If you are experiencing tooth pain, you may be wondering, “How do I know if I need a root canal?” A root canal procedure can help to solve the problem if the inside of your tooth is infected or the nerve is damaged. A dentist in Port Coquitlam can examine your tooth and let you know what is happening.
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Root canal therapy in Port Coquitlam is often the right option if you want to save your badly damaged tooth and stop your pain.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure to remove an infection inside a tooth. Your teeth are made up of soft tissue called pulp. Your tooth pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp is infected, you can experience severe pain.
A root canal:
- Removes infected pulp
- Cleans and seals the inside of the tooth
- It is a procedure that aims to save the natural tooth
Sound scary? Root canals are common procedures and are safe and effective at relieving pain! If you are still wondering, “How to know if I need a root canal?” then continue reading the blog.
Common Symptoms of Needing a Root Canal
| Symptom | What Could it Mean? |
| Pain when chewing | Nerve damage inside the tooth |
| Sensitive to hot or cold | You could have tooth nerve damage |
| Swollen or red gums | Possible infection |
| Bump on the gums | Abscess (pocket of pus) |
| Dark-colored tooth | The nerve inside the tooth is dying |
| Loose tooth | Bone around the tooth is infected |
Cavity or Root Canal? How to Tell the Difference
| Problem | Cavity | Root Canal Needed |
| Pain | Mild to moderate | Sharp or throbbing pain |
| Sensitivity | Short-lasting with sweets | Long-lasting with hot/cold |
| Gum Swelling | Usually none | Often present |
| Tooth Color | Normal | May turn gray or dark |
| Treatment | Filling | Root canal and crown |
What Causes Nerve Damage?
You may need a root canal because:
- There was a deep cavity that was never treated
- There is a cracked or chipped tooth
- You had many dental procedures on the same tooth
- Injury or trauma to your face
Once a nerve of your tooth is damaged, it will not recover on its own. When that happens, root canal therapy will be required.
How Does a Dentist Know If I Need a Root Canal?
A dentist near you will:
- Ask you about your pain and symptoms
- Do some tests on the tooth to see how your tooth reacts to heat, cold, and pressure
- Take an X-ray that will determine if there is an infection or damage
Then will decide if a root canal would be the best way to proceed.
Can I Avoid a Root Canal?
Yes! You can protect your teeth by:
- Brushing your teeth and flossing daily
- Visiting your dentist two times per year
- Fixing cavities early before they become worse
- Wearing a mouth guard if you are a teeth grinder
Root canals can happen with the best of intentions, but they will ultimately save your tooth and stop your pain.
Don’t Wait – See A Professional!
If your tooth hurts or feels different, you should get it checked out and not ignore it. At Poco Comfort Dentistry, we are here to help get you smiling in comfort. We have modern techniques and care to make treatment better and easier to take. We explain everything so you are comfortable and confident in your decisions.
We want you to feel comfortable, your time to be respected, and your long-term health to be tended to. Come see why so many families in Port Coquitlam trust us with their smiles!
Book your visit today with Poco Comfort Dentistry — your comfort and care are our priority.
