What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure used to treat infection or inflammation inside a tooth. Each tooth contains a soft tissue called pulp, which is located in the centre of the tooth and extends down through the root canals. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that helped the tooth develop during growth.
When the pulp becomes infected or damaged — due to deep decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, repeated dental procedures, or trauma — it can cause significant pain and, if left untreated, may lead to an abscess. Root canal treatment removes the affected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection.
At Orion Dental, we perform root canal treatment at both our Scarborough and Milton locations using modern techniques to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
Sealed
Canals cleaned and filled
1-2
Visits typically needed
Numbed
Local anaesthesia used
Save
Your natural tooth
What Are the Signs You May Need a Root Canal?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should schedule a dental appointment for evaluation:
Severe Toothache
Persistent pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth.
Temperature Sensitivity
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers well after the stimulus is removed.
Tooth Discolouration
Darkening or greying of the tooth, which may indicate nerve damage or pulp death.
Gum Swelling
Swelling, tenderness, or a persistent bump (fistula) on the gums near the affected tooth.
Loose Tooth
A tooth that feels loose can indicate infection has spread to the bone supporting the tooth.
Persistent Bad Taste
A foul taste in the mouth or bad breath localised near a specific tooth.
It is worth noting that some teeth requiring root canal treatment may have no noticeable symptoms. This is one reason why regular dental checkups and digital X-rays are important — they can help identify problems before symptoms develop.
When to Seek Urgent Care
If you experience sudden, severe tooth pain combined with facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek emergency dental care immediately. These may be signs of a spreading infection or dental abscess that requires prompt treatment.
How Is a Root Canal Done?
Root canal treatment is typically completed in one or two appointments, depending on the complexity of the case. Here is what to expect at each stage:
Diagnosis and Anaesthesia
Your dentist will examine your tooth, take X-rays to assess the extent of the infection, and administer local anaesthesia to numb the area. Sedation options are available for patients who experience anxiety.
Accessing the Pulp
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals, allowing the dentist to reach the infected or inflamed tissue inside.
Cleaning and Shaping
Using specialized instruments, the dentist carefully removes the damaged pulp tissue, then cleans, disinfects, and shapes the canals to prepare them for filling.
Filling the Canals
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed with adhesive cement to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
Restoration with a Crown
A dental crown is placed over the treated tooth to provide strength and protection. This is important because a tooth that has had root canal treatment can become more brittle over time.
For patients who experience dental anxiety, sedation options including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) are available to help you feel more comfortable throughout the procedure.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask, and the answer may surprise you. Modern root canal treatment is performed with effective local anaesthesia, and most patients report that the experience is comparable to having a filling placed. In fact, the procedure typically relieves the pain caused by the infected tooth.
After the procedure, some mild discomfort or sensitivity is normal for a few days and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your situation.
Experiencing tooth pain? Don't wait for it to get worse. Schedule an appointment and let us help you find relief.
Book Your AppointmentHow Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Most root canal treatments take between 60 and 90 minutes per appointment. Simple cases involving a front tooth with a single root canal can often be completed in one visit. More complex cases — such as molars with multiple canals or teeth with severe infection — may require two appointments to allow for thorough treatment and healing.
Following the root canal itself, you will need a separate appointment for the placement of your permanent dental crown, which protects and restores the treated tooth to full function.
What Happens After a Root Canal?
Following the procedure, it is normal to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions to support your recovery.
Aftercare Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed
- Take prescribed or recommended medications as directed
- Maintain good oral hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing
- Stick to softer foods for the first day or two after treatment
- Attend all follow-up appointments to complete your restoration
If you experience severe pain, swelling that worsens after a few days, or an allergic reaction to medication, contact our office or seek emergency dental care promptly.
Why Does Saving the Natural Tooth Matter?
Whenever possible, preserving your natural tooth is generally the preferred approach. A natural tooth maintains normal biting force and sensation, allows for efficient chewing, and helps keep surrounding teeth in their proper positions. Removing a tooth can lead to shifting of adjacent teeth, bone loss in the jaw, and the need for a replacement such as a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.
However, there are situations where a tooth is too damaged to save, and extraction may be the better option. Your dentist will discuss the pros and cons of each approach for your specific situation.
Preventing the Need for Root Canal Treatment
While not all root canal infections are preventable, good oral hygiene habits can significantly reduce your risk:
Brush Twice Daily
Use fluoride toothpaste and brush for at least two minutes each time to remove plaque and bacteria.
Floss Every Day
Daily flossing cleans between teeth where your brush cannot reach, preventing decay from developing between teeth.
Regular Dental Checkups
Attend routine checkups so problems can be detected and treated early, before decay reaches the pulp.
Treat Cavities Promptly
Address cavities and cracks with fillings before decay progresses deep enough to infect the pulp.
Wear a Mouthguard
Protect your teeth from trauma during sports with a custom mouthguard fitted by your dentist.
Use a Night Guard
If you grind your teeth, a night guard can prevent cracks and fractures that may lead to pulp damage.
Common Myths About Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment has a reputation that is often not reflective of modern dental practice. Here are some common misconceptions:
- Myth: Root canals are extremely painful. With modern anaesthesia and techniques, root canal treatment is comparable in comfort to having a filling placed. Most patients report that the procedure relieves the pain they were experiencing from the infected tooth.
- Myth: It is better to pull the tooth. Preserving your natural tooth is generally the preferred approach whenever possible. A root canal allows you to keep your tooth, maintain your natural bite, and avoid the need for a replacement.
- Myth: Root canal treatment causes illness. This myth stems from research conducted nearly a century ago that has since been discredited. Root canal treatment is a well-established dental procedure.
- Myth: The treatment takes many visits. While some complex cases may require two appointments, many root canal treatments can be completed in a single visit.
Root Canal Treatment at Orion Dental
At Orion Dental, we understand that root canal treatment can feel daunting. Our team will take time to explain the procedure, answer your questions, and work to keep you comfortable throughout. We use modern techniques and anaesthesia to make the experience as smooth as possible.
If you are experiencing tooth pain or suspect you may need root canal treatment, book an appointment online or call our Scarborough office at 416-291-0306 or our Milton office at 905-636-9770.