Root Canal Therapy in Grimsby

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a dental treatment that removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth.

Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If deep decay, a crack, trauma, or repeated dental work allows bacteria to reach the pulp, the tooth can become painful or infected.

During root canal therapy, the infected or inflamed pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped, and the space is sealed. The goal is to treat the infection and help save the natural tooth when possible.

When May You Need a Root Canal?

A root canal may be recommended when the inner part of the tooth is affected by infection, deep decay, injury, or severe irritation.

Root canal therapy may be needed for:

• ✓Deep tooth decay
• ✓Tooth infection
• ✓Severe toothache
• ✓Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
• ✓Pain when biting or chewing
• ✓A cracked or broken tooth
• ✓Swelling around the gums or jaw
• ✓A darkened or discoloured tooth
• ✓Repeated dental work on the same tooth
• ✓A pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth

Not every toothache means you need a root canal. A dental exam and X-rays help determine whether the tooth can be treated with a filling, crown, root canal therapy, or another option.

Signs of an Infected Tooth

An infected tooth can cause different symptoms. Some patients feel strong pain, while others notice swelling or pressure.

Call a dentist if you have:

• ✓Tooth pain that does not settle
• ✓Throbbing pain
• ✓Pain when biting
• ✓Lingering hot or cold sensitivity
• ✓Gum swelling near one tooth
• ✓Facial or jaw swelling
• ✓Bad taste or drainage near a tooth
• ✓A bump on the gum
• ✓A tooth that has darkened
• ✓Pain that wakes you up at night

If you have severe facial swelling, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, fever with worsening swelling, or swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, seek urgent medical care immediately.

What Causes a Tooth to Need Root Canal Treatment?

A tooth may need root canal therapy when bacteria or damage reaches the pulp inside the tooth.

Common causes include:

• ✓Untreated cavities
• ✓Deep decay under a filling or crown
• ✓Cracked teeth
• ✓Broken teeth
• ✓Dental injury
• ✓Repeated dental procedures on one tooth
• ✓Large fillings that weaken the tooth
• ✓Infection spreading from inside the tooth

Early dental care may help prevent some teeth from reaching this stage. Once the pulp is infected or severely inflamed, a filling alone is usually not enough.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

Does Root Canal Therapy Hurt?

Root canal therapy is done to treat the source of tooth pain, not create more pain.

The tooth and surrounding area are numbed before treatment when needed. You may feel pressure or vibration during the visit, and some tenderness after treatment is possible as the area heals.

If pain, swelling, or bite discomfort continues or becomes worse after treatment, call the clinic.

Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction

Root canal therapy is used when the goal is to save the natural tooth.

Extraction removes the tooth. In some cases, extraction may be needed if the tooth is too damaged, cracked, unsupported, or cannot be restored predictably.

When possible, saving the natural tooth can help maintain chewing function, bite support, and tooth position. Your dentist will explain whether root canal therapy or another option is more suitable for your tooth.

Why a Crown May Be Needed After a Root Canal

A tooth that needs root canal therapy is often already weakened by decay, cracks, large fillings, or infection.

After root canal therapy, many back teeth need a crown to help protect the remaining tooth structure during chewing. Front teeth may not always need crowns, depending on how much structure remains and the bite forces involved.

Your dentist will check the tooth and explain whether a crown is recommended.

Recovery After Root Canal Therapy

Some tenderness after treatment can be normal, especially when the tooth was painful or infected before the appointment.

After treatment:

• ✓Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until it is restored
• ✓Follow your dentist’s instructions
• ✓Keep the area clean with brushing and flossing
• ✓Return for the final restoration if one is needed
• ✓Call if swelling, pain, or bite discomfort gets worse
• ✓Keep up with regular dental exams

A root-canal-treated tooth still needs regular care and monitoring.

Cost and CDCP Information

The cost of root canal therapy depends on the tooth, number of canals, X-rays, complexity, restoration needed, and your coverage.

Grimsby Lake Dental accepts CDCP for eligible patients and eligible dental services. CDCP coverage for root canal therapy depends on eligibility, treatment need, tooth type, preauthorization rules, co-payments, frequency limits, and plan rules.

If you have private insurance, CDCP, or another dental benefit, bring your coverage information to your visit so our team can help review estimated costs before treatment begins.

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