ROOT CANALS

Root Canal Therapy: A Tooth-Saving Solution

Root canals sometimes have an intimidating reputation, but they’re actually a vital treatment that can alleviate severe tooth pain and preserve your natural tooth. At Gelinas Dental Studio in Toronto’s West End, our primary goal is to ensure you feel at ease throughout the procedure. We offer a range of pain-management options and strive to make every root canal appointment as relaxing as possible.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

  • Spontaneous tooth pain—even when you’re not eating or drinking

  • Discomfort that disrupts sleep

  • Increased pain when pressure is applied or while chewing

  • Darkening or discolouration of a tooth

  • Recurrent gum swelling

  • Tenderness in the gums

  • Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

Ignoring these symptoms can worsen oral health issues and potentially lead to complications like an abscess. If you’re unsure about any discomfort you’re experiencing, schedule an exam at Gelinas Dental Studio to get a professional assessment and discuss treatment options.

What to Expect During a Root Canal

For most patients, a root canal can be completed in a single visit. We fully anesthetize both the tooth and the surrounding area to ensure you stay comfortable throughout the procedure. After the infected or damaged pulp is removed and the tooth is sealed, we often recommend protecting it with a porcelain crown to prevent future fractures.

What To Expect During the Root Canal Procedure

1. Local Anesthesia:
We thoroughly numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue to minimize any discomfort.

2. Cleaning & Disinfection:
Depending on the severity of the infection, the root canal may be finished in one or two appointments. If there’s a significant infection, your dentist may apply a specialized medication inside the canals for a week or two, followed by a temporary filling to keep the site clean.

3. Tooth Height Adjustment:
To alleviate pressure on the treated tooth, we may reduce its height slightly so it doesn’t bear the full force of your bite.

After Your Root Canal

Some mild discomfort or pain similar to what you experienced before the procedure may linger for around two days. Avoid chewing on the affected side until tenderness subsides. Your dentist will then plan a final restoration—often a crown—to protect and strengthen the tooth. It’s important to remember that teeth with root canals are more prone to fractures, so having a strong restoration is key to long-term success.

If you think you might need a root canal or are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact Gelinas Dental Studio in Toronto, Ontario, to schedule an appointment. Our compassionate team is here to help you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile.

  • In most cases, it’s preferable to save your natural tooth through root canal therapy rather than opt for extraction. A root canal effectively clears the infection while preserving the tooth itself. By keeping your original tooth, you typically avoid additional procedures such as bridges, dentures, or implants in the future.

  • If you have tooth pain linked to an infection and choose to wait, the discomfort may intensify over time. Delaying a root canal can lead to more serious complications, including a deeper infection, the formation of an abscess, and even tooth loss—making timely treatment critical for preserving your oral health.

  • If a tooth requires a root canal, it cannot heal on its own. Left untreated, the infection inside the tooth will worsen—even if you’re not currently experiencing pain. Seeking prompt dental care is vital to prevent further complications and protect your overall oral health