A root canal is a dental procedure that treats decaying or infected tooth pulp and roots. Your dentist will recommend this treatment in an effort to save your natural teeth and eliminate the associated tooth pain. At Quayside Dental Centre, our team of dental professionals has extensive experience performing root canals with care and compassion.

What Is a Root Canal?

Root canal procedures are recommended when the roots of the tooth become inflamed and infected, and begin decaying. The procedure is recommended to preserve the natural tooth while cleaning the root area to eliminate inflammation and pain. A root canal can also prevent the infection from spreading to surrounding teeth, or moving to other parts of the body.

What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure

The root canal procedure cleans out the canals beneath the tooth. Your dentist will remove bacteria or decay from the root, nerves, and sensitive tooth pulp. After that, the area will be disinfected, and the empty root canals will be filled to prevent further infections. The final step is to seal off the area and reinforce the surface of the tooth.

Who Performs the Root Canal?

Your root canal appointment will occur at our friendly dental clinic in Lower Lonsdale with our resident dentist, Dr. Afshin Moghaddam. For complex or complicated root canal cases, we may refer you to an endodontist—a dentist specializing in root canal procedures.

What Happens Next?

After the root canal procedure, your tooth pain will be gone, but your remaining tooth will be fragile. The next step is to cover the remainder of your tooth with a dental crown. The dental crown sits on the natural tooth to strengthen and protect it. The crown looks just like a natural tooth, so you can have confidence chewing, biting, and smiling as usual.

How can you recognize when you need a root canal? The only sure way is to visit your dentist for a check-up; however, there are some common signs and symptoms to recognize. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, it’s important to call our dental clinic to set up an appointment as soon as possible to prevent further damage or pain.

#1 Pain that Persists

If you experience tooth pain that persists, it’s highly recommended that you visit your dentist. Ongoing tooth pain is a common sign that you may need a root canal. The pain may feel localized to the tooth and surrounding gums, or it may radiate to your face, jaw, or deep in the bone of your tooth.

Other Causes of Tooth Pain

Tooth pain doesn’t automatically mean a root canal procedure is necessary. Your discomfort may be caused by gum disease, a cavity, a damaged filling, an impacted tooth, a sinus infection or other problem that has referred the pain to your teeth. In any scenario, having your dentist investigate the source is best to recommend a treatment option.

#2 Hot and Cold Sensitivity

New or increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is another sign that you may need a root canal. This sensitivity can result in sharp pain or a dull ache when you drink a hot beverage or eat a cold treat. Your dentist will examine this sensitivity to find coping or preventive solutions, even if it’s not a root canal.

#3 Discoloured Teeth

You may see visible signs of an infected tooth by looking in the mirror at your teeth and gums. Because infection in the pulp of your tooth can cause the actual tooth to become discoloured, it’s helpful to look inside your mouth with a mirror and a good light source. Your dentist should examine teeth that are unusually discoloured and accompanied by any other symptoms.

#4 Swollen Gums

Another symptom to watch for is swollen gums. An infection in the tooth can lead to swelling at the roots and at the surface. The swelling might come and go, and it may or may not be tender or painful to touch. Swollen gums are a good reason to make an appointment with your dentist to determine the cause and treatment.

#5 Pain While Eating or With Contact

When eating or touching your tooth causes pain, it may also be a sign that you need a root canal. Contact or pressure on an infected tooth will cause pain and sensitivity. If this pain does not go away after eating, then it’s best to have a dentist assess the situation.

A healthy tooth is free of cavities, decay, chips, or cracks. Teeth are at risk for infection from bacteria getting into the pulp and root of the tooth when any of those damage factors are present. Damaged root pulp can lead to swelling at the roots, deep under the gums, and into the jawbone. An abscessed tooth has this deep inflammation, causing discomfort and consistent pain until treated with a root canal procedure.

Preventing Root Canal Procedures

While it’s not always possible to avoid a root canal procedure, you can take care of your teeth in several ways to help prevent a possible infection. Following a thorough at-home oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day and flossing daily can help prevent food buildup and bacteria coating your teeth. Regular professional dental hygiene appointments and annual check-ups with your dentist can also keep an eye on your oral health so that you can take action before a root canal is necessary.

If you have further questions about your oral health or root canal procedures, our team is happy to help. Give us a call or book an appointment to discuss your concerns.