by trilliumdental | Aug 16, 2019 | Restorative Dentistry Ottawa
Tooth infections are common among dental patients who don’t brush and floss their teeth as diligently as they should, resulting in cavities, infections, and tooth decay. Patients who have broken or cracked teeth are also susceptible to developing a tooth infection in the underlying “pulp,” which is treated via a root canal procedure. In this blog post, our endodontists will discuss some of the main warning signs you might need a root canal, as well as the importance of seeking treatment rather than ignoring the problem. Click here to find a Trillium Dental office near you, or book an appointment at one of our Ottawa dental clinics online.
TOOTHACHES
Toothaches aren’t always a cause for concern, but if you experience long, painful toothaches that don’t subside on their own, you may have a tooth infection on your hands. Lots of patients first notice that something is wrong if they experience moderate to severe pain when chewing, brushing, and clenching their teeth. If you are dealing with persistence toothaches, it’s best to make an appointment with your family dentist as soon as possible to see what’s going on. Your dentist may find that you have a tooth fracture, a damaged tooth filling, or a decaying, abscessed tooth that requires a root canal.
TOOTH SENSITIVITY
Everyone is built differently, so some people’s teeth are more sensitive than others. However, persistent or extreme tooth sensitivity is never something that should be ignored, as this can be an indication of many different dental problems. People with tooth infections often experience tooth sensitivity when drinking a hot or cold beverage, which often lingers afterward. This level of tooth sensitivity is not normal and should be addressed immediately by your family dentist. In some instances, this can be a sign of receding gums, which are treatable, or you might be dealing with something more serious that needs to be addressed immediately. Depending on the state of your teeth, your dentist may recommend that you schedule a root canal procedure within the next few days.
TOOTH DISCOLORATION
Root canals are caused by an underlying infection in the tooth’s nerve, the pulpy center that makes up the tooth’s support system. If left unaddressed, the bacteria in this pocket begins to fester, causing further decay that can weaken the tooth to the point where repair is no longer an option. Not only that, but the tooth may become brown or gray in color (commonly referred to as a “dead tooth”), which may need to be extracted and replaced with a dental implant, dental bridge, or some other kind of permanent dental restoration. It is important to schedule a checkup with your dentist as soon as you notice any degree of tooth discoloration, as this could be a sign that you have a tooth infection and need a root canal.
SWELLING GUMS
Another common indication of an infected tooth is painful, swelling gums near the tooth. Though the infection may have begun inside your tooth, it can spread to the surrounding tissue, causing your gums to feel and appear infected. Swollen, painful gums that bleed or pus easily are also a sign of periodontal disease, so it is imperative that you have your family dentist check them out as soon as possible. Odds are, you’ll need a root canal or a periodontal treatment to eliminate the bacteria from the site, which we are more than happy to take care of here at Trillium Dental.
MOUTH SORES
Mouth ulcers can be an indication of many things, including oral cancer, oral herpes, and tooth infections. While canker sores typically go away on their own, it is not normal to have a recurring sore directly on your gums. Take this as a sign your body is trying to give you that something isn’t right, and that it might be time to contact your family dentist to book an appointment. While there is a chance that it could be nothing (canker sores are harmless and can be caused by vigorous tooth brushing, braces, dentures, acidic foods, or a mouth injury), it’s best to address these types of dental problems as soon as possible so they don’t become even worse.
BOOK A ROOT CANAL AT ONE OF OUR DENTAL CLINICS IN OTTAWA
If you are experiencing any of the infected tooth symptoms listed above, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your family dentist immediately. Our endodontists would be happy to examine your teeth and gums in order to determine whether you need a root canal, gum disease treatment, or no treatment at all. We believe that your oral health should be your number one priority, and we’re here to help you get the quality dental care you need to stay healthy. Contact Trillium Dental today, or visit one of our dental offices in Ottawa!
by trilliumdental | Jun 7, 2019 | Restorative Dentistry Ottawa
If you’re nervous about an upcoming root canal, you certainly aren’t alone. Lots of people have dental fears and phobias, especially when it comes to restorative dentistry procedures like root canals and tooth extractions. At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, our dentists have years of training and experience in endodontics, and we’re here to make your root canal as painless and stress-free as possible. To ease your mind in the weeks leading up to your root canal procedure, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about root canals.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL?
