At Bloor Lansdowne Dental, we get many questions about root canal treatment, so in this blog post, we answer all of the most common inquiries about this necessary dental procedure.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure performed at our dental clinic in Toronto when a patient has an inflamed or infected tooth root. The procedure involves removing the bacteria in the tooth’s roots, disinfecting the tooth, and then sealing the tooth to ensure that bacteria cannot re-enter it.
How Much Do Root Canals Cost?
The cost of root canal treatment in Toronto varies depending on the complexity of your specific condition and if you have dental insurance that covers part of the procedure.
Is it Normal To Experience Pain After a Root Canal?
Some discomfort and tenderness in the area of the treated tooth are to be expected for the first couple of days following a root canal. Most of the time, over-the-counter pain medications are enough to keep the pain in check. Any persistent, severe pain that lasts more than a few days indicates that you should schedule a recheck at our root canal clinic near you.
How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?
Depending on the severity of your infection, this procedure usually takes between 30 to 90 minutes. Some dentists prefer to perform the entire procedure in one visit, while others prefer to perform a root canal over several appointments to allow the tooth time to dry and heal.
What Symptoms Indicate the Need for a Root Canal?
Common symptoms of tooth infection include:
- Tender or swollen gums
- Severe toothaches
- Pimples on the gums
- Sudden darkening of a tooth
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our team at our dental clinic near you to schedule a consultation as soon as possible.
Are Root Canals Painful?
A lot of people wonder if root canals are as painful as mainstream media makes them out to be. If the pulp of your tooth is already dead, then you won’t feel anything during the treatment. If the tooth is still alive, then you will need a local anesthetic to help manage pain during the procedure. If you have dental anxiety, speak to your dentist about options for sedation dentistry.
What Should You Expect After a Root Canal?
As mentioned earlier, it is normal to experience some tenderness in the area that was treated. After getting a root canal, you should:
- Wait to eat until the numbing in your mouth has worn off
- Avoid using the tooth to bite or chew until a dental crown has been placed over it
- Continue to floss and brush your teeth as usual
- Return to your normal activities after your anesthesia has worn off
Do You Need to See an Endodontist?
Depending on how severe your infection is, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist that specializes in root canal therapy. Endodontists are dentists with additional years of training and education that focus on diagnosing and treating tooth infections.
Contact Our Clinic
If you did not find the answers to your questions about root canal treatment in this post, please do not hesitate to contact our team of dedicated dental professionals at Bloor Lansdowne Dental. We are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.