Root Canal Treatment in London, Ontario
SAVE YOUR NATURAL TOOTH
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is one of the most common procedures used to save a natural tooth that has become infected or damaged. Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains blood vessels and nerves that help the tooth develop and remain healthy. When this tissue becomes damaged due to deep decay, trauma, cracks, chips, or repeated dental procedures, infection can occur and lead to significant discomfort.
During root canal treatment, the infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and the root canal system is sealed. This helps eliminate infection, relieve pain, and preserve the natural tooth whenever possible.
Saving your natural tooth can often prevent the need for more extensive treatment, such as a dental implant or dental bridge.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
An infected tooth may cause a variety of symptoms, and in some cases, pain may spread beyond the affected tooth. If you notice any of these symptoms, our team will perform a thorough examination to determine whether root canal treatment is the most appropriate option for your oral health. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, root canal treatment may be recommended:
Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers.
Pain when biting or chewing.
Persistent or spontaneous tooth pain.
Tooth pain that becomes worse at night.
Swelling or tenderness around the affected tooth.
Pain that radiates toward the jaw, ear, or side of the face.
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment
At Westmount Dental Office, root canal treatment is performed using local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Depending on the complexity of the tooth, treatment may be completed in one or more appointments. Dr. Kabak, Dr. Yurchuk, and Dr. Fady Ashour perform root canal treatment using a dental microscope that provides significant magnification of the tooth and its internal structures. This advanced technology allows for greater precision during treatment, improves visibility, and supports the long term success of preserving your natural tooth. For patients who may benefit from additional comfort, nitrous oxide sedation may also be recommended when appropriate.
If your tooth is not suitable for root canal treatment or if the long term outlook is not favourable, your dentist will discuss alternative treatment options with you during your consultation or if unexpected findings arise during treatment. Following your appointment, most patients are able to return to their normal daily routine while experiencing gradual relief as the source of infection is eliminated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does root canal treatment treat?
Root canal treatment is used to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. It helps eliminate infection, relieve pain, and preserve the natural tooth by cleaning and sealing the root canal system before restoring the tooth with an appropriate restoration when needed.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Modern root canal treatment is performed using local anesthesia to keep patients comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients report that treatment feels similar to receiving a dental filling. Our team may also recommend nitrous oxide sedation for additional comfort when appropriate.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Symptoms such as lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain while chewing, spontaneous tooth pain, swelling around the tooth, or discomfort that radiates toward the jaw or ear may indicate an infection inside the tooth. A comprehensive examination and diagnostic imaging will help determine whether root canal treatment is necessary.
How long does root canal treatment take?
Treatment time depends on the complexity of the tooth and the severity of the infection. Some root canal procedures can be completed in a single visit, while more complex cases may require two or more appointments to ensure the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and properly sealed.
Can a root canal save my natural tooth?
Yes. One of the primary goals of root canal treatment is to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible. Saving your natural tooth helps maintain normal chewing function, supports surrounding teeth, and may prevent the need for more extensive treatments such as dental implants or dental bridges.
