A root canal is one of the dental procedures we’re required to do quite often. This is necessary when the interior of a tooth has been damaged by infection or decay. During a root canal, our Scarborough dentist removes the root of the tooth including the blood vessels and nerves. The root area is then cleaned thoroughly and sealed to restore your tooth to its full functionality.

Here are 7 common root canal symptoms that show you have infection that needs to be addressed.

1. Persistent Dental Pain

Pain is often one of the earliest signs that you have a tooth root problem. If you find it hurts to eat and drink, it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible. Alternative causes of the pain could be:

•         gum disease
•        a tooth cavity
•        referred pain from a sinus infection or a similar problem
•        a damaged tooth filling
•        an impacted tooth that may be infected.

If a dental examination shows that you have developed inflammation in the tooth root from an infection, however, antibiotics are not usually very helpful. A root canal procedure may be the best solution for relief.

2. Gum Swelling

Any form of gum inflammation and swelling is a sign of potential infection. The swelling might be accompanied by pain or raised bumps, and it could come and go without warning. Swellings that are tender to the touch or that ooze pus could be caused by an abscess. Root canal therapy is the best treatment for most of these conditions.

3. Tooth Discolouration

If one or more teeth begin changing to a darker shade, this could be caused either by poor oral hygiene or food and drink staining the enamel. It could also be the result of nerve damage below the surface of the tooth. During an examination, our dentists will identify whether a root canal in our Scarborough office will prevent further damage.

4. Tooth Sensitivity

If a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive to hot or cold substances, it could be a sign that the nerves or blood vessels are damaged. This is one of the most common root canal causes cited by patients consulting with our office to find out why they experience oral pain. Typically, irreversible inflammation of the nerve that necessitates a root canal presents with hot or cold sensitivity that lingers for over 30 seconds after the stimulus is removed. Spontaneous pain or pain that wakes you up in the middle of the night are also indications the inflammation will not get better without a root canal.

5. Pressure Sensitivity

If it hurts you to put pressure on a tooth, causing sensitivity that lasts for several days or weeks without improving, you could have a damaged tooth root. Getting an early examination followed by a root canal procedure in our Scarborough office can help you to prevent the infection from spreading, and eliminate the pain forever.

6. Deep Tooth Decay

When dental cavities are neglected or left for too long, they can spread down into the tooth root and affect the nerves. This will cause you pain and discomfort, an unpleasant odour on your breath, and could potentially affect your overall wellness. Cleaning out the decayed tooth and root area and sealing it with a dental crown is the best option for restoring the tooth and recapturing your attractive smile.

7. Cracked and Broken Tooth

A broken, cracked or chipped tooth can lose some of its enamel and result in the nerves below the surface becoming exposed. When this happens, it’s easier for bacteria to enter the area and cause tooth root infections to occur.

Instead of waiting for a problem to develop, an early visit to our dentists can prevent root canal pain. If you do develop a problem, getting it resolved as soon as possible can help you to avoid needing to have emergency root canal surgery.

For more information on getting a root canal in Scarborough, set up a consultation with our experienced, compassionate dental team. Please call 416-291-3117 or click here to schedule an appointment today.

The public interest in cosmetic dentistry has risen globally in recent years, and studies show this is a trend that’s likely to continue. One of the most popular and economical ways to enhance the appearance of your smile is through the placement of porcelain veneers. Our Scarborough office has a wealth of experience in helping patients with this option. Here’s everything you need to know about getting dental veneers.

Understanding Dental Veneers

A veneer is an incredibly thin covering that is bonded to each tooth to hide discolouration, cracks, gaps or crooked positioning. Each one is custom-made to fit the individual tooth it’s intended for, as well as the patient’s face and dimensions. A dental veneer can cover an entire tooth or just a section of the tooth. This can both make each covered tooth look better, as well as protecting and supporting it from future damage.

Why We Recommend Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin materials. The process of fitting veneers depends on the product you choose. While composite veneers are less expensive, they are more likely to stain or chip and don’t last as long as porcelain veneers. Our Scarborough dentists recommend porcelain veneers, which are also more biologically compatible and less prone to causing inflammation of the gum tissues.

Getting Porcelain Veneers

To get one or more porcelain veneers in Scarborough, you’ll begin with a consultation to discuss the problems you want rectified, the procedure itself and any concerns you might have. For the actual placement, our dentist numbs the area with a local anesthetic, then prepares the tooth (or teeth) with some painless filing. This removes a thin outer layer of enamel and ensures space for the veneer. Then we’ll take impressions of the tooth and send it to our dental laboratory, where veneers are manufactured for a precise fit and look based on the moulds of the teeth.

These are sent back to our office and you’ll come in for another scheduled visit to have them fitted in the mouth. Once you’re completely satisfied, we’ll bond the porcelain veneers permanently to the teeth. This can take one or several appointments, depending on the number of veneers and the complexity of your case.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Getting fitted with porcelain veneers in Scarborough has excellent benefits for patients, which include:

◦ Being one of the most natural and realistic-looking tooth restoration options available. The porcelain used has the same translucent appearance as natural enamel, and can be almost perfectly matched to your other teeth.

◦ Bonding to the underlying structure of the tooth, not just placed on the outside surface. This causes a chemical adhesion at a microscopic level, which means they are incredibly durable and long-lasting, effectively becoming part of your tooth. If you’re wondering how long do veneers last, we can affirm that with good dental hygiene and maintenance of your gums and natural teeth, they will last 15 to 20 years unless damage occurs during tooth trauma or injury.

◦ Glazing the porcelain in an oven during fabrication. This helps to seal the surface and prevent staining. Apart from metal, the porcelain used for veneers is the strongest artificial dental material available currently.

Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers

No discussion of this procedure can be complete without including both the dental veneers pros and cons. Fortunately, the disadvantages are minimal.

It’s important to note that in spite of the strength of the porcelain, no artificial material has quite the same durability as natural tooth enamel. Anything that could chip or break a natural tooth will also damage the porcelain veneer. Since, in many instances, the patient’s natural enamel is damaged or unsightly, however, this is a small sacrifice to make.

The procedure is also slightly more invasive than when using composite resin, because most teeth need some reduction before placing the veneers. Otherwise, even the minimal porcelain veneer thickness could make your tooth appear bulky.

Patients may experience some tooth sensitivity after the procedure, but this can be eased using over-the-counter painkillers and wears off after a few days. You might need to adjust to speaking and chewing feeling slightly different, but this does not last long either.

Cost Factors

As with all types of cosmetic dentistry procedures, veneers are not inexpensive. Cost varies between dentists, but you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,200 per tooth. One question many of our patients ask is “what do porcelain veneers cost with insurance?” and the answer to that is simply “it depends on your insurance.” After examination, our dental team can provide you with an official, written estimate before you begin so you can get pre-approval or a response from your insurance company.

For more information on getting porcelain veneers in Scarborough, set up a consultation with our experienced, compassionate dental team. Please call 416-291-3117 or click here to schedule an appointment today.