Root canals are one of the most misunderstood dental procedures, next to wisdom tooth removals. Lots of people are afraid of root canals because they aren’t sure what to expect, and their nerves get the best of them when their mind wanders to the worst possible scenario. In reality, root canals involve your dentist numbing the area and drilling a small hole in the infected tooth, then removing the pulp. Once the bacteria is removed, your dentist will insert a rubbery replacement, which will support the tooth and help to prevent bacteria from finding its way back in. Finally, they’ll cap the tooth with a temporary dental crown to protect it from becoming weak and brittle, then they’ll switch it out for a permanent crown at a second dental appointment.
HOW LONG DO ROOT CANALS TAKE?
Contrary to what you might think, root canals are a straightforward procedure that usually don’t take very long. Depending on the procedure and the number of root canals you’re having done, you’ll only be at our dental clinic for an hour or two at the most. Our goal is to get you in and out as quickly as possible so you can get back to your normal routine.
ARE ROOT CANALS PAINFUL?
As family dentists, we get this question all the time. One of the most common misconceptions about root canal therapy is that it’s excruciating, when in reality, root canal treatments are no more uncomfortable than a cavity filling. At Trillium Dental, we use local anesthesia to numb the area first, so patients don’t feel much during the treatment. However, they may experience some discomfort the day or two after their root canal procedure. If you experience any pain, our dentists recommend using an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen as needed.
HOW MUCH DO ROOT CANALS COST?
When it comes to dental treatments and procedures, the cost depends on your dental insurance coverage. In most cases, it’s far cheaper to save a damaged or decaying tooth than it is to extract it and replace it with a dental implant or denture restoration. If you have questions about the cost of root canals, feel free to reach out to our team at Trillium Dental for a cost estimate. We’d be happy to help you determine your coverage and form a treatment plan.
WILL I LOSE MY TOOTH?
Root canals are performed when a tooth is damaged or infected, but still has potential. Our dentists firmly believe that if a tooth can be saved, it should be. If we determine that your tooth is not fully decayed and will respond well to root canal treatment, we will perform a root canal to protect and preserve the tooth. However, if your tooth is too damaged to be saved, we’d be happy to discuss other restorative dentistry procedures with you instead, such as dental implants, dental bridges, and full and partial dentures.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A ROOT CANAL?
There are many signs and symptoms that your tooth has become infected, and some are more noticeable than others. Some of the most common signs are toothaches and pain when chewing, as well as heightened tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. You may also start to notice tooth discoloration in the infected area, in addition to swollen gums that are tender to the touch. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your local dental office right away to schedule a checkup.
CHOOSE OUR OTTAWA DENTAL CLINIC FOR YOUR ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Root canals don’t have to be painful or scary — in fact, they are meant to relieve pain. Our dentists have performed dozens of root canals and are here to help. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment in Downtown Ottawa, Alta Vista, Orléans, Stittsville, Kanata, or the Westgate or Bayshore Mall. We look forward to providing the quality dental care you deserve!
by trilliumdental | Apr 5, 2019 | Restorative Dentistry Ottawa
Dental crowns have been used for decades as a way to protect and restore damaged teeth, rather than extracting them altogether. They offer reinforcement for cracked or broken teeth, and they are always used to “cap” teeth that have undergone root canal treatment for added protection. Without dental crowns, dental bridges, and other restorative dentistry techniques, many patients would require tooth extractions and dental implant replacements.
At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, our dentists are firm believers that no tooth replacement is as good as natural teeth, which is why we do everything in our power to save patients’ teeth and only use extraction as a last resort. Contact one of our dental clinics in Alta Vista, Kanata, Orleans, Downtown Ottawa, Stittsville, Stittsville West, or the Westgate or Bayshore Mall to book an appointment, or continue reading to learn more about the dental crowns we offer.
