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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!

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Dental crowns have been used for decades as a way to protect and restore damaged teeth, rather than extracting them altogether. They offer reinforcement for cracked or broken teeth, and they are always used to “cap” teeth that have undergone root canal treatment for added protection. Without dental crowns, dental bridges, and other restorative dentistry techniques, many patients would require tooth extractions and dental implant replacements.

At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, our dentists are firm believers that no tooth replacement is as good as natural teeth, which is why we do everything in our power to save patients’ teeth and only use extraction as a last resort. Contact one of our dental clinics in Alta Vista, Kanata, Orleans, Downtown Ottawa, Stittsville, Stittsville West, or the Bayshore Mall, Westgate Mall to book an appointment, or continue reading to learn more about the dental crowns we offer.

TRADITIONAL DENTAL CROWNS

As previously mentioned, traditional dental crowns are used to cover a damaged tooth, such as a tooth that has been cracked or broken. Dental crowns are also a critical part of root canal therapy because they act as a shield to protect the brittle tooth underneath. This is due to the fact that during a root canal procedure, your dentist drills into the tooth and removes the infected pulpy center that would otherwise keep the tooth alive and strong. When a rubbery replacement is inserted into the empty cavity, the tooth becomes weak and requires reinforcement so it doesn’t break under pressure. During the root canal treatment, a temporary dental crown is fitted to the tooth and protects it until the patient comes in for their second appointment, where a permanent dental crown is bound to the tooth.

Traditional dental crowns aren’t always white, either. Some are made of stainless steel (usually temporary), metal, or a metal alloy, while others have porcelain fused to the metal or are completely ceramic. It really just depends on what is offered at your family dental clinic and for how much. Nonetheless, traditional dental crowns offer permanent protection for teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted.

CEREC® CROWNS

At many of our Ottawa dentist offices, we are pleased to offer CEREC dental crowns for patients who want a more discreet solution for their damaged or brittle teeth. Thanks to recent advancements in CAD-CAM dental technology, these white tooth crowns are just as strong as traditional dental crowns that are made with metal, but they look perfectly natural. Plus, dentists are able to create as many permanent CEREC crowns as patients need in one single appointment, eliminating the hassle of temporary dental crowns. So, say goodbye to weeks of dealing with metal crowns and get all of your dental crowns in one appointment at Trillium Dental!

MAKE YOUR NEXT DENTAL APPOINTMENT AT TRILLIUM DENTAL IN OTTAWA

Now that you know a bit more about the different kinds of dental crowns we offer at our Ottawa dental clinics, it’s time to quit putting off that root canal treatment or forgetting to cap that chipped molar. Contact Trillium Dental today to make an appointment or book your next dental exam online!

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Root canals seem to have gotten a bad rap over the years, perhaps due to exaggerated stories, fictional movies, and the fact that not many people actually know what root canal treatment is. Obviously, root canals aren’t as scary or painful as the dentist in Finding Nemo makes them seem, so our team at Trillium Dental in Ottawa is here to debunk some common myths about root canal therapy and tell you everything you need to know before you visit our dental clinic for a root canal.

ROOT CANALS REMOVE THE NERVE OF A TOOTH

First and foremost, the purpose of root canals is to remove the pulpy center of an infected tooth in order to save the tooth itself from deteriorating or falling out. To do this, your dentist will first numb the area with a local anesthetic and apply a dental dam to keep the site free of saliva and bacteria. Then, they will drill a small opening at the crown of the tooth (remember, the area is numb) so they can gently remove the infected or damaged nerve. Once the pulp has been taken out, your dentist will clean out the cavity and insert a synthetic nerve replacement to fill in the space and support the tooth before resealing the hole. To complete the root canal treatment, your dentist will seal the hole with a dental filling and send you on your way!

ROOT CANALS ARE LESS PAINFUL THAN YOU THINK

As previously mentioned, lots of people seem to be under the impression that root canals are an incredibly painful dental procedure — however, this is not always the case. After all, a local anesthetic is applied to the area well before your dentist starts drilling, and even then, all you’ll really feel is a little vibration. Any pain you experience from a root canal treatment will likely be after the anesthesia has worn off, which you can remedy by taking iBuprofen, aspirin, or any other kind of over-the-counter pain medication from your local drugstore (in moderation, of course). In most cases, any lingering pain from a root canal treatment will wear off in just a few days if you maintain good brushing and flossing habits.

THE PURPOSE OF ROOT CANALS IS TO SAVE THE TOOTH

Most dental professionals will tell you that tooth extraction is their last course of action, and that they would much rather save your natural tooth. This is because teeth are much easier to save than replace (unless you want dental implants or a partial denture), especially if the issue is an infected nerve that can be removed in a single dental appointment. The fact of the matter is that if bacteria finds its way into the nerve of a tooth (via a crack, cavity, or broken filling), it will attack and destroy the pulp, which cannot repair itself. This bacteria can even infect and weaken the tooth itself, leading to tooth decay and potentially a missing tooth.

Obviously, the best way to avoid this is by being diligent about brushing and flossing your teeth, in addition to visiting your local dentist for bi-annual teeth cleanings and x-rays. However, these nerve infections can still happen when you least expect them, and it’s best to catch them early so you can remedy the situation before it’s too late. That’s why we offer a range of restorative dentistry procedures here at Trillium Dental — our mission is to do whatever it takes to save your teeth, even if that means removing a damaged nerve or applying dental crowns or dental bridges. Anyone in the field of family dentistry will agree that nothing is better than having natural teeth, even though there are other options out there like same-day dental implants.

