If you’ve been told you need a root canal, there’s a good chance your first thought was something along the lines of, “How bad is this going to hurt?”
Believe it or not, we hear that quite a bit.
Root canals have developed a reputation over the years that doesn’t really match how the procedure is performed today. Root canal therapy is actually intended to treat what is often causing the discomfort in the first place: inflammation or infection inside the tooth.
By cleaning the inside of the tooth and sealing it properly, root canal treatment may allow you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it removed.
Our endodontic team at Dabuleanu Dental in North York sees patients with tooth pain, infections, dental trauma and other conditions affecting the inside of their teeth. If you’ve been referred for treatment—or you’re simply trying to understand what may be ahead—here’s what you can expect during treatment and afterward.
Why Would You Need a Root Canal?
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the dental pulp. It contains nerves and blood vessels and plays an important role while the tooth is developing.
Problems can occur when that tissue becomes inflamed or infected.
There are a number of possible causes, including:
- Deep tooth decay
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- Trauma or injury
- Repeated dental treatment on the same tooth
- A large or damaged filling
- Bacteria reaching the pulp inside the tooth
Sometimes the problem develops gradually. Other times, pain can appear quite suddenly.
If the pulp becomes damaged to the point that it can no longer recover, root canal therapy may be recommended to remove the affected tissue while preserving the rest of the tooth.
How Do You Know If You Might Need a Root Canal?
A bad toothache doesn’t automatically mean you need root canal treatment. Dental pain can have several causes, which is why an examination is important.
There are, however, some symptoms that may be associated with inflammation or infection inside a tooth.
You might notice:
- Persistent or intense tooth pain
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling around a tooth or along the gumline
- Tenderness in a specific area
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- Deep tooth decay
- A recurring bump or swelling on the gum
What surprises some patients is that a tooth can have a significant problem without causing severe pain. Symptoms may also change as the condition progresses.
The best way to find out what is actually happening is to have the tooth examined.
Experiencing Tooth Pain?
If a tooth has been bothering you for more than a short period of time—or you’re experiencing swelling, significant sensitivity or pain when biting—it’s worth having it checked.
Call Dabuleanu Dental in North York at 416-222-5055 to arrange an assessment.
If you have an urgent dental problem, you can also learn more about our Emergency Dentistry services.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
The exact process can vary depending on the tooth and the complexity of the case, but the basic procedure is generally similar.
First, We Assess the Tooth
Before treatment begins, we need to determine what is causing the problem.
This usually involves examining the tooth and taking dental X-rays or other appropriate images so we can look at the roots, surrounding bone and internal anatomy.
This helps determine whether root canal treatment is appropriate and whether the tooth can be treated predictably.
We Make Sure You’re Comfortable
Local anesthetic is used to numb the area before treatment begins.
One of the biggest misconceptions about root canal therapy is that the procedure itself is supposed to be extremely painful. In reality, treatment is performed with the area numb and patient comfort in mind.
For many patients, the inflammation or infection that brought them into the office causes more discomfort than the treatment itself.
We Isolate and Protect the Tooth
A thin protective sheet called a rubber dam is commonly placed around the tooth.
This helps keep saliva away from the treatment area and keeps the inside of the tooth clean while the root canals are being treated.
We Remove the Damaged Tissue
A small opening is made in the tooth so the dentist or endodontist can access the pulp chamber and root canals.
The inflamed or infected tissue is removed, and small instruments are used to clean and shape the canals inside the roots.
We Clean and Seal the Canals
Once the inside of the tooth has been cleaned and disinfected, the canals are filled and sealed.
Depending on the situation, a temporary or permanent restoration may be placed afterward.
For a more detailed explanation, visit our Root Canal Treatment in North York page.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
This is usually the question patients want answered first.
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed before treatment, and modern root canal therapy is performed with patient comfort in mind.
People sometimes associate the pain they experienced before treatment with the root canal procedure itself. In many cases, that pain is coming from inflammation or infection inside the tooth.
Every situation is different, though. A straightforward case may feel very different from a tooth with significant infection or more complicated anatomy.
Your dentist or endodontist can explain what to expect based on your particular tooth.
How Does a Tooth Feel After a Root Canal?
It isn’t unusual for the tooth and surrounding area to feel a little different after treatment.
Some patients notice mild tenderness when biting. Others may experience some soreness around the tooth or jaw.
The tissues surrounding the tooth may already have been irritated before treatment, so they can take some time to settle afterward.
What we generally want to see is gradual improvement.
