416 483-5555
418 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, Suite 101

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

While most patients cringe when they hear the words “root canal” the truth is that most root canal procedures feel no different to you than what you might feel when you get a filling.

 

What Does Root Canal Treatment Involve?

The goal of a root canal is to save your heavily damaged or infected tooth – if you didn’t get a root canal you would end up having your tooth removed and have a space where your tooth was. During a root canal treatment the inside part of your tooth is “cleaned” and sterilized. This part of your tooth is then filled with a special rubberized filling material that then allows your tooth to be repaired and made whole again.

 

Why Is A Root Canal Needed?

Root canals are an often a necessary foundation for the rebuilding of your tooth. All natural teeth contain a pulp in the inner portion of the tooth. The pulp is comprised of nerves, blood vessels and other living tissues that helped your tooth develop and grow. If a tooth experiences severe trauma, the tissues located inside the tooth may become infected and begin to die. If the
tissues are not removed in time, pain will begin to develop in that tooth and an infection may occur. Untreated infections can grow in size and affect the overall health of your body, so it is vital that infections in the mouth be treated quickly. A tooth that is not growing any longer doesn’t need its pulp. Root canal treatment will allow all infected tissues to be removed and allow your tooth to be saved.

Teeth that may need root canal treatment include:

  • ​Those with a hole or decay that has spread (or is very close) to the tooth's pulp
  • ​Those that have suffered a trauma (like getting hit by a hockey puck) even if the tooth doesn't look damaged.
  • ​A tooth that is fractured or cracked. Keep in mind that cracks may not always be visible to the naked eye.
  • ​A tooth with a history of extensive dental treatment that may look normal to you.

Signs that you may have a tooth that needs a root canal:

  • ​The appearance of a pimple or gum boil inside your mouth.
  • Your tooth appears "darkened" or off in colour.
  • You feel pain or sensitivity when biting or chewing.
  • ​You feel a distinct sensation when consuming hot or cold drinks and food.
  • ​There is a noticeable swelling of your face near your teeth

What you need to know:

Most root canal treatments are performed in one or two appointments by dentists at our office. In complicated cases, you may need to be referred to a dentist who only performs root canals - these specialists are called Endodontists. If you think you may need a root canal or are experiencing discomfort with any of your teeth, contact our office to schedule a professional assessment right away. Any delay in seeking treatment may work against your best interests - leading to more costly and time consuming treatments. Our office is here to help you - call us now.