Scarborough and East York
Root Canal Treatment
Root Canals
A root canal is a dental procedure to treat a tooth with infected or inflamed pulp. The dentist removes the infected tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection. This saves the natural tooth, relieves pain, and restores normal function.
Root Canal Process
A root canal is a dental procedure designed to remove infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, preventing further infection and preserving the natural tooth structure.
1. Diagnosis
Dentist assesses tooth and takes X-rays.
2. Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area.
3. Access and clean
Dentist removes infected pulp, cleans inside of tooth.
5. Restore
Tooth may be capped with a crown for protection and function.
4. Fill and seal
Root canals are filled and sealed to prevent further infection.
When is root canal needed?
A root canal may be needed if your tooth is severely decayed, has a large cavity, or is cracked from an injury. Symptoms like severe pain when chewing, swollen gums, sensitivity to hot or cold, or a pimple on the gums near the tooth suggest this treatment is necessary to remove infection, ease pain, and preserve the natural tooth.
What do you need to know about root canals?
How long do root canals last?
Root canals can last a lifetime with good oral care. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups help maintain the treated tooth’s health and function over time.
How do you know if you need a Root Canal?
You may require a root canal if your tooth is cracked due to injury, has a deep cavity, or is affected by issues from a previous filling. Common indicators that you might need a root canal include:
- Experiencing severe pain when chewing or biting down
- Pulsating pain that starts unexpectedly
- Night pain that keeps you up all night
- Noticing pimples on the gums near the affected tooth
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Alternatives to Root Canals
Alternatives to root canal treatment include tooth extraction for severe damage, dental implants as artificial roots, dental bridges for missing teeth, direct pulp capping for minimal pulp damage, and symptom management when needed.
Dental Bridges
The absence of teeth can alter the alignment of surrounding teeth and even affect the contour of the lower part of your face.
Dental Implants
Find out about our dental implants, a thoughtful solution for reclaiming the function and aesthetics of your smile.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
A root canal treatment is typically completed in one or two appointments, depending on:
- The condition of your tooth
- Your personal circumstances
After the procedure, patients are usually numb for 2-4 hours but can return to work or school immediately, though eating should be avoided until the numbness wears off completely.
A root canal is not more painful than routine dental procedures like fillings or wisdom tooth removal since patients receive anesthesia. However, patients may experience:
- Some soreness or numbness after the procedure
- Mild discomfort for a few days following treatment
The modern root canal treatments are both relatively painless and extremely effective. The procedure is similar to getting a routine filling and can usually be completed in one or two appointments.
You can avoid needing a root canal through these simple preventive measures:
Good oral hygiene habits:
- Brush your teeth after every meal
- Floss daily
- Use antibacterial alcohol free mouthwash to avoid burning the healthy tissues.
Regular dental care:
- Have regular dental checkups
- Get early treatment for cavities
- Address dental issues before they affect tooth pulp and before there is pain. We want to treat you before you are experiencing pain because pain means it’s too late and it’s not preventive care anymore.
These preventive steps help eliminate dental plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) that can lead to cavities. Regular checkups also allow dentists to spot and treat problems early, before they become severe enough to require a root canal.