logo

Endodontics

All Services

main-endo

Endodontics in Edmonton

Save a badly decayed or infected tooth with root canal treatment. Root canals are recommended for a tooth that has been severely damaged by decay or injury.

How does root canal treatment work?

The root canals are spaces inside each of your teeth. They contain the pulp, which is a bundle of soft tissue and nerves. If the tooth is injured, the pulp could become infected. It’s important to treat the infection quickly because it can spread from the tooth to the surrounding tissues. During root canal treatment, the pulp and infected tissue is removed to prevent further infection. Once the root canal is complete, we clean and seal the tooth to protect it. Finally, we restore the tooth with a dental crown.

Aren’t root canals painful?

Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, but with modern anesthetics and techniques the procedure is normally no more painful than getting a tooth filled.

Book a dental exam with us if you experience any of the symptoms of a tooth infection, such as a sharp toothache or increased sensitivity to pressure, heat, or cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is endodontic treatment?
Endodontic treatment refers to dental procedures that focus on treating the inside of the tooth, specifically the pulp and root canals. The most common endodontic procedure is root canal therapy, which is used to remove infected or damaged pulp tissue caused by deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental work. After cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, it is sealed to prevent further infection. The goal of endodontic treatment is to save the natural tooth rather than extracting it, preserving function and appearance.
You may need a root canal when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. Common signs include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, swelling around the gums, discoloration of the tooth, or pain when chewing. A dentist may also recommend a root canal if an X-ray shows infection or damage at the root. The procedure is necessary when the infection cannot be treated with a simple filling and the tooth needs deeper internal treatment.
Root canal treatment is not usually painful because it is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area completely. Most patients report feeling pressure rather than pain during the procedure. In fact, the treatment is designed to relieve the pain caused by infection or inflammation inside the tooth. After the procedure, some mild soreness or sensitivity may occur for a few days, but it can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and subsides quickly.
A root canal procedure usually takes between 60 to 90 minutes per session, depending on the complexity of the tooth and the number of canals involved. Some cases can be completed in a single visit, while others may require two appointments if the infection is severe or if additional cleaning is needