Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Root Canal Therapy

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Root Canal Therapy

It is highly likely that you will have to deal with a tooth cavity at some point in your life. While cavities are a particularly prevalent in children and adolescents, they can also affect adults. Regular visits to the dentist can stop cavities before they start.

What Causes Tooth Cavities
Tooth cavities, also called dental caries by dentists, are tooth decay. Tooth decay is often accelerated by plaque build up. When plaque comes in contact with sugars and starches from foods, it produces acid, which can damage tooth enamel over time and lead to tooth decay.

Tooth Cavity Symptoms
We can identify dental cavities before most patients experience symptoms, so it is important to maintain regular dental check-ups. At appropriate intervals, digital dental x-rays can identify problems at a very early stage, which will minimise treatment needs.  In advanced stages of tooth decay, you might experience:

  • Toothache
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
  • Visible holes or pits in the teeth
  • Soreness around the gums

Tooth Cavity Treatment
If you already have cavities or if your teeth are showing signs of decay, Wright Street Dental clinic offers a range of general dentistry services to restore stability to the tooth and provide protection from future damage or decay.

  • Composite Dental Fillings – Composite fillings are placed in a single visit and are used to treat teeth with minor tooth decay.
  • Root Canal – If the tooth decay has advanced and is causing an infection at the root of the tooth, you may need a root canal. This procedure is the best way to treat a diseased tooth and avoid an extraction.

Dental Cavities are Highly Preventable
If you are experiencing tooth pain and suspect you have a tooth cavity, contact Wright Street Dental Clinic, Belmont, for a consultation and examination.

A root canal in Cloverdale, WA, protects your natural tooth and restores its strength and function, so you can continue chewing, speaking, and smiling comfortably.

Why Might You Need a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is usually recommended when a tooth shows signs of severe infection or damage, including:

  • Persistent tooth pain or a constant throbbing sensation
  • Sensitivity to cold or hot foods and drinks
  • Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the tooth
  • A darkening or discolouration of the tooth
  • Pain while biting or chewing

Addressing the issue quickly can prevent more severe infections or the need for tooth extraction.

Aftercare Tips

After a root canal, mild sensitivity or soreness is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers typically manage discomfort. To help your tooth heal properly:

  • Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored. 
  • Brush and floss carefully.
  • Attend follow-up appointments to place a crown, if needed, to ensure proper healing. 

Contact Us for a Gentle Root Canal in Cloverdale, WA

A root canal can save your natural tooth, protect your smile, and get you back to your daily life without pain.

Please give us a call today or book an appointment if you have any questions or need a checkup! 

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