How many times have you heard someone express dread at the thought of root canal therapy in Newcastle? It is one of those dental treatments that has an undeservedly poor reputation, but it isn’t something you should fear, and it will feel little different from having a filling. Root canal therapy will help relieve discomfort and pain, and it is an excellent way to save a tooth that has become badly infected. Without root canal treatment our dentist would have to extract an infected tooth, which is something we always try very hard avoid unless there is no other choice.

Why Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?


We will recommend root canal therapy in Bowmanville if you have a tooth that has become badly decayed or damaged, letting in bacteria. When bacteria get deep inside a tooth then the very center of the tooth, called the pulp, can become infected. Your tooth pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, which is why this infection is frequently so painful. Treatment removes the pulp and tissues extending from the pulp into your root canals, in the tooth roots. When a tooth is developing then the pulp helps it to grow, but once a tooth is fully grown then it can generally survive quite well without it. Removing the infected pulp eliminates infection, pain, and discomfort and afterward, our dentist can restore the tooth, allowing you to bite, chew and smile in comfort.

How Do I Know if I Have a Tooth Infection?


The most common symptom is persistent pain or feeling discomfort when you bite down, but sometimes the pain might disappear, not because the infection has cleared up, but because the nerves in your tooth have died. Unfortunately, the infection will still be present and needs professional dental care to eliminate it. Other possible symptoms include having a nasty taste or bad breath or noticing the gum around the tooth looks red and swollen and it could be tender to touch. If the infection is particularly bad, a pimple might form on the gums.

What to Do If You Think You Have a Tooth Infection


Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with West Bowmanville Family Dental so we can look after you. Our Courtice dentist will gently examine the affected tooth and will most likely take an x-ray to see the extent of the infection. The x-ray also allows us to plan our treatment because it will show your root canals in the tooth roots, all of which must be thoroughly cleaned during root canal therapy.

What to Expect during Root Canal Therapy?


If you do need root canal treatment, we will take every precaution to ensure you feel comfortable, carefully numbing the tooth before we begin. Once completed, your tooth will be sealed and is fully restored at a later date after the tooth has completely settled down. We generally recommend restoring a root-treated tooth with a dental crown in Clarington, as this will provide excellent protection and will ensure your tooth looks good, feels comfortable and can be used to bite and chew normally.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care for a Tooth Infection?


Please do not ignore dental pain because the sooner we can provide treatment, the more quickly you will feel comfortable. When left untreated, a bad tooth infection could become life-threatening.