Root canal treatment — also called endodontics – is a set of specialized procedures designed to treat problems of the soft nerve tissue inside the tooth.
While it’s often stereotyped as an unusually painful treatment, in most cases the procedure is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
It’s actually one of the most effective ways of soothing tooth pain.
A root canal procedure becomes necessary when infection or inflammation develops in the pulp tissue of the tooth.
Pulp tissue consists of blood vessels, connective tissue and nerve cells — which explains why intense pain can always be a risk during a procedure.
In time, the pain may go away… at least temporarily.
Without any treatment, however, the infection will not disappear.
It can lead to a dental abscess, and may even contribute to systemic problems in other parts of the body.
How do you know when you need a root canal?
Sometimes, the pain you feel makes it an obvious need.
If you feel constant and severe pain and pressure in your mouth, or noticeable swelling and extreme sensitivity in your gums, then it’s clear you need an evaluation and treatment as soon as possible.
Another symptom of pulp tissue damage is sharp pain when you bite down on food.
Lingering pain after eating foods that are really hot or really cold is also an indication of potential trouble.
If any of these symptoms arise, you need to have an examination as soon as possible.
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Located in Oshawa, Ontario, we are on the east side of Simcoe Street North, just south of Beatrice Street East and north of Sunset Drive.
If you are driving south on Simcoe, continue past Beatrice Street and Liz’s No Frills (you’ll see it on your right side). We are just past that plaza, on the left (east) side.
If you are driving north on Simcoe Street, go past the Long & McQuade Musical Instruments store (on your left) and the Petro Canada gas station (right side).
The next street on your left will be Sunset Drive (where the Shell gas station is) and we are just past that intersection, on the right (east) side.
Free parking is available on the south (right) side of the building.
You can take the Simcoe Street Northbound or Southbound bus.
Both directions have stops at Sunset Drive, just south of the clinic.
The Simcoe Southbound Bus Stop ID is: 715
The Simcoe Northbound Bus Stop ID is: 686
Please visit the Durham Region Transit website’s schedule page for routes, fares and times.
The clinic is fully accessible.
You can call the clinic during regular business hours or leave a message if we aren’t able to take your call.