If pain becomes severe, swelling develops, or your symptoms seem to be getting worse rather than better, contact the office.
Root Canal Aftercare and Recovery
Most patients don’t need to follow a complicated recovery routine, but there are a few things worth keeping in mind after treatment.
Be Careful With the Tooth at First
If you received a temporary filling or restoration, avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the tooth.
You may be advised to avoid hard or sticky foods and to chew on the opposite side until the tooth has received its permanent restoration.
Keep Up With Your Oral Hygiene
Having a root canal does not mean you can stop caring for that tooth.
Continue brushing and cleaning between your teeth as recommended.
Although the nerve tissue inside the tooth has been removed, the tooth can still develop decay or problems with the surrounding gums.
Follow Your Post-Treatment Instructions
Every situation is different, so your endodontist may give you specific instructions following your appointment.
These may include recommendations about eating, oral hygiene and medications.
Dabuleanu Dental patients can also refer to our Patient Instructions Following Root Canal Treatment.
Will You Need a Crown After Root Canal Treatment?
Sometimes.
Root canal therapy treats the inside of the tooth, but the remaining tooth still needs to be strong enough to function properly.
Depending on which tooth was treated and how much healthy tooth structure remains, your dentist may recommend either a permanent filling or a dental crown.
Back teeth in particular are exposed to considerable chewing pressure and often require additional protection.
If a crown or another final restoration is recommended, it’s important to complete that part of your treatment even if the tooth is already feeling better.
When Should You Call Us?
Some tenderness after treatment can occur. Severe or worsening symptoms are different.
Contact your dentist or endodontist if:
- Pain becomes severe or continues to increase
- Noticeable swelling develops
- Symptoms return after initially improving
- Your temporary filling or restoration comes out
- Your bite suddenly feels significantly different
- Something simply doesn’t feel right
You don’t need to decide on your own whether a symptom is serious enough to mention. If you’re concerned, give the office a call.
How Long Can a Root Canal-Treated Tooth Last?
The purpose of root canal therapy is to preserve a natural tooth that might otherwise need to be removed.
When the tooth is properly treated, restored and cared for, it can continue functioning for many years.
That doesn’t mean you can stop looking after it.
Continue with regular dental examinations and cleanings, brush and clean between your teeth, and follow any additional recommendations from your dentist.
Occasionally, a tooth that has already had root canal treatment may develop another problem.
Depending on the situation, root canal retreatment or endodontic surgery may be considered in an effort to preserve the tooth.
Dabuleanu Dental provides both services when appropriate.
Why Would You See an Endodontist?
An endodontist is a dentist with advanced training focused on diagnosing and treating problems involving the dental pulp and tissues surrounding the roots of teeth.
Because of this, endodontists spend a significant amount of their time diagnosing tooth pain and treating complex endodontic conditions.
They commonly treat:
- Complex root canal anatomy
- Previously treated teeth
- Dental trauma and injuries
- Persistent tooth pain
- Root canal surgery
- Endodontic emergencies
Dabuleanu Dental provides specialized endodontic care in North York, along with general dentistry and other specialty dental services.
Root Canal Treatment in North York
Tooth pain is worth paying attention to.
If you’ve been experiencing persistent pain, swelling, sensitivity or discomfort when biting, having the tooth examined can help determine what is causing the problem and what treatment may be appropriate.
If root canal therapy is recommended, the goal is to treat the problem while preserving your natural tooth whenever possible.
To arrange an assessment, contact Dabuleanu Dental in North York.
Dabuleanu Dental
2 Finch Ave W
North York, ON M2N 6L1
416-222-5055
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
Some patients experience mild tenderness for a few days after treatment, while others notice very little discomfort. Recovery varies, but symptoms should generally improve rather than become more severe.
Can I eat after a root canal?
You can usually eat after treatment, but follow the instructions you were given at your appointment. It’s generally best to wait until the numbness has worn off and avoid chewing hard foods on a tooth with a temporary restoration.
Does every root canal-treated tooth need a crown?
No. The type of restoration depends on which tooth was treated and how much healthy tooth structure remains. Back teeth commonly require crowns because they experience greater chewing forces.
Why does my tooth still feel tender after treatment?
The tissues around the root may already have been irritated or inflamed before treatment. Mild tenderness can continue for a short period afterward. Severe or increasing pain should be evaluated.
Can a root canal-treated tooth develop another problem?
Yes. Occasionally, a tooth that has previously received root canal treatment can develop a new problem. Depending on the cause, root canal retreatment or endodontic surgery may be considered.