elevated, using cold compresses if recommended, avoiding very hard foods, keeping the area clean, and following all post-treatment instructions. Regular follow-up care is important to make sure the tooth is healing well and protected for long-term function.
Helpful Information After Root Canal Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is a dental treatment used to remove infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth. The inside of the tooth is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to help preserve the natural tooth and prevent the infection from spreading. At Wentworth Dental, root canal therapy may be recommended when deep decay, injury, or cracks affect the inner part of the tooth and cause pain or swelling.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
You may need a root canal if you have ongoing tooth pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling near a tooth, pain when biting, a darkened tooth, or tenderness in the gums. Some infected teeth may not cause constant pain, which is why a dental exam is important. Our Nanaimo Dental Clinic can assess your symptoms and take X-rays if needed to determine whether root canal therapy is appropriate.
Is root canal therapy painful?
Root canal therapy is designed to relieve pain caused by infection or inflammation inside the tooth. Local anesthetic is used to help keep the area comfortable during treatment. Many patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. After treatment, mild soreness or sensitivity can occur for a few days, but this usually improves as the tooth heals and the infection is addressed.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
A dental crown may be recommended after root canal therapy, especially if the tooth is a molar, has a large filling, or has been weakened by decay or damage. A crown helps protect the treated tooth and restore chewing strength. Not every case is the same, so the Dentist will explain whether a crown or another restoration is needed based on the location and condition of the tooth.
What happens if I delay root canal treatment?
Delaying root canal treatment can allow infection to spread deeper into the tooth or surrounding tissues. This may lead to worsening pain, swelling, abscess formation, bone loss, or the need for tooth extraction. Early treatment can help preserve the natural tooth and reduce the risk of more complex care. If you are experiencing tooth pain or swelling, contact Wentworth Dental for an evaluation.
If you are dealing with tooth pain, swelling, or lingering sensitivity, Wentworth Dental can help determine whether root canal therapy is the right next step.