TRADITIONAL DENTAL CROWNS
As previously mentioned, traditional dental crowns are used to cover a damaged tooth, such as a tooth that has been cracked or broken. Dental crowns are also a critical part of root canal therapy because they act as a shield to protect the brittle tooth underneath. This is due to the fact that during a root canal procedure, your dentist drills into the tooth and removes the infected pulpy center that would otherwise keep the tooth alive and strong. When a rubbery replacement is inserted into the empty cavity, the tooth becomes weak and requires reinforcement so it doesn’t break under pressure. During the root canal treatment, a temporary dental crown is fitted to the tooth and protects it until the patient comes in for their second appointment, where a permanent dental crown is bound to the tooth.
Traditional dental crowns aren’t always white, either. Some are made of stainless steel (usually temporary), metal, or a metal alloy, while others have porcelain fused to the metal or are completely ceramic. It really just depends on what is offered at your family dental clinic and for how much. Nonetheless, traditional dental crowns offer permanent protection for teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted.
CEREC® CROWNS
At many of our Ottawa dentist offices, we are pleased to offer CEREC dental crowns for patients who want a more discreet solution for their damaged or brittle teeth. Thanks to recent advancements in CAD-CAM dental technology, these white tooth crowns are just as strong as traditional dental crowns that are made with metal, but they look perfectly natural. Plus, dentists are able to create as many permanent CEREC crowns as patients need in one single appointment, eliminating the hassle of temporary dental crowns. So, say goodbye to weeks of dealing with metal crowns and get all of your dental crowns in one appointment at Trillium Dental!
MAKE YOUR NEXT DENTAL APPOINTMENT AT TRILLIUM DENTAL IN OTTAWA
Now that you know a bit more about the different kinds of dental crowns we offer at our Ottawa dental clinics, it’s time to quit putting off that root canal treatment or forgetting to cap that chipped molar. Contact Trillium Dental today to make an appointment or book your next dental exam online!
by trilliumdental | Jan 11, 2019 | Restorative Dentistry Ottawa
When it comes to restorative dentistry treatments and procedures, the technical terminology can be confusing for some patients — and who can blame them? After all, we’re the experts in restorative dentistry, having completed years of dental school and certifications on top of performing regular tooth restoration procedures for our patients. One of the most common questions we get from patients with damaged or missing teeth is what the difference is between dental crowns and dental bridges, so we are dedicating this blog post to educating our patients about these restorative dentistry techniques.
WHAT ARE DENTAL CROWNS?
Dental crowns are a restorative dentistry technique that has stood the test of time and continues to evolve with the latest advancements in dental technology. Traditional tooth crowns “cap” decaying or severely damaged teeth in order to shield them from further deterioration, which would otherwise lead to possible infections, the need for root canal therapy, or the teeth falling out altogether. In fact, when a patient requires a root canal treatment, or the removal of the infected “pulpy” center of a tooth, it will become weak and will require a dental cap for ongoing protection. Given that the teeth are dry, brittle, and fragile after the underlying nerve is removed, dental crowns act as a shield to prevent further cracking, chipping, or breaking.
DENTAL CROWN CREATION & FITTING
These traditional tooth crowns cover the entirety of the damaged tooth and are permanently fitted for long-lasting protection. At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, our process for fitting dental crowns involves taking a mould of the tooth shape and fitting patients with a temporary dental crown while a permanent one is made in our dental lab. Once the permanent dental crown arrives, we will have you return to our dental clinic for the fitting, where we will bond it with the damaged tooth. Thanks to today’s advanced dental technology, our dentists are now able to provide patients with permanent dental crowns that perfectly match the colour of their surrounding teeth.
CEREC® DENTAL CROWNS
At many of our Ottawa dental clinics, we are pleased to offer CEREC dental crowns that integrate CAD-CAM technology, which allow us to create and fit an unlimited amount of permanent dental crowns in a single dental appointment. Whereas traditional dental crowns require two separate dental appointments, one for the temporary crown and another for the permanent crown fitting, CEREC technology allows us to set patients up with as many of these permanent, white dental crowns as they need in just one sitting. So, if you haven’t found the time to get dental crowns created and fitted in two dental appointments, we can now take care of it all for you in one appointment at a number of our dental offices in Ottawa.
WHAT ARE DENTAL BRIDGES?
