Talk about “root canals” with someone, and you’re probably not going to see them light up with joy. A root canal is a serious dental restoration, but it’s one that can relieve toothaches caused by bacterial infections inside a tooth.

That’s why you need to call Lakewood Dental Centre today at 204-977-8515 if you are having tooth pain. Dr. McDermid and Dr. Dhillon can use digital X-rays to help determine if that pain is being caused by an infection. This is very important because you might need to have that tooth removed if the infection gets too bad.

What Is A Root Canal?

Your mouth is home to harmful bacteria. When they are found on your gums, they can lead to gum disease. Find them on your teeth, and you could be facing cavities. But what happens if they get inside a tooth?

Inside your tooth is dental pulp, home to the nerve endings and blood vessels for that tooth. Bacteria infecting your dental pulp often creates a toothache. It might come and go, or it might be constant, but it hurts. This infection also begins to turn your enamel brittle. If the infection is never removed, you will likely lose the tooth.

That’s where a root canal can help. In this restorative dentistry treatment, Dr. McDermid or Dr. Dhillon will normally follow these steps:

  • The area is numbed using a local anesthetic.
  • A small opening is made in the enamel to reach the dental pulp.
  • The infected dental pulp is gently removed.
  • The space left over is filled with an inert material.
  • A dental crown is placed over the tooth to seal it and make sure it’s stronger.

What Are The Signs You Might Need A Root Canal?

Since the infection lies below your enamel, it’s not something you can immediately see. Then how do you know if you need a root canal? A digital X-ray is normally used to see the infected dental pulp, but here are some signs to look out for.

  • Tooth pain when you chew.
  • Tooth pain when enjoying hot or cold foods.
  • A toothache that comes and goes.
  • Swollen or tender gums around one tooth in particular.
  • A discolored tooth (that’s not due to stains like the rest of your teeth).

If you are experiencing any of these problems, call us today at 204-977-8515 and schedule an appointment.

Tips For Not Needing A Root Canal

Root canals do a very important thing. By removing that infection, they can stop whatever pain it was causing. It can also save the tooth. However, not needing a root canal is probably a good call. Here are some ways you can lower your risk of needing a root canal.

– Brush and floss regularly.

The bacteria behind these tooth infections (and cavities, and gum disease) survive by eating tiny particles of food trapped on your teeth and gums. That’s why regular brushing and flossing is so important to your dental health — they can get rid of some food particles to help control those harmful bacteria.

– Get a dental crown if you have a cracked tooth.

If you had an accident or sports injury, you might have cracked your tooth. Sometimes, these don’t hurt. You might be tempted to ignore it and just get on with your life. However, that’s a bad idea. Any such crack can create an opening to your dental pulp. This makes it easier for bacteria to get inside that tooth and infect it.

Instead, you can get a dental crown. This cap looks like a real tooth. It seals up the visible part of the tooth, making it incredibly difficult for bacteria to slip through any crack on that part.

– Repair any cavities as soon as possible.

One way bacteria reach your dental pulp is when a cavity is ignored for too long. Tooth decay keeps growing until those bacteria are removed. Eventually, it can grow deep enough to break through to the dental pulp, allowing those bacteria to infect it. That’s why it’s so important to repair cavities with dental fillings and dental crowns as soon as you can.

– Visit a dentist regularly for dental exams.

Call our Winnipeg dental office today at 204-977-8515 or use our online form to schedule your next dental exam. A cavity can’t be repaired until you know it’s there, and that’s what a dental exam can uncover. And if you are having any tooth pain, call us and explain what’s going on. Dr. Dhillon and Dr. McDermid are here to help you.