Endodontic therapy, more often referred to as a root canal treatment, is a common dental procedure that saves and repairs a badly damaged or infected tooth. This procedure removes infected or injured dental pulp, which is a soft tissue in the middle of a tooth, including the nerve.
Although teeth appear to be solid, they are actually hollow. Beneath the hard layers of tooth material is the dental pulp. It includes the nerve, vascular cells, and other viscous tissues. The pulp is housed in a chamber located in the center of the tooth, with canals extending through the roots to the jawbone.
In a strong, healthy tooth, the pulp is well protected by layers of dentin, enamel, and cementum. When a tooth is broken or otherwise seriously damaged, the dental pulp can be injured. Additionally, fractures or deep cavities can give bacteria a passageway to the pulp, resulting in infection.
The most common signs that root canal treatment may be needed include:
If you see a dentist regularly, damage may be detected before these symptoms manifest, giving the opportunity for early treatment.
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful but when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth the root and its nerves become irritated.
As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with a natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95 percent or greater. Most root canals are diagnosed by patient’s sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist if any symptoms or discomfort occur.
Contrary to the horrible things that you may have heard, the root canal procedure is comfortable and highly successful. The first step is diagnostics. Your dentist will examine the tooth in question and take X-rays as needed to determine the nature and extent of the damage.
The cost of a root canal in Ontario varies depending on the tooth’s location and complexity. On average, root canals for front teeth range from $300 to $1,000, while molar root canals can cost $900 to $1,500. Additional costs, such as X-rays or crowns, may apply. Dental insurance often covers part of the expense, so confirming coverage with your provider is wise. Consult your dentist for an accurate estimate based on your specific needs.
Yes, a root canal is an endodontic procedure that focuses on diagnosing and treating issues inside the tooth, particularly the pulp and root canals. Endodontists specialize in preserving natural teeth by removing damaged or infected pulp. After extracting the pulp, we clean and seal the root canals to prevent further infection. Root canals are a common and effective treatment for saving teeth that would otherwise require extraction due to decay or trauma.
Modern root canal treatments are relatively painless, thanks to advanced techniques and anesthesia. Most patients feel only mild discomfort during the procedure, comparable to getting a filling. Afterward, some sensitivity or soreness may occur, but it is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Root canals relieve the severe pain caused by infected or damaged tooth pulp, making them a beneficial treatment for restoring comfort and oral health.
Root canals often preserve teeth for 10 to 15 years or more with proper care. The longevity depends on the quality of the procedure, oral hygiene, and whether a dentist places a crown or restoration afterward. Regular dental checkups and avoiding habits like grinding teeth or chewing hard objects can help maximize the life of a root canal-treated tooth.
A cavity requires a root canal when decay penetrates deeply into the tooth, reaching the pulp, where nerves and blood vessels reside. This causes infection or inflammation, leading to severe pain, sensitivity, or swelling. A root canal is necessary to remove the infected pulp, prevent further damage, and save the tooth. Regular checkups can catch cavities early, avoiding a root canal.
After a root canal, your dentist will almost always recommend a crown, especially for molars or premolars. A crown strengthens, shapes, and restores the tooth while protecting it from further damage. A dental filling or another restoration can sufficiently address the issue if the treatment involves front teeth or only a small portion of the tooth structure was removed. Your dentist will evaluate the condition of your tooth and suggest the best restoration option to ensure its durability and longevity.
A tooth becomes weaker after a root canal because removing the pulp and infected tissue reduces its natural strength. Without the living tissue, the tooth is more prone to cracking or breaking under pressure. Dentists often recommend placing a crown or other protective restoration after the procedure to restore its durability. A tooth with a root canal can retain its integrity properly by avoiding hard foods and practicing good oral hygiene.
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed before work begins to ensure your comfort. Your dentist will create an opening in the upper part of the tooth, just large enough to access and remove the dental pulp. After the root canal has been cleaned and sterilized, it is filled and sealed to ensure there is no future infection.
In most cases, a dental crown is recommended to restore the tooth after root canal treatment. This serves a dual purpose, preventing damage to the tooth and restoring your smile. If you think you may need root canal treatment, visit one of our offices in the Greater Toronto areas of Scarborough, Pickering, or North York.
Dr. Amir Awadalla
Dr. Mark Awadalla
Dr. Ashraf Awadalla