Dental bridges integrate several types of dental technology to create a tooth replacement prosthetic, also known as a “fixed bridge” or “tooth bridge.” These innovative dental prosthetics are customizable to the patient and serve to replace one or more missing teeth by holding in the fake tooth replacement(s) with two adjacent dental crowns. These dental crowns help fill in the empty spot from the missing tooth by supporting the false tooth replacement and keeping it secured in place. It is also important to note that dental bridges are a permanent form of restorative dentistry, as the dental crowns are literally cemented to the surrounding teeth upon which they are capped. Though there are many different tooth replacement options for the anchor teeth, such as dental implants and prosthetic fillers, the tooth crowns and dental bridge that connects them is permanent.
DENTAL BRIDGE CREATION & FITTING
As with traditional dental crowns, the dental bridge procedure requires two separate appointments at your local dental clinic. During the first dental appointment, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic and file down the anchor teeth that will serve as the support for your dental bridge. If these surrounding teeth show signs of significant decay or damage, we may suggest that dental implants be used instead, which consist of fake teeth with titanium roots being inserted and secured to the underlying jawbone for optimal support. Then, your dentist will take a dental mould of the teeth, which they will use to create any false teeth, as well as the tooth crowns for the dental bridge. During this process, a temporary dental bridge is created, which will be switched out for a permanent one when you return for the second appointment.
BOOK A RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY CONSULTATION AT TRILLIUM DENTAL IN OTTAWA
Wondering if you would make a good candidate for dental crowns or a permanent dental bridge? Contact us today to learn more, or book a restorative dentistry consultation at Trillium Dental today. Our family dentists would be more than happy to take a look at your teeth in order to determine whether you require tooth crowns, dental implants, or a fixed dental bridge.
by trilliumdental | Dec 1, 2018 | Restorative Dentistry Ottawa
Root canals seem to have gotten a bad rap over the years, perhaps due to exaggerated stories, fictional movies, and the fact that not many people actually know what root canal treatment is. Obviously, root canals aren’t as scary or painful as the dentist in Finding Nemo makes them seem, so our team at Trillium Dental in Ottawa is here to debunk some common myths about root canal therapy and tell you everything you need to know before you visit our dental clinic for a root canal.
ROOT CANALS REMOVE THE NERVE OF A TOOTH
First and foremost, the purpose of root canals is to remove the pulpy center of an infected tooth in order to save the tooth itself from deteriorating or falling out. To do this, your dentist will first numb the area with a local anesthetic and apply a dental dam to keep the site free of saliva and bacteria. Then, they will drill a small opening at the crown of the tooth (remember, the area is numb) so they can gently remove the infected or damaged nerve. Once the pulp has been taken out, your dentist will clean out the cavity and insert a synthetic nerve replacement to fill in the space and support the tooth before resealing the hole. To complete the root canal treatment, your dentist will seal the hole with a dental filling and send you on your way!
ROOT CANALS ARE LESS PAINFUL THAN YOU THINK
As previously mentioned, lots of people seem to be under the impression that root canals are an incredibly painful dental procedure — however, this is not always the case. After all, a local anesthetic is applied to the area well before your dentist starts drilling, and even then, all you’ll really feel is a little vibration. Any pain you experience from a root canal treatment will likely be after the anesthesia has worn off, which you can remedy by taking iBuprofen, aspirin, or any other kind of over-the-counter pain medication from your local drugstore (in moderation, of course). In most cases, any lingering pain from a root canal treatment will wear off in just a few days if you maintain good brushing and flossing habits.
THE PURPOSE OF ROOT CANALS IS TO SAVE THE TOOTH
Most dental professionals will tell you that tooth extraction is their last course of action, and that they would much rather save your natural tooth. This is because teeth are much easier to save than replace (unless you want dental implants or a partial denture), especially if the issue is an infected nerve that can be removed in a single dental appointment. The fact of the matter is that if bacteria finds its way into the nerve of a tooth (via a crack, cavity, or broken filling), it will attack and destroy the pulp, which cannot repair itself. This bacteria can even infect and weaken the tooth itself, leading to tooth decay and potentially a missing tooth.
