Top Signs You Might Need a Root Canal and What to Do About It
A persistent toothache or sensitivity can disrupt your daily life, but it’s not always clear when you need professional care. One common solution for serious tooth pain is a root canal. At Ross Park Dental in Moose Jaw, we understand that the idea of a root canal can feel intimidating, but modern advancements make the procedure straightforward, effective, and comfortable. Let’s explore the top signs you might need a root canal and how we can help you restore your oral health.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment designed to save a tooth that is severely decayed, damaged, or infected. Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause severe pain and put the tooth at risk. A root canal removes the damaged pulp, cleans the inner tooth, and seals it to prevent further issues.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
1. Persistent Tooth Pain
If you’re experiencing consistent pain that doesn’t go away, especially when eating or touching the tooth, it could indicate an infection in the tooth’s pulp.
2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
A lingering sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and foods, even after they’re removed, is often a sign of nerve damage or infection.
3. Swollen or Tender Gums
Swelling around a specific tooth or tender gums can signal an underlying problem. This is often a response to bacteria spreading from the tooth to surrounding tissue.
4. Darkening of the Tooth
A tooth that becomes noticeably darker than the others may have internal damage or infection requiring immediate attention.
5. Pimples on the Gums
Small, recurring bumps on the gums near a painful tooth are often caused by an abscess, which forms when infection spreads beyond the tooth’s root.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore the Signs
Ignoring the symptoms of an infected tooth can lead to:
- Worsening pain and discomfort.
- Tooth loss if the infection spreads.
- Damage to surrounding teeth or bone.
The good news is that root canal treatment can save your tooth and alleviate your pain, preventing the need for extraction.
What to Expect During a Root Canal
Root canals have come a long way, and the procedure is now similar to getting a filling. Here’s what happens during treatment:
- Consultation and Diagnosis
Dr. Heather Wang will examine your tooth, take X-rays, and determine if a root canal is necessary. - Local Anaesthesia
To ensure your comfort, we’ll numb the area around the affected tooth. - Pulp Removal
Using specialized tools, Dr. Wang will remove the infected pulp from the tooth’s interior. - Cleaning and Sealing
The tooth is thoroughly cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection. - Restoration
In most cases, a crown is placed on the tooth to restore its function and protect it from damage.
Root Canal Myths and Truths
Myth: Root Canals Are Painful
Truth: Modern root canal treatments are designed to relieve pain, not cause it. With anaesthesia and advanced techniques, the procedure is comfortable.
Myth: It’s Better to Pull the Tooth
Truth: Saving your natural tooth with a root canal preserves your bite, prevents shifting, and avoids the need for more complex replacements like implants or bridges.
Myth: Root Canals Don’t Last
Truth: With proper care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime.
How to Prevent Root Canals
While root canals can save teeth, preventing the need for one is always better. To protect your teeth:
- Brush and floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria.
- Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that increase your risk of cavities.
- Visit Ross Park Dental regularly for checkups and cleanings to catch issues early.
Why Choose Ross Park Dental for Root Canal Treatment?
At Ross Park Dental in Moose Jaw, we provide root canal treatments with precision and care. Dr. Wang and our team prioritize your comfort, using modern technology and a patient-focused approach to ensure a stress-free experience.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or other concerning symptoms, don’t wait. Contact Ross Park Dental today to schedule an evaluation. Let us help you find relief and restore your smile!