Root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) becomes necessary when the dental pulp—the nerve tissue at your tooth’s center—becomes inflamed or infected. Cavities, cracks, or trauma can trigger this condition, potentially causing pain or abscesses if left untreated. Early intervention makes the procedure more comfortable, so don’t delay seeking treatment!

Common Symptoms

• Persistent temperature sensitivity
• Tooth discolouration
• Pain when chewing
• Spontaneous pain
• Swelling in the gums or face
• General tooth tenderness

Our endodontic treatment is performed comfortably under local anesthesia in just one or two appointments. Using advanced microscopes and powerful lighting, we:

1. Remove unhealthy pulp tissue

2. Clean the tooth interior thoroughly

3. Seal the root with specialized filling material

After your root canal therapy is completed, your regular dentist will place a crown or appropriate filling to restore full functionality and protection.

While most root canal therapy lasts a lifetime, occasionally a tooth fails to heal or becomes reinfected due to:

• New cavities
• Damaged fillings
• Traumatic incidents
• Complex root anatomy

Re-treatment offers a second chance to save your natural tooth. Using the same comfortable local anesthesia as initial root canal therapy, we:

• Remove previous restorations to access the root
• Extract old filling materials
• Examine for additional canals or hairline cracks
• Clean and reseal the tooth

When conventional treatment isn’t enough, endodontic surgery may be necessary. This involves creating a small incision near the root tip to properly seal it. Our most common procedure is an apicectomy, where we:

• Access the root through a small gum incision
• Remove the root tip
• Place a small filling to seal the canal
• Close with a few dissolvable stitches

Why?

Preserving your natural tooth through endodontic treatment is typically less costly and time-consuming than extraction followed by implants, bridges, or dentures—which often require procedures on adjacent healthy teeth.

Have questions about root canal therapy or endodontic treatment? Contact our specialist team today for compassionate, expert care.

Root end surgery is a specialized dental procedure that helps save your tooth when conventional root canal treatment isn’t enough. Recovery is typically straightforward, but knowing what to expect can help ensure optimal healing.

After your procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising around the surgical area. This is completely normal and typically peaks within the first 48 hours before gradually subsiding. To minimize these symptoms, apply ice packs to the outside of your face in 10-minute intervals (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) for the first 4-6 hours after surgery. Sleeping with your head elevated for the first few nights will also help reduce swelling.

Your endodontist will likely prescribe medications to manage any discomfort and prevent infection. Please take all medications exactly as directed and contact our office immediately if you experience any adverse reactions.

For proper healing, please follow these important care instructions:

• Do not brush, floss, or rinse your mouth for 24 hours after your procedure
• Beginning the next day, you may resume normal oral hygiene, but avoid the surgical area
• Use the prescribed mouth rinse gently twice daily for one week
• Avoid hot foods and drinks for 24-48 hours after surgery
• Refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption for 24-48 hours
• Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 48 hours

During the initial healing period, it’s crucial to minimize disruption to the surgical site. Avoid touching the area, lifting your lip to examine it, or making excessive facial movements on the first day. Maintain a soft food diet on the day of surgery and the following day to prevent disturbing the area while it begins to heal.

Most patients return to their normal activities within a few days, though complete healing of the surgical site takes several weeks. Your endodontist will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress and answer any questions you may have.

Remember, if you have any concerns or questions about your recovery, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 416-787-0550. We’re here to ensure your comfort and successful healing throughout the recovery process.