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Root canal therapy can save a tooth with an infected or inflamed nerve. Peacock Point patients can learn about symptoms, the procedure and recovery at our Port Dover office.
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Browse every dental service for Peacock PointSaving the natural tooth
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack or trauma causes this tissue to become inflamed or infected, it can lead to severe pain or an abscess. Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp, cleans and seals the inside of the tooth and allows it to remain in place.
If you live at Peacock Point or are visiting for the season and have a tooth that may need root canal treatment, our Port Dover office can assess it. Since treatment may involve more than one visit and a crown afterward, mention your timing when you call.

Symptoms
Severe or lingering toothache, pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold that persists after the stimulus is removed, darkening of the tooth and swelling or a pimple on the gum near a tooth are common signs. Pain may come and go or wake you at night. These symptoms suggest the pulp may be inflamed or infected.
Sometimes a tooth needing root canal treatment causes no pain at all. Infection may be discovered on an X-ray during a routine exam. A tooth that has had trauma or deep fillings may lose vitality slowly. Regular checkups help identify these silent problems before they cause pain or spread.
Diagnosis
The dentist examines the tooth, takes X-rays and may test its response to cold, heat or tapping. These tests help determine whether the pulp is healthy, inflamed or dead. Identifying the correct tooth is important, since pain can sometimes be felt in a neighbouring tooth or referred from elsewhere.
If root canal treatment is recommended, the dentist will explain why and what the alternatives are. Extraction is usually the main alternative, followed by replacement with an implant, bridge or denture. Ask about the expected outlook for the tooth and whether it can be restored well after treatment.
The procedure
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, and a small rubber sheet isolates it to keep it clean and dry. The dentist creates an opening in the crown and removes the damaged pulp using fine instruments. The canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected. Depending on the tooth and infection, this may take one or more visits.
Once the canals are clean, they are filled with a rubber-like material and sealed. A temporary or permanent filling closes the opening. Back teeth often need a crown afterward to protect them from fracture. Complex cases may be referred to an endodontist, a root canal specialist, for treatment.
Recovery
Some tenderness for a few days is common, especially when biting. Over-the-counter pain relief may help if suitable for you. Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until it is fully restored. Contact the office if pain worsens, swelling develops or the temporary filling comes out.
If a crown is recommended, schedule it promptly, since an unprotected tooth can crack. Brush and clean between teeth as usual. Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor healing with X-rays. With proper care, a tooth that has had root canal treatment can often last for many years.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office if you have tooth pain or have been told you may need a root canal. The team will arrange an assessment and discuss how many visits may be needed.
Bring any X-rays or notes from a previous dentist, and mention swelling or fever when you call so urgency can be assessed.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Local anaesthetic is used, so most people feel pressure rather than pain during treatment. Some tenderness afterward is common and usually settles within days. Many people find the procedure relieves the pain they had before.
Some root canals are completed in one visit, while others need two or more, especially if infection is present. A crown is often placed afterward in a separate appointment. The dentist will outline the plan.
Teeth that have had root canal treatment, especially back teeth, can become brittle and are more likely to crack. A crown helps protect the tooth and restore its strength for chewing.
Infection may spread, causing pain, swelling and possibly more serious health problems. The tooth may eventually need extraction. Discuss your options with the dentist to make an informed choice.
Most root canals are successful, but occasionally infection returns. Retreatment or other procedures may be options. Regular checkups and a well-sealed restoration help reduce this risk.
A crown covers and strengthens a tooth weakened by decay, cracks or root canal care. Peacock Point patients can review crown options at our Port Dover dental office.
Throbbing pain, a swollen gum or a bad taste may signal an abscess. Peacock Point patients should call our Port Dover office promptly to discuss symptoms and urgency.
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