Reasons that you may need root canal treatment in Burlington, ON

If you’ve ever hard a toothache you understand that they can be extremely painful. Many patients come into our office assuming they’ll need a root canal treatment to alleviate the pain, however that isn’t always the case. Only a dentist can determine the source of your tooth pain and if you need root canal treatment, which is why it’s important to contact us as soon as you start experiencing symptoms to schedule a visit at our office in Burlington, ON. There are some common signs you can watch out for that may indicate the need for root canal treatment. At Mount Royal Dental, our team has the skill and knowledge you can trust to diagnose and treat your tooth pain. To schedule an appointment, call us at (905) 581-9912.

Why does a tooth need a root canal?

Inside the core of the tooth, beneath the enamel and dentin lies the pulp chamber. This pulp extends out through the root canals and contains the nerve tissue of the tooth. When this area is invaded by harmful bacteria or experiences trauma, it can become infected and damaged. If the infection is not treated with a root canal, it can cause a worsening infection and eventually loss of the tooth.

Common signs that you may need a root canal treatment:

• You notice a hole or large crack in the tooth
• You experience significant pain when chewing or feel pain when there is pressure put on the tooth
• Inflammation, redness, or tenderness of the gum tissue around the tooth
• Swelling around the cheeks or neck
• An abscess on the gum tissue near the painful tooth
• A sudden increase in sensitivity or persistent pain or sensitivity when consuming hot or cold food and beverages
• Darkening or discoloration of the tooth

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important to schedule a visit at our Burlington, ON dental practice. During the visit, our team will perform a thorough evaluation to determine if root canal treatment is necessary. Some of the indicators the dental team will watch for are:

• Dark spots located around the tip of the tooth in X-rays. X-ray imaging can often reveal infection that is not visible during a visual examination.
• Gum lesions. These small pimple-like areas can be draining areas for pus built up from the infection.
• Darkening of the tooth. A tooth that experiences a color change and appears darker than adjacent teeth is indicative of deep infection or nerve damage.
• Exposed nerves. If a restoration such as crown or filling has been lost it can leave exposed nerves that can cause severe pain and sensitivity to temperature.

Signs that you may need treatment other than a root canal

Just as it’s important to know when you might need immediate root canal treatment to save a tooth, it’s also important to know the symptoms of other dental issues that may require a different form of treatment.  These include:

• Intermittent toothaches that are not severe and may only occur if you eat or drink something hot or cold. This is a common occurrence after the recent placement of a dental crown or filling and may subside after a few weeks. If it does not go away, patients should schedule a follow-up visit.
• Transient pain that only occurs when eating something sugary or sweet. This is a common occurrence with patients who have cavities, a loose filling, or possibly even gum recession due to gum disease. While a root canal may not be necessary, treatment should still be sought as soon as possible.
• Swelling, sensitivity, or bleeding when you brush your teeth. This is a common occurrence with gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Make sure to schedule an appointment for evaluation to determine the cause of the issue and treatment options. Gingivitis can be cured easily when treatment is prompt, however when it’s left to advance it can cause irreparable damage to the smile.

At Mount Royal Dental, we offer a wide range of restorations, including root canal treatment to make sure your smile is healthy. If you live in or around the Burlington, ON area and have noticed any symptoms that we’ve highlighted, please call us at (905) 581-9912 to schedule an appointment today.

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