
No patient wants to hear the dreaded words, “You need root canal therapy.” But the truth is, there is nothing to fear with this procedure. While root canals often stir panic because they are thought of as painful, they actually work really effectively to alleviate pain. In fact, root canals are not much different than a traditional filling and prevent the need for tooth extraction which can cause more dental issues down the road. At Mount Royal Dental, we work hard to dispel the myths surrounding root canals, so patients understand their importance. Here are some common signs that you may benefit from a root canal procedure.
Tooth pain is one of the top reasons we see patients in our office, and it is typically a sign that something is wrong with the root of the tooth. If routine activities such as drinking or chewing cause pain, you should schedule an appointment to come in for an evaluation as soon as possible. After an examination, we can determine if the cause of the pain is an infection of the blood vessels or nerves. In these cases, antibiotics along with root canal therapy can eliminate the infection and alleviate the pain.
There are many reasons a tooth may break including: biting down on hard foods, sports or other traumatic injuries, and failed dental restorations. If a tooth is cracked or broken, the nerve bundles may become exposed which can lead to an infection. Untreated tooth infections can spread to other areas via the bloodstream. Root canal therapy will prevent spreading of infection and future pain.
Many individuals have sensitive teeth, but if you notice an increase in sensitivity, to the point that you experience a toothache/pain when you consume hot drinks, this can be a sign that you may need root canal therapy.
Similarly, cold foods and drinks can cause pain to individuals with a tooth infection due to contact with the highly sensitive nerve bundles and blood vessels.
Darkening and discoloration of the tooth can occur due to poor oral hygiene but can also be a sign of infection and nerve damage deep inside the tooth. Once the tooth becomes discolored due to nerve damage, a root canal procedure followed by a dental crown is the only way to save the natural tooth and improve its appearance.
When tooth decay first begins to occur, it can often be reversed with an improvement in oral hygiene and in some cases, a small filling to repair a cavity. However, when decay is left untreated, it will continue to spread down to the root of the tooth, causing irreparable damage. For instances of deep tooth decay, root canal therapy becomes the preferred method to eliminate the decay. A dental crown will then be placed over the remaining tooth structure to strengthen it and prevent further decay or damage.
The most important thing to understand is that once the nerves and tooth root are damaged due to decay or infection, the problem will not go away. In fact, without treatment, the problem will continue to worsen, impacting the gum tissue and bone structure, and lead to extensive restorative dental work.
Root canal therapy is a safe way to restore oral health by eliminating infection and protecting the natural structure of the tooth. Living with damaged teeth is far more painful than having root canal therapy. Following the procedure, most patients are relieved to find out that it was virtually painless.
It is possible to prevent root canal procedures by following a few simple rules:
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms that we discussed above, it could mean that you need a root canal. Give us a call at (905) 581-9912 to set up an appointment.
Dr. Sam Gupta is renowned for his expertise in Implant dentistry and full mouth rehabilitation. Graduating with honours from the University of Toronto, ‘Dr. Sam’ quickly garnered accolades, including a gold medal for excellence in oral medicine and diagnosis and “The Normal Levine award” for overall excellence in dental school.
His commitment to education extends to having taught at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Dentistry and participating in monthly continuing education courses to stay abreast of dental advancements. Dr Sam always stays at the cutting edge with technological advancements and has incorporated Lasers, CT scan, GBT teeth cleaning, Digital dentistry and many other technologies to make sure patients receive the best care possible.
He prioritises building rapport with patients, ensuring they understand their treatment options. Having many families from 3-4 generations is a true testament to Dr Sam’s vision of having a caring and competent family dental practice.
Dr. Liliana Otrocol has over a decade of experience in dentistry. Since joining Mount Royal Dental in 2005, following her graduation from the University of Toronto, ‘Dr. Lili’ has been committed to providing exceptional dental care. Her passion for dentistry is evident in her personalised approach to each patient, ensuring comfort and trust with every procedure. She is an active member of the Burlington Dental Association and Ontario Dental Association.
Dr. Swati Khanna has extensive experience in family dentistry. A University of Toronto graduate, she specialises in root canal therapy, dentures, extractions, and children’s dentistry. Dr. Khanna is renowned for her gentle touch and soothing demeanour, which help alleviate the fears of even the most anxious young patients. Her commitment to oral health is evident through her active participation in community initiatives like ‘Brush-a-mania’ in Burlington schools and her volunteer work to benefit underprivileged families in the Dominican Republic.
Dr. Hina Sohail earned her Biochemistry degree from McMaster University and an MBA from the DeGroote School of Business. Then, she pursued dentistry at the University of Manitoba. Now a licensed dentist in Ontario, Dr. Sohail excels in general dentistry, prioritising comprehensive and conservative treatment. She is an active member of the Canadian Dental Association, Ontario Dental Association, and Hamilton Academy of Dentistry. She is known for her gentle demeanour and commitment to patient education.
Dr. Abhishek Apratim began his dental journey in India, where he earned a Master’s in prosthodontics and practised as a specialist for six years. Then, he served as a faculty member at a Malaysian dental school. In pursuit of further knowledge, Dr. Apratim graduated with high honours from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honour society in 2020. He is skilled in oral surgery, endodontics, aesthetic dentistry, and dentures.
Dr. Shakti Singh is an orthodontic specialist in Ontario. Originally from New Delhi, he was an outstanding student, earning an Indian Dental Association Scholarship. After moving to Canada, Dr. Singh ranked first in the Canadian Dental Board’s Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge exam in 2012. He completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Toronto, securing one of only three spots available for internationally-trained orthodontists in Canada. As a certified LightForce provider, Dr. Singh uses advanced 3D printing technology to deliver customised orthodontic solutions.
Dr. Robert Barron earned his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from Tufts University in Boston, followed by specialised training at Hadassah Medical Centre in Jerusalem and the University of Toronto. Since 2004, he has served the Vaughan community and joined Mount Royal Dental in 2014. He specialises in oral surgery, including dental implants and complex extractions. Dr. Barron is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, a Diplomate of the National Dental Board of Anesthesia, and a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Ontario Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He has been involved in many research and international presentations.
Dr. Amy Yeung is a periodontist specialising in gum health. With a Master’s degree in periodontal studies from the University of Toronto, she has contributed significantly to research in metabolic disease, earning accolades for her thorough and high-quality work. Since 2009, Dr. Yeung has been a trusted member of the Mount Royal Dental team. She prioritises patient education, ensuring they understand their treatment options and feel confident in their care plan.
Dr. Elizabeth Geisler is an endodontist. She graduated with Honours from the University of Toronto in 2013, earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Then, she completed a comprehensive residency at a Level 1 Trauma Center in New York. In 2016, she completed her specialised endodontic training at Nova Southeastern University. As a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a part-time clinical instructor at the University of Toronto, Dr. Geisler is heavily involved in dental education. She is a member of the Ontario Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, and the Ontario Society of Endodontists and is in the process of becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics.