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Tooth infections are common among dental patients who don’t brush and floss their teeth as diligently as they should, resulting in cavities, infections, and tooth decay. Patients who have broken or cracked teeth are also susceptible to developing a tooth infection in the underlying “pulp,” which is treated via a root canal procedure. In this blog post, our endodontists will discuss some of the main warning signs you might need a root canal, as well as the importance of seeking treatment rather than ignoring the problem. Click here to find a Trillium Dental office near you, or book an appointment at one of our Ottawa dental clinics Online

TOOTHACHES

Toothaches aren’t always a cause for concern, but if you experience long, painful toothaches that don’t subside on their own, you may have a tooth infection on your hands. Lots of patients first notice that something is wrong if they experience moderate to severe pain when chewing, brushing, and clenching their teeth. If you are dealing with persistence toothaches, it’s best to make an appointment with your family dentist as soon as possible to see what’s going on. Your dentist may find that you have a tooth fracture, a damaged tooth filling, or a decaying, abscessed tooth that requires a root canal.

Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

TOOTH SENSITIVITY

Everyone is built differently, so some people’s teeth are more sensitive than others. However, persistent or extreme tooth sensitivity is never something that should be ignored, as this can be an indication of many different dental problems. People with tooth infections often experience tooth sensitivity when drinking a hot or cold beverage, which often lingers afterward. This level of tooth sensitivity is not normal and should be addressed immediately by your family dentist. In some instances, this can be a sign of receding gums, which are treatable, or you might be dealing with something more serious that needs to be addressed immediately. Depending on the state of your teeth, your dentist may recommend that you schedule a root canal procedure within the next few days.

TOOTH DISCOLORATION

Root canals are caused by an underlying infection in the tooth’s nerve, the pulpy center that makes up the tooth’s support system. If left unaddressed, the bacteria in this pocket begins to fester, causing further decay that can weaken the tooth to the point where repair is no longer an option. Not only that, but the tooth may become brown or gray in color (commonly referred to as a “dead tooth”), which may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant, dental bridge, or some other kind of permanent dental restoration. It is important to schedule a checkup with your dentist as soon as you notice any degree of tooth discoloration, as this could be a sign that you have a tooth infection and need a root canal.

SWELLING GUMS

Another common indication of an infected tooth is painful, swelling gums near the tooth. Though the infection may have begun inside your tooth, it can spread to the surrounding tissue, causing your gums to feel and appear infected. Swollen, painful gums that bleed or pus easily are also a sign of periodontal disease, so it is imperative that you have your family dentist check them out as soon as possible. Odds are, you’ll need a root canal or a periodontal treatment to eliminate the bacteria from the site, which we are more than happy to take care of here at Trillium Dental.

MOUTH SORES

Mouth ulcers can be an indication of many things, including oral cancer, oral herpes, and tooth infections. While canker sores typically go away on their own, it is not normal to have a recurring sore directly on your gums. Take this as a sign your body is trying to give you that something isn’t right, and that it might be time to contact your family dentist to book an appointment. While there is a chance that it could be nothing (canker sores are harmless and can be caused by vigorous tooth brushing, braces, dentures, acidic foods, or a mouth injury), it’s best to address these types of dental problems as soon as possible so they don’t become even worse.

BOOK A ROOT CANAL AT ONE OF OUR DENTAL CLINICS IN OTTAWA

If you are experiencing any of the infected tooth symptoms listed above, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your family dentist immediately. Our endodontists would be happy to examine your teeth and gums in order to determine whether you need a root canal, gum disease treatment, or no treatment at all. We believe that your oral health should be your number one priority, and we’re here to help you get the quality dental care you need to stay healthy. Contact Trillium Dental today, or visit one of our dental offices in Ottawa!

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If you’re nervous about an upcoming root canal, you certainly aren’t alone. Lots of people have dental fears and phobias, especially when it comes to restorative dentistry procedures like root canals and tooth extractions. At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, our dentists have years of training and experience in endodontics, and we’re here to make your root canal as painless and stress-free as possible. To ease your mind in the weeks leading up to your root canal procedure, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about root canals.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL?

Root canals are one of the most misunderstood dental procedures, next to wisdom tooth removals. Lots of people are afraid of root canals because they aren’t sure what to expect, and their nerves get the best of them when their mind wanders to the worst possible scenario. In reality, root canals involve your dentist numbing the area and drilling a small hole in the infected tooth, then removing the pulp. Once the bacteria is removed, your dentist will insert a rubbery replacement, which will support the tooth and help to prevent bacteria from finding its way back in. Finally, they’ll cap the tooth with a temporary dental crown to protect it from becoming weak and brittle, then they’ll switch it out for a permanent crown at a second dental appointment.

HOW LONG DO ROOT CANALS TAKE?

Contrary to what you might think, root canals are a straightforward procedure that usually don’t take very long. Depending on the procedure and the number of root canals you’re having done, you’ll only be at our dental clinic for an hour or two at the most. Our goal is to get you in and out as quickly as possible so you can get back to your normal routine.

ARE ROOT CANALS PAINFUL?

As family dentists, we get this question all the time. One of the most common misconceptions about root canal therapy is that it’s excruciating, when in reality, root canal treatments are no more uncomfortable than a cavity filling. At Trillium Dental, we use local anesthesia to numb the area first, so patients don’t feel much during the treatment. However, they may experience some discomfort the day or two after their root canal procedure. If you experience any pain, our dentists recommend using an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen as needed.

HOW MUCH DO ROOT CANALS COST?

When it comes to dental treatments and procedures, the cost depends on your dental insurance coverage. In most cases, it’s far cheaper to save a damaged or decaying tooth than it is to extract it and replace it with a dental implant or denture restoration. If you have questions about the cost of root canals, feel free to reach out to our team at Trillium Dental for a cost estimate. We’d be happy to help you determine your coverage and form a treatment plan.

WILL I LOSE MY TOOTH?

Root canals are performed when a tooth is damaged or infected, but still has potential. Our dentists firmly believe that if a tooth can be saved, it should be. If we determine that your tooth is not fully decayed and will respond well to root canal treatment, we will perform a root canal to protect and preserve the tooth. However, if your tooth is too damaged to be saved, we’d be happy to discuss other restorative dentistry procedures with you instead, such as dental implants, dental bridges, and full and partial dentures.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A ROOT CANAL?

There are many signs and symptoms that your tooth has become infected, and some are more noticeable than others. Some of the most common signs are toothaches and pain when chewing, as well as heightened tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. You may also start to notice tooth discoloration in the infected area, in addition to swollen gums that are tender to the touch. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your local dental office right away to schedule a checkup.

CHOOSE OUR OTTAWA DENTAL CLINIC FOR YOUR ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Root canals don’t have to be painful or scary — in fact, they are meant to relieve pain. Our dentists have performed dozens of root canals and are here to help. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment in Downtown Ottawa, Alta Vista, Orléans, Stittsville, Kanata, or the Westgate or Bayshore Mall. We look forward to providing the quality dental care you deserve!