Dealing with a deep, throbbing toothache can be really hard. Most of the time, this pain is a sign that germs have reached the soft middle of your tooth. When looking for root canal therapy in Scarborough, ON, you want a team that helps you feel relaxed while saving your smile.
Finding a friendly dentist near you is the first step to getting rid of the pain. Even though some people feel nervous about this treatment, modern tools make it feel just like getting a regular filling.
Signs Your Tooth is Infected
A tooth infection doesn’t always hurt right away. Sometimes it starts as a dull ache that slowly gets worse. Spotting these signs early can help you save your tooth before it has to be pulled.
- Lasting Sensitivity: If your tooth hurts for a long time after drinking hot or cold drinks, the nerve might be sick.
- Swelling: Puffy gums or a small bump that looks like a pimple near the tooth means germs are deep inside.
- Colour Changes: If a tooth starts to look grey or dark, the inside may no longer be healthy.
- Pain When Biting: If it hurts only when you chew or touch the tooth, there is likely an infection at the root.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Inside every tooth, there is a soft area called the pulp. This area has nerves and blood vessels. If a deep cavity or a crack lets germs in, the pulp becomes infected.
The treatment involves cleaning out those germs from the tiny tunnels inside your tooth. After the tunnels are cleaned, they are sealed to keep germs from getting back in. This lets you keep your real tooth instead of getting a fake one.
What are the Steps to Fix an Infected Tooth
The treatment for the infected tooth is very straightforward. The goal is to relieve the pain and restore the tooth’s strength.
- Numbing: The dentist uses medicine so you won’t feel anything during the visit.
- Cleaning: Using minimal, precise tools, the dentist removes the sick pulp and cleans the inside of the tooth.
- Sealing: A special material is put inside the tooth to act as a barrier against new germs.
- The Final Touch: Since the tooth can be a bit weak after the germs are gone, a custom cap (crown) is usually placed on top to keep it from breaking.
Should You Save the Tooth or Pull It?
When a tooth is in bad shape, you usually have two choices: fix it or pull it. Most of the time, keeping your own tooth is much better for your health.
Fixing vs. Pulling
| Feature | Saving the Tooth | Pulling the Tooth |
| How it feels | Feels like your normal tooth | Leaves a gap that can be uncomfortable |
| How it looks | Keeps your natural smile | Can make other teeth shift around |
| Bone Health | Keeps your jawbone strong | Can cause the bone to shrink over time |
| Cost | One-time fix | Costs more later to get a fake tooth |
Taking Care of Your Tooth Afterwards
After your visit, your tooth might feel a little tender for a few days while it heals. This is totally normal.
- Eat Soft Foods: Try not to chew on that side until your final cap is put on.
- Keep Brushing: Even though the tooth is fixed, you still need to brush and floss to keep your gums healthy.
- Regular Visits: Keep going to your checkups so your dentist can make sure the tooth stays strong.
Getting Your Health Back on Track
Fixing a tooth infection early is the best way to avoid more pain and bigger surgeries later. A successful treatment relieves the pain and helps you eat and smile normally again.
We want to make sure your visit is easy, fast, and comfortable. By using the latest technology, we can help you keep your natural teeth for a very long time.
At Sheppard Markham Dental, we care about helping you feel your best without any dental pain holding you back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a root canal hurt?
No! With numbing medicine, it feels just like getting a cavity filled. It actually stops the pain you were already feeling.
How long does the appointment take?
Most visits take about an hour to an hour and a half. Sometimes it takes two visits if the infection is big.
Can an infection go away on its own?
No, a tooth infection will only get worse without help. It won’t heal like a cold or a cut.
Can I go back to work the same day?
Yes! Most people feel fine to go back to their normal day right after their appointment.