Obviously, the best way to avoid this is by being diligent about brushing and flossing your teeth, in addition to visiting your local dentist for bi-annual teeth cleanings and x-rays. However, these nerve infections can still happen when you least expect them, and it’s best to catch them early so you can remedy the situation before it’s too late. That’s why we offer a range of restorative dentistry procedures here at Trillium Dental — our mission is to do whatever it takes to save your teeth, even if that means removing a damaged nerve or applying dental crowns or dental bridges. Anyone in the field of family dentistry will agree that nothing is better than having natural teeth, even though there are other options out there like same-day dental implants.
ROOT CANAL SYMPTOMS AREN’T ALWAYS OBVIOUS
Lots of patients who visit our Ottawa dental clinic for a root canal treatment didn’t even know they had a damaged or infected nerve under their tooth until we discovered it. That’s because these infections are subtle at first and disguise themselves as temporary toothaches or tooth sensitivity. However, these symptoms will worsen with time as the infection attacks the pulp, so it’s best to make a dental appointment to have things checked out before they get worse. Here are some symptoms to watch out for if you think you might need a root canal:
- Severe, persistent tooth pain when chewing
- Heightened tooth sensitivity (especially when exposed to hot or cold temperatures)
- Tooth discoloration
- Tender, swollen gums
SCHEDULE A DENTAL APPOINTMENT AT TRILLIUM DENTAL IN OTTAWA
At the end of the day, root canals aren’t as big a deal as many people make them out to be, as the procedure is quick and recovery time is short. Plus, the anesthesia eliminates most (if not all) of the pain during the treatment, which means that you can have the damaged nerve removed and the cavity filled without feeling any pain at all. That being said, it’s still good to have some over-the-counter pain relievers on hand for a few days after the root canal so you can offset any pain you experience as your tooth recovers.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a damaged or infected nerve mentioned above, be sure to visit your local dental clinic as soon as possible. While you could be experiencing a minor toothache, it is still worth it to make sure you don’t have an infected nerve that will turn into a larger problem down the road. Contact us today to learn more about root canal treatments, and book your dental appointment at Trillium Dental in Ottawa!
by trilliumdental | Nov 2, 2018 | Restorative Dentistry Ottawa
Have you ever found yourself with a toothache, a broken tooth, or any other kind of dental emergency? If so, you likely know how stressful it can be to try and get emergency dental care when your local dental clinic is all booked up for the week. At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, we do our best to fit in dental emergencies with the rest of our appointments so that each and every one of our patients leave the clinic with beautiful, healthy smiles. That being said, here are some of the most common reasons why patients end up in an emergency dental clinic.
BROKEN TEETH
Many patients who seek emergency dental care have broken or chipped teeth and require re-implanting, porcelain veneers, fake teeth, or another kind of cosmetic dentistry solution. Although the teeth are some of the strongest and most durable parts of the body, they can break and chip for a number of reasons. These include chewing things other than food such as hard candy like jawbreakers, using your teeth to pry things open, grinding your teeth, having a misaligned bite, or suffering any kind of trauma to the face during a sports-related injury, accident, or physical fight.
CUTS
Another reason patients rush to the emergency dental clinic is because they have some kind of laceration in their mouth that requires emergency dental care. For example, if you have experienced some kind of mouth trauma that resulted in a major cut on the inside of your cheek, on your tongue, or along the gumline, an emergency dentist will be able to address the issue and stitch you up right away. Depending on the nature and severity of the issue, however, a trip to the emergency room may be required.
TOOTHACHES
Toothaches and dental emergencies like tooth decay, an abscessed tooth, damaged tooth fillings, fractured or broken teeth, and persistent teeth grinding are all reasons to visit your emergency dental clinic. Often, toothaches will go away after a few days if you have been maintaining good oral hygiene, however, they can also be indicative of a much bigger problem. Because of this, it is always a good idea to visit an emergency dentist if you have persistent toothaches so they can get to the root of the issue.
JAW PAIN
Jaw pain is another problem that frequently brings patients to their emergency dental clinic. Jaw pain can occur for a number of reasons such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), teeth grinding, arthritis, nerve problems, and dental conditions like cavities, gum disease, damaged teeth. It can be difficult to determine the cause and solutions for jaw pain, toothaches, and dental emergencies of this nature, which is why you should skip the guesswork and consult an emergency dentist.
