How to Know if You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal or a Root Canal Dentist in Vaughan
Posted on October 24, 2025
That throbbing ache and sharp sting in your back teeth often signifies the worst. You may wonder…maybe it’s my wisdom teeth. However, that wisdom tooth-like pain could actually be a decayed tooth root. Thankfully, a seasoned emergency dentist in Vaughan can quickly spot what’s behind the pain. Here’s a lowdown on the different pain symptoms to recognize whether you need a root canal dentist or a dental surgeon.
When Wisdom Teeth Are the Troublemakers
Wisdom teeth are your final molars that typically appear between 17 and 25 years. Unfortunately, they are notoriously troublesome!
Your wisdom teeth need extraction if:
- There’s persistent pain or swelling concentrated in the back of your mouth.
- Red, tender, or bleeding gums around wisdom teeth.
- Teeth crowding or shifting.
- Jaw stiffness, where you can’t fully open your mouth.
These symptoms typically signal impaction—the painful situation when your wisdom tooth is trapped beneath the gum line or angled awkwardly against neighboring teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth are magnets for bacteria and inflammation as they can’t erupt fully. Its radiating pain can affect your jaw and ear, making it difficult to tell where it’s really coming from. Don’t self-diagnose—an emergency dentist in Vaughan can take X-rays and confirm if it’s a misbehaving wisdom tooth or a deeper infection.
When Pain Points to a Root Canal
Pain that signals the need for a root canal dentist is often deeper and localised than the surface-level gum irritation caused by a wisdom tooth. It comes from the pulpy soft tissue inside the tooth where decay has reached the nerve.
A root canal is imminent if you are experiencing:
- Persistent toothache that doesn’t fade even after painkillers.
- Lingering sensitivity to hot/cold.
- Swollen or tender gums around one tooth.
- Darkening/discolouration of a specific tooth.
- Sharp pain when chewing.
These are classic signs of pulp inflammation or infection caused by untreated cavities or cracks in the tooth. You need prompt care from a root canal dentist in Vaughan to stem infection and save your tooth.
How Dentists Diagnose the Difference
X-rays and a thorough oral assessment will reveal whether your wisdom teeth are impacted or if an infection has developed inside a tooth’s root. Sometimes, patients experience both issues at once if the wisdom teeth crowd other molars. This traps food and bacteria that are infection magnets. That’s why seeing a trusted dentist in Vaughan early is critical—timely care will avoid all the discomfort and complications.
Why Seeing the Right Specialist Counts
A root canal dentist (an endodontist) is trained in saving natural teeth by removing infected pulp and sealing the tooth. They focus on preserving what’s healthy and safeguarding your smile. An oral surgeon is an expert in wisdom teeth extraction. They can safely remove impacted wisdom teeth for a smooth recovery. Seeing the right specialist from the start saves time and unnecessary stress, ensuring your relief without delays.
Wisdom teeth pain typically comes from eruption or impaction, while root canal pain signals infection inside a tooth. In either case, reach out to a skilled dentist in Vaughan right away. Dr. Llyod Pedvis and his reliable team have both root canal dentists and oral surgeons for all your dental issues. Don’t suffer through dental pain—reach out to Mackenzie Dental Centre today!
