Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Root Canal Treatment in London, Ontario
Inside every tooth is a soft core of nerves and blood vessels called the pulp. When deep decay, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach the pulp, it becomes inflamed and infected. That causes the throbbing toothache root canals are known for, and if it isn’t treated, an abscess at the tip of the root.
Root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it. It relieves the pain and lets you keep your natural tooth instead of having it pulled. At Lunar Smile Dentistry, Dr. Adel Elbaz provides root canal treatment, often starting the same day for patients in pain.
Signs you may need a root canal
- a severe or throbbing toothache, especially when biting
- lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts after the cold or heat is gone
- pain that wakes you at night
- a tooth that has turned darker after an injury
- swelling of the gum or face
- a pimple-like bump on the gum that may leak pus or a bad taste
- a deep cavity or a cracked tooth
Sometimes there are no symptoms, and we find an infection on a digital x-ray at a check-up.
Why save the tooth?
A natural tooth is usually worth keeping. A treated tooth with a crown chews normally and holds your bite in place. Removing it means a gap that, in most cases, should then be filled with an implant, a bridge or a denture, which takes longer and often costs more. We’ll always explain both options so you can decide.
What happens during a root canal
- Diagnosis. We examine the tooth, test how it responds to cold and tapping, and take an x-ray to see the roots and any infection.
- Freezing. We numb the tooth thoroughly. You can also choose laughing gas or other sedation.
- Isolation. A thin rubber sheet (a dental dam) keeps the tooth clean and dry, and stops anything falling into your mouth.
- Cleaning. We make a small opening in the top of the tooth, remove the infected pulp, and clean and shape each root canal with fine instruments while rinsing with disinfecting solutions.
- Sealing. We fill and seal the canals so bacteria can’t get back in.
- Protecting the tooth. We place a filling to seal the top. Back teeth usually need a crown afterwards, because a root-canal-treated tooth becomes more brittle. We can often make it the same day with CEREC.
Treatment takes one or two appointments, depending on the tooth and how much infection there is.
Does a root canal hurt?
The pain people associate with root canals usually comes from the infection before treatment. During the procedure, the tooth is frozen, and most patients say it feels similar to having a filling. Afterwards the tooth may feel tender for a few days, especially when biting; over-the-counter pain relief usually helps.
Call us if you have severe pain or swelling after treatment, or if your bite feels uneven.
After your root canal
- avoid chewing on the tooth until it has its final filling or crown
- take any medication as we advise
- brush and floss normally
- keep up your regular check-ups so we can check the tooth heals well on x-rays
A treated tooth can still get a cavity or gum disease, so look after it like any other tooth. With a good seal and a crown, a root-canal-treated tooth can last a long time.
When we refer to a root canal specialist
Some teeth have very curved, narrow or blocked canals, or need a previous root canal redone. In those cases we may refer you to an endodontist (a root canal specialist) here in London, and we’ll explain why.
Cost and coverage
The cost depends on the tooth: front teeth usually have one canal, molars three or more. Most dental insurance plans cover root canal treatment in part, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) covers it too. Remember to plan for the crown afterwards, usually billed separately. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, and we give you the cost before starting.
Common questions
Is it better to just pull the tooth?
Extraction can be cheaper up front, but replacing the tooth usually costs more over time, and a gap can let other teeth shift. If the tooth can be saved, a root canal is usually the better long-term choice.
Can I drive or go to work afterwards?
Yes, unless you had oral sedation. Many people go straight back to work.
Will I need antibiotics?
Not usually. Cleaning out the tooth treats the infection. Antibiotics are used when infection is spreading, with swelling or fever.
How long does the appointment take?
Usually 60 to 90 minutes per visit.
Book now if you’re in pain
A toothache doesn’t usually go away on its own. We keep time open for emergencies and are open until 9 pm on weekdays and on Saturdays. Call 226-884-2573 or book online. See emergency dental care.
Part of our other services services in London, Ontario. See all dental services.