Root Canal Therapy Edmonton: Save the tooth you have, when it can be saved
Root canal therapy is intended to save a natural tooth when the inside of it is damaged or infected.
- Microscope magnification
- CBCT 3D imaging
- Referrals welcome
Quick answer
What is root canal therapy, and can it save my tooth?
Root canal therapy removes damaged or infected pulp from inside a tooth, then cleans and seals the canals. A filling or crown then protects the tooth. It is intended to let you keep your natural tooth, although not every tooth can be saved. At Signature Dental, Dr. Rafael Bustamante, a general dentist, works under dental microscopes.
The problem
These signs are worth a call
- Swollen gums, or a gum pimple that keeps returning
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when biting
Why here
We look closely before we treat
Two dental microscopes
Magnification and light for fine detail inside the tooth.
CBCT 3D imaging
A three-dimensional view that helps with diagnosis.
Waterlase laser
Laser-assisted cleaning of the root canal system.
Dr. Rafael Bustamante is a general dentist whose practice focuses on root canal therapy and aesthetic restoration with the Bioclear Method. Endodontics is a recognized dental specialty, and we refer when needed.
How it works
Four steps from diagnosis to a protected tooth
- Step 1
Diagnose
An exam, plus x-rays or a CBCT scan when needed.
- Step 2
Numb
Local anesthesia to help keep you comfortable.
- Step 3
Clean and seal
Damaged pulp removed, canals laser-cleaned, then sealed.
- Step 4
Protect
A crown or filling then protects the tooth.
Options
Keep the tooth, or remove it
| Root canal therapy | Removing the tooth | |
|---|---|---|
| Your tooth | You keep your natural tooth | The tooth is taken out |
| Afterward | A crown or filling protects it | An implant, bridge or denture can fill the gap |
Not every tooth can be saved. We explain both options, and you decide.
Time and comfort
What to expect
- 1 or more
- Visits, depending on how complex the tooth is
- Sedation
- Oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide may be options
- Follow-up
- Referred? See your dentist for the final restoration within a couple of weeks
FAQ
Quick answers
Will a root canal hurt?
We use local anesthesia to help keep you comfortable. Experiences differ, and some people are sore afterward.
What is root canal surgery?
Occasionally a persistent infection needs surgery at the root tip, called an apicoectomy. Retreatment of an earlier root canal may also be an option.
Will I need a crown afterward?
The tooth needs a restoration to protect it. Depending on how much tooth remains, that can be a crown or a tooth-coloured filling.
Do you accept referrals from other dentists?
Yes. We send a record of treatment back to your dentist. Dentists can call (780) 482-3636 or fax (780) 451-3535.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Signs include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, or a gum pimple that keeps returning, but some teeth show no signs at all. An exam with x-rays, or a CBCT scan when needed, tells us what is going on.
Why use a microscope for a root canal?
Root canals are small and hard to see. Dental microscopes add magnification and light so we can see fine detail inside the tooth. Dr. Bustamante has worked with a dental operating microscope since 2005.
Why has one of my front teeth turned dark?
A tooth can darken after an injury when the nerve inside is damaged. We test the nerve and take an x-ray. If root canal therapy is needed, the colour can then be improved with whitening from inside the tooth, a veneer or a crown.
Find out whether your tooth can be saved
Book an exam. We show you what we see and explain every option.