Say Goodbye to Tooth Pain: Why Root Canal Therapy Might Be Your Smile Saver



Say Goodbye to Tooth Pain: Why Root Canal Therapy Might Be Your Smile Saver

Saturday, March 22nd, 2025

Root canal therapy is a dental treatment used to treat infection at the root of a tooth—called the pulp. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause intense pain. That’s where root canal treatment comes in.

Think of it like a deep cleaning for the inside of your tooth, followed by sealing it up to protect it from further damage.

Here’s everything you need to know about root canal therapy.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root-canal-Treatment

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to treat infection or inflammation inside a tooth. This infection usually happens when the soft tissue (called the pulp) becomes damaged due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or trauma.

Rather than removing the tooth, root canal treatment cleans out the infected area, seals it, and helps prevent future problems.

Common Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

You won’t always see the issue, but your body may be telling you something’s wrong. Watch for these symptoms:

  • Persistent toothache or sharp pain when chewing
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
  • Swollen or tender gums near the painful tooth
  • A small bump (abscess) on your gums
  • Darkening or discoloration of the tooth

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive exam with your dentist.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

At Brookmere Dental Group, root canal therapy is straightforward and comfortable. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  1. Diagnosis & Imaging: We’ll take digital X-rays to assess the damage.
  2. Local Anesthetic: You’ll be completely numbed to keep you relaxed and pain-free.
  3. Cleaning the Root Canals: Using special tools, we clean out the infection and bacteria.
  4. Sealing the Tooth: The canals are filled and sealed to prevent future infections.
  5. Restoration: In many cases, we recommend a dental crown to protect and strengthen the tooth.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

A root canal isn’t just about stopping pain—it’s about saving your natural tooth and preventing future dental issues. Here are some key benefits:

  • Eliminates infection and pain
  • Preserves your natural tooth
  • Improves chewing and speaking ability
  • Restores aesthetics with a natural-looking crown
  • Prevents jawbone deterioration caused by tooth loss

Remember, keeping your natural tooth is always better than replacing it with a bridge or implant when possible.

Why Save the Tooth?

One of the biggest benefits of root canal therapy is that it lets you keep your natural tooth—which is always better than extraction. Losing a tooth can affect your chewing, appearance, and may even lead to shifting of nearby teeth. Plus, it often requires more complex work like dental implants.

How Long Is the Recovery?

Most people return to normal activities the next few days. You might feel some tenderness, but over-the-counter pain medication usually does the trick. Any discomfort should improve in a few days.

If you ever feel prolonged pain or swelling after your procedure, contact a denstist right away.

Root Canal Myths vs. Facts

Let’s bust a few common myths:

Myth: Root canals are extremely painful.

Fact: With modern techniques and anesthesia, they feel similar to getting a filling.

Myth: You’ll lose the tooth anyway.

Fact: A successful root canal can keep your tooth healthy for a lifetime.

Myth: Tooth extraction is better.

Fact: Saving your natural tooth is always the preferred option when possible.

Root Canal Therapy vs. Tooth Extraction: Which Is Better?

While tooth extraction might seem like a quicker fix, it often leads to more complex (and costly) procedures down the road, like dental implants or bridges.

Root canal treatment is the more tooth-friendly option. It allows you to keep your natural smile intact and avoid changes in your bite alignment.

Trust Your Smile to Brookmere Dental Group

Whether you’re experiencing tooth pain or looking for a second opinion, our experienced dentists in Coquitlam is here to help.

We offer gentle, effective root canal therapy and a full range of general, preventive, and cosmetic dental services.

Don’t ignore the pain—your teeth are talking. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward relief and a healthier smile.


OFFICE HOURS

Monday: 9am-5pm
Tuesday: 9am-7pm
Wednesday: 9am-7pm
Thursday: 9am-7pm
Friday: 9am-5pm
Saturdays: 9am-5pm
Sunday: Closed
Closed on Sat holidays
CONTACT INFORMATION

Brookmere Dental Group
Phone: 604-373-7692
101-531 North Rd
Coquitlam, BCV3J 1N7
Email: info@brookmeredental.com

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