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At Meadow Ridge Dental Centre, our primary objective is to help you preserve and maintain your natural teeth. Although we realize that may not always be possible, many dental procedures can help you keep your teeth, even if they have sustained damage or are partially decayed. One of those procedures is a root canal.
What Is a Root Canal?
Your teeth are made up of several different layers; the outer layer is the enamel. The layer beneath the enamel is known as dentin, and under the dentin is your tooth’s pulp or inner core. This inner core contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Once this inner core becomes infected, your dentist may recommend a root canal.
A root canal essentially cleans and disinfects this area and saves your tooth.
6 Reasons You Might Need a Root Canal
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be a candidate for a root canal:
1. Tooth pain – If your tooth hurts for a prolonged period, even if the pain comes and goes, you might need a root canal. Also, if you experience pain when you bite down, that could also indicate an infection.
2. Tooth sensitivity – If hot and cold temperatures make your tooth ache or cause sharp pain, your tooth’s blood vessels and nerves could be infected, and you might need a root canal.
3. Tooth discoloration – If your tooth’s pulp becomes infected, it can become darker. Tooth discoloration can also occur for other reasons, but you may need a root canal if your tooth turns grayish-black.
4. Swollen gums – If your gums are swelling around one of your teeth, it could be because of dead pulp tissues in your tooth, so you might need a root canal.
5. Chipped or cracked tooth – If you chip or crack a tooth, bacteria can get into the crack and cause inflammation or infection, so your dentist may recommend a root canal.
6. Loose tooth – If your tooth feels loose, it could be the result of your jawbone softening because of a dying nerve in your tooth. If this happens, you may need to undergo root canal therapy.
Do You Need a Root Canal in Maple Ridge?
If you are experiencing tooth pain or any other symptoms outlined above, please call us! We can help determine whether you need root canal therapy and get you back to your busy life as soon as possible. You can contact our dental office at (604) 467-5944.