Root canal west kelowna

What is a root canal and why do I need root canal treatment?

Endodontic (root canal) treatment treats the inside of the tooth. Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, faulty crowns, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, trauma to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

During root canal treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterward, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.

There has been controversy with root canals being a long-term source of microbial infection that can affect overall health. As a dentist with a biological approach, we used updated and modern techniques (ozone and laser treatments) with root canals to effectively minimize microbial infection. In some cases, it is better to remove the tooth instead of performing a root canal.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Today, getting root canal treatment is often no more uncomfortable than having a filling. In fact, root canal treatment doesn’t cause pain but actually relieves it. Advances have made a root canal therapy treatment a virtually pain-free experience, many times accomplished in a single visit.

Here at Health and Beauty Dentistry, we understand a great deal about pain management. With modern sedation techniques, the vast majority of patients report that they are comfortable during our dental procedures.

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If the tooth isn't bothering me why do I need a root canal?

Some patients may experience tooth pain initially and then it goes away on its own or with the help of antibiotics. Just because it has stopped hurting doesn’t mean it is no longer infected. A root canal procedure is designed to disinfect the inside of the tooth (the source of infection) and stop the spread of infection.

Sometimes removing a tooth instead of saving a tooth with root canal treatment can create a cascade of other long-term negative health + body effects such as loss of function (chewing), loss of other teeth (e.g. loss of a bridge), and imbalances in the bite + jaw which can cause TMJ/TMD or postural pain.

Some patients may never experience pain with an infected tooth. In fact, root canal infection is often discovered through routine radiographs and/or clinical examination. The tooth may have a chronic infection that the body has accommodated enough to not have gone beyond the patient’s pain threshold.

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What patients say about Kelowna Holistic Dentist Dr. Shauna Palmer

[These are actual Google Reviews]

west kelowna root canal

How long does a root canal take?

The amount of time a procedure takes depends on the details of the procedure you’re having and the type of tooth involved. We estimate your time in the office to last approximately 1-2 hours.

The treatment itself can often be completed in one visit. At times, a second appointment may be needed.

Why root canal treatment at Health & Beauty Dentistry?

When you need a root canal in West Kelowna, you want to be sure you’re in good hands. Dr. Shauna Palmer is an experienced dentist who has tons of knowledge with root canal therapy. She offers root canal procedures for patients from all over the Okanagan Valley including Penticton, Vernon, Lumby and Peachland.

Contact her today for more information on how she can help you with your dental needs!

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Why choose Dr. Shauna Palmer?

Switch to a holistic approach

End Holistic Dentistry confusion
Don’t continue unhealthy dentistry
Avoid putting toxic chemicals into your body
Stop treating symptoms only, treat the causes
Forget about a one size fits all approach to dentistry

Live healthier, happier and longer

Take control over what goes into your mouth and body
Strive for the oral health you’ve always wanted
Find clarity about healthy, natural, holistic dentistry
Enjoy feeling better about yourself
Choose a healthier life!

Make an appointment today!

Health & Beauty Dentistry

What exactly is holistic dentistry?

Holistic dentistry is more than just a fancy name for alternative dentistry. It’s an approach to dental care that views our mouths as part of our bodies, and believes in working with them on a holistic level. For example, rather than simply filling in a cavity, a holistic dentist like Dr. Shauna Palmer in West Kelowna, might recommend dietary changes or supplements to strengthen tooth enamel.

The ultimate goal is to help improve your overall health by preventing further decay and gum disease through good oral hygiene. All in all, it’s about long-term prevention rather than short-term fixes.

What are examples of a holistic approach to dentistry?

Mercury Fillings Removal

Dr. Shauna Palmer: “We are frequently asked to remove our patients’ old amalgam fillings and replace them with white fillings. In my practice, I actually avoid using amalgam filling material – completely. But I’m also leery of removing old fillings because of the health implications to the patient, myself, and my team.”

Here’s why: Amalgam filling removal creates mercury vapors and particles. It’s extremely easy to inhale these vapors, which can then be absorbed into the body through the lungs. Removing these fillings incorrectly can expose my patients, my team, and myself to the potentially harmful effects of mercury. That’s why I decided to become SMART certified. This stands for SAFE Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique.

Ozone Therapy

Ozone cancels out (kills) the organisms that cause many health issues, including dental diseases.
Ozone is: Antibacterial – Antifungal – Antiviral.

The main difference is the side effects. While ozone has virtually zero, pharmaceuticals can have many adverse side effects, including: Abdominal cramps and diarrhea, Nausea and vomiting, Yeast infections, Headaches, and Allergic reactions (like swelling and itching) to name a few. The great thing about ozone therapy is that it’s not just good for your dental health – it’s good for your overall health!

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer often isn’t discussed enough in conversations around dentistry and oral health. The lack of education and awareness is concerning. People over the age of 20 should get an oral cancer screening at least every three years and people over the age of 40 should be screened annually, wether symptomatic or not.

Being screened is especially critical for people with high-risk behaviors, lifestyles and pre-existing conditions including: Smoking or chewing tobacco, Extra body weight, A family history of cancer. Oral cancer develops far less commonly in people under the age of 55. While this may be the case, it’s totally worth your time to receive annual screenings.

So … is a natural, biological, or holistic dentist more expensive?

When you look at the overall cost of oral healthcare, biological dentistry can actually be less expensive because it’s a longer lasting approach. Not just a quick dental fix. Holistic dentists often use less invasive and more conservative treatment plans, which can also keep costs low over a patient’s lifetime. Holistic dentistry can keep your body healthier, and your wallet happier!

Would you like to learn more about holistic dentistry? Contact Dr. Shauna Palmer, holistic dentist in West-Kelowna, BC.