ROOT CANAL SYMPTOMS AREN’T ALWAYS OBVIOUS

Lots of patients who visit our Ottawa dental clinic for a root canal treatment didn’t even know they had a damaged or infected nerve under their tooth until we discovered it. That’s because these infections are subtle at first and disguise themselves as temporary toothaches or tooth sensitivity. However, these symptoms will worsen with time as the infection attacks the pulp, so it’s best to make a dental appointment to have things checked out before they get worse. Here are some symptoms to watch out for if you think you might need a root canal:

• Severe, persistent tooth pain when chewing
• Heightened tooth sensitivity (especially when exposed to hot or cold temperatures)
• Tooth discoloration
• Tender, swollen gums

SCHEDULE A DENTAL APPOINTMENT AT TRILLIUM DENTAL IN OTTAWA

At the end of the day, root canals aren’t as big a deal as many people make them out to be, as the procedure is quick and recovery time is short. Plus, the anesthesia eliminates most (if not all) of the pain during the treatment, which means that you can have the damaged nerve removed and the cavity filled without feeling any pain at all. That being said, it’s still good to have some over-the-counter pain relievers on hand for a few days after the root canal so you can offset any pain you experience as your tooth recovers.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a damaged or infected nerve mentioned above, be sure to visit your local dental clinic as soon as possible. While you could be experiencing a minor toothache, it is still worth it to make sure you don’t have an infected nerve that will turn into a larger problem down the road. Contact us today to learn more about root canal treatments, and book your dental appointment at Trillium Dental in Ottawa!

Restorative dentistry encompasses many different forms of oral surgeries and procedures, from replacing missing teeth and repairing those that are damaged to inserting dental implants and performing root canal treatments. With so many things falling under this umbrella, not many people outside the medical community know what restorative dentistry entails. That being said, here is a little more information about the restorative dentistry procedures we offer at Trillium Dental in Ottawa.

DENTAL IMPLANTS

A procedure commonly performed in the field of periodontics, dental implants are a solution for many patients with missing or deteriorating teeth. At our family dental office, we offer implant-retained dentures that allow patients to eat, drink, and speak as they would with natural teeth. We do this by removing what’s left of the damaged tooth and replacing it with a small titanium post and crown by securing it to the underlying jawbone. Over time, the permanent dental implant will stimulate additional jawbone growth and result in a perfectly functioning set of teeth.

Given that our Smile-In-A-Day dental implants come in the form of implant-retained dentures, they are a great alternative for people with traditional dentures. Rather than falling out and sliding around in your mouth as you speak and chew, our dental implants remain secured in place and don’t inhibit these necessary daily functions.

ROOT CANAL TREATMENTS

Another component of restorative dentistry is root canal treatments, which aim to remove damaged nerve (the “pulpy” center) from the tooth. This is done by numbing the area with a local anesthetic, drilling a small hole in the tooth, and clearing out the bacteria inside. Then your dentist will fill the hole with a sealer and cap it with a dental crown to protect it from further damage, leaving you with a reinforced, functional tooth.

TRADITIONAL & CEREC® DENTAL CROWNS

For many reasons, patients often require either traditional or CEREC® dental crowns to cover up and protect decayed teeth from further damage. This could be a follow-up restorative dentistry procedure from root canal treatments, a component of dental bridging, or an improvement of the appearance of a tooth. At Trillium Dental, we now use CEREC® CAD-CAM technology, so the procedure can be completed in just one appointment rather than two, which is the case with traditional dental crowns.

DENTAL BRIDGES

Also called fixed bridges, dental bridges are a type of prosthetic that secures fake teeth to the surrounding dental crowns (known as the anchor teeth). Dental bridges aim to support the false teeth by permanently adhering to the tooth crowns, keeping them firmly in place so that the fake tooth, or dental implant, is secure. This procedure requires two dental visits, where the first one consists of your dentist filing down the anchor teeth and capping them with temporary dental crowns and bridges, and the second one consists of your dentist replacing the temporary bridge fixture with a permanent one on the anchor teeth via dental cement.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT AT TRILLIUM DENTAL

If you’d like to learn more about restorative dentistry, visit the page on our website or give us a call! Our dentists and dental hygienists at Trillium Dental in Ottawa would be happy to answer any questions you may have. And, if you think you might need a restorative dentistry procedure, don’t hesitate to request an appointment online!

Do the words “root canal” send shivers down your spine? For many patients it does. The fear likely stems from the distant past, when root canals were performed without modern tools or anesthetics. Today’s root canal treatment is a safe, effective, and relatively comfortable procedure, often completed in just one visit.

So, What Is A Root Canal?

A root canal is a treatment to remove the infection from inside the tooth. The infection can occur after a deep cavity, large crack, or fracture leaves the inside of the tooth susceptible to bacteria. The rest is often pain and swelling, which can be alleviated with root canal treatment.

When we’ve removed the infected nerve, we’ll remove any debris or bacteria left behind and fill your canal with a special sealer. The last step is putting a filling on the exterior of your tooth, and then you’re done.

Follow-up care involves thorough brushing and flossing at home and regular visits to one of our Trillium Dental offices for cleanings and checkups. After root canal treatment has been completed, your restored tooth can potentially last you for a lifetime.

Still Have Questions?

If you still have questions about concerns about root canal therapy, teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry don’t hesitate to give one of our offices a call. We have locations in Ottawa, Nepean, Kanata, and Stittsville and one of our doctors would be happy to meet with you.