Root Canal Therapy

A painless method for saving your tooth!!

What is root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy or treatment is the removal of the nerve and blood vessels inside the tooth. What necessitates this is usually the entry of bacteria into the center most part of the tooth (called the dental pulp or nerve chamber) that results from deep decay.

Root canal therapy involves the removal of the entire nerve system, followed by the cleaning and filling of the resulting space in the nerve chamber.

What are the indications for root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp (nerve & blood vessels) of a tooth becomes irreversibly inflamed or infected. The inflammation and infection can be caused by many things:

• Deep decay
• A fracture or chip in the tooth
• Injury to the tooth
• Cracked or loose fillings
• Repeated fillings in a tooth
• Gum infection that extends to the root of the tooth...

What are the signs & symptoms that a tooth may be in need of root canal therapy?

• Spontaneous pain or throbbing, especially while lying down
• Decay extending to the nerve chamber of the tooth
• Pain while biting or chewing
• Extreme sensitivity to hot foods or beverages
• Inflammation of the nerve
• Discolouration of the tooth due to degeneration of the nerve

What does a root canal procedure consist of?

We begin by administering local anesthetic. Once you are numb, a rubber dam will be placed over the tooth to be treated. The rubber dam is a protective sheet that covers your mouth to isolate the affected tooth and prevent bacteria from entering it once it has been cleaned out. The dentist will make a small opening in your tooth and remove any filling or decay. Then, the unhealthy nerve is removed with tiny, flexible instruments. Once the nerve is removed the dentist will clean and smooth the canals to prepare them for the canal-filling material. We will then fill the canal with a firm, rubber-like material called gutta-percha and bond posts in if necessary.

Posts are often placed to strengthen and support weakened tooth structure. The treatment is completed by placing a new filling in the tooth. Because a root canal treatment removes everything that "feeds" the tooth and keeps it alive, the tooth is subsequently considered to be "non-vital". A non-vital tooth becomes very brittle over time and is more susceptible to fracture than a "vital" tooth. This is why a crown is usually recommended following root canal treatment. Crowns can prevent the tooth from fracturing when subjected to heavy chewing forces.

Will the root canal treatment hurt?

Root canal treatments are notorious for being painful! This is doesn't have to be the case! Current techniques and anesthetics decrease the discomfort of the procedure itself. Any pain associated with root canal is due to the infection which causes the build up of pressure within the tooth and the subsequent need for the procedure. This pain can be avoided by controlling an infection through the use of antibiotics prior to the root canal treatment.

If you have any further questions regarding root canal treatments or other procedures to improve your health and comfort, please contact us today at 905-479-7777 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to set up your complimentary personalized consultation.

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