When dental pain becomes a constant part of your day, this is your body’s way of telling you that something needs attention. At Northwest Dental Centre, our team can help you find the source of the problem.
Ignoring signals from your body can lead to bigger problems down the road. A root canal is a straightforward procedure that can save your natural tooth, relieve the pain, and stop an infection from spreading.
What a Root Canal Is & Why You Might Need One
You may have heard stories about root canals, but the goal of the procedure is simple—to save your tooth. Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called pulp. If this area becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, a crack, or an injury, it can cause significant pain and may require emergency dental care.
A root canal carefully cleans out damaged tissue from inside the tooth. After being cleaned, the tooth is then filled and sealed. This helps stop discomfort and restores your tooth so that you can chew and speak without pain again.
Key Symptoms & Warning Signs
Your body often gives clear clues when a tooth is in trouble. While a dental exam is the only way to know for sure, certain symptoms tend to suggest that a tooth may need attention:
- Persistent Pain: A toothache that doesn’t go away. You may also feel pain deep in the bone of your jaw.
- Lingering Sensitivity: Discomfort from hot or cold foods and drinks that lasts for more than a few seconds.
- Swollen Gums: The gums around a specific tooth may be tender, swollen, or puffy.
Other Visible Clues
Sometimes, the signs of a problem are visible. It’s a good idea to look at your teeth and gums regularly. A change in appearance can be just as important as a change in how your tooth feels.
Look for:
- A chip or crack in your tooth, which can let bacteria in.
- Discolouration of one tooth, which may make it look darker than the others.
- A small, pimple-like bump on your gums near the painful tooth.
Why You Should Address Tooth Pain Quickly
When you feel tooth pain, it’s tempting to hope that it will just disappear. However, addressing the problem quickly can make a big difference for your long-term dental health. Taking action helps you keep your natural tooth, which is often the most effective option for your bite and jaw alignment.
An infection in a tooth can also spread to your jaw, face, or even other parts of your body. Knowing how to handle dental emergencies is key to protecting your health and preventing the problem from becoming more serious. This also helps you avoid more complex and costly dental work in the future.
The Root Canal Procedure: What to Expect
A root canal is a common treatment that’s focused on making you feel better. Here’s what to expect:
- The dentist numbs the area around your tooth, so that you don’t feel anything during the procedure.
- Next, the inside of the tooth is carefully and thoroughly cleaned to remove the damaged tissue.
- Finally, the clean space is filled and sealed to protect the tooth from future problems.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Many people worry about pain during the procedure, but a root canal is meant to relieve the pain you’re already feeling from the infection. Modern methods, numbing agents, and the possibility of sedation help make the process a comfortable experience.
The discomfort of an infected tooth is usually much worse than the procedure itself.
Life After a Root Canal
Your tooth might feel a little sensitive for a few days after the procedure, but this is a normal part of the healing process. You can typically manage such discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication. It’s also helpful to chew on the other side of your mouth until your dentist places a permanent filling or dental crown to fully protect the tooth.
Your Care & What to Do Next
If you see signs that your tooth is in trouble, the next step is a dental exam. A thorough assessment helps us identify the cause of your discomfort and find a solution that helps you feel better. As your dentist in NW Calgary, we can look at the tooth and explain your options.
If tooth pain is affecting your daily life, our team at Northwest Dental Centre is here to help you find a comfortable, customized solution. Contact our office to book an appointment and get back to feeling like yourself again.
