Root Canal Treatment in Comox - Courtenay
Endodontics
Dr. Phil the Dentist provides root canal treatment for patients across Comox Valley. A root canal may be necessary when there is significant damage to the nerve tissue inside a tooth. Some patients may feel daunted by the idea of undergoing this procedure and put off getting the help they need. At our office, we place your comfort as our top priority. Patients should feel relaxed and welcomed at our clinic as they enjoy a spa-like experience while getting dental work done.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Endodontics is the discipline of dentistry that treats the tooth's pulp tissue (nerve, blood vessels, and lymphatic systems). The primary purpose of root canal therapy is to remove all pulpal tissues from within the tooth and root(s) and then seal and fill these structures (i.e. deep cleaning followed by a deep filling).
A root canal may be warranted in cases where a tooth has:
Deep decay into the nerve
Experienced blunt force trauma (accidents)
Extreme pain from a dying nerve
Abscess/infection from a dead nerve
Sustained nerve damage from gum disease
To undergo reconstruction that may expose the nerve chamber
Dr. Nasralla is highly trained and experienced in all realms of endodontics and uses the best technology available, including dental microscopes, for increased magnification and illumination in the tooth and roots. Unlike days of old, root canals are typically painless and done in one easy visit, with many patients reporting little or no discomfort the next day. If you'd like to make an appointment for a root canal in Comox, please reach out.
Root Canal Procedure
Dr. Nasralla examines and x-rays the tooth, then administers local anesthetic. Once it is numb, a rubber dam is placed over the tooth to isolate it and keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
An opening is made in the crown (top) of the tooth and very fine, flexible instruments are used to clean out the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for fillings.
After the space is cleaned and shaped, the root canal spaces are filled with a biocompatible rubber-like material called "gutta percha". The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the roots. A final x-ray is taken and a core build-up (final filling) is then placed on the top of the roots and the tooth. A crown may be necessary to restore the tooth to its full function and beauty.
Root Canal Therapy Retreatment
We deal with the human body, and occasionally it does not heal as expected and a tooth can experience post-treatment infection. In these cases, the dentist must retreat the tooth with a second root canal treatment in the same manner as described above; but by removing all the gutta-percha and recleaning the roots. Once thoroughly cleaned and shaped again, the system is resealed and filled as before. More often than not, the tooth responds favourably and the infection and symptoms disappear permanently.
Surgical Retreatment (Apicoectomy)
An apicoectomy, or root-end resection, is the removal of the root tip and the surrounding infected tissue of an abscessed tooth. This procedure may be indicated when inflammation and infection persist in the area around the root tip but cannot be addressed by retreatment through the tooth.
Step 1: After the tooth and gums are "numbed" the gum is reflected (lifted) to uncover the underlying bone and the root end of the tooth. The root end is resected (removed) with all the surrounding infected tissue.
Step 2: A root-end filling is placed to seal the end of the root canal, and bone material is placed to fill the void. A few dissolvable sutures (stitches) are placed to hold the gums in place until healing occurs.
Step 3: After several months, the bone and gums have healed, and the symptoms have disappeared.
Schedule an Appointment in Comox Valley
When you choose us, you choose a team that genuinely cares for your experience regarding dental health. Dr. Phil Nasralla doesn't believe in quick fixes but focuses on the long term. When you come to us for root canal treatment in Comox, we ensure you have a hassle-free and comfortable experience with us.