Root Canals & Extractions in Chilliwack

What is a root canal?

A tooth consists of two parts. What you see in the mirror above the gums is the crown and below the gums is the root.

When a tooth chips or has decay present, a filling is performed in the crown of the tooth.

If the filling is required in the root of the tooth it is called a root canal.

In every root is a channel. This channel is filled with tissue called the pulp. It consists of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve tissue.

If something happens which damages the pulp tissue, a root canal may be required to try to save the tooth.

Most root canals are performed in one visit. There are certain clinical indicators that may necessitate two or more visits though.

After the root canal is completed, it is not unusual for some post-operative sensitivity for a few days. This normally diminishes and can be controlled with a mild pain killer if required.

A crown may be recommended for the tooth as teeth become more brittle over time. A crown may be able to protect the tooth.

When might I need a root canal?

Our dentists might recommend a root canal if you experience any of the following;

• An abscess on the gums
• Extreme sensitivity
• Severe toothache pain
• Swelling and/or tenderness

Our dentists may recommend root canal therapy for patients who may develop, or already have developed, an inner soft-tissue infection.

Since this type of infection cannot clear up on its own, a root canal might be necessary.

Your dentist will evaluate your oral health, and in order to help prevent infections from worsening, root canals may be recommended.

Learn more about Root Canals

What is a tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is the process where a tooth is completely removed from your jaw.

Dentists and oral surgeons resort to this procedure when other treatments to eliminate the infections from that tooth and restore your mouth health won't suffice.

Extraction of baby teeth is sometimes required when there is a spacing problem, the child cannot remove the tooth on their own, or if the tooth is severely decayed.

Extraction of adult teeth may be required if a tooth is impacted, severely decayed, or traumatically broken.

If a tooth is infected (this usually involves swelling, increased temperature, swollen lymph nodes, and pain), you will normally be put on an antibiotic prior to the tooth being removed.

This can allow the anesthetic to work properly as well as to avoid spreading infection into the surrounding area. Infections may progress faster than oral antibiotics can fight it though.

What happens after my procedure?

You should take extra care of the area from which the tooth was extracted. We will provide you with a list of home-care steps to take to help prevent infection or inflammation. Your dentist will advise you to avoid certain hard foods as well as habits like smoking for a few days afterward.

Complicated extractions

In a complicated situation, a referral to an oral surgeon may be warranted. The closest oral surgeon is in Abbotsford. More complicated cases, such as with medically compromised patients, may need to be done in hospital under a general anesthetic. While local anesthetic is provided, other sedation options may be required depending on the patient and their oral health issue.

After an extraction, post-operative instructions will be provided to you and if you do not have any pain killers at home, a prescription for something suitable will be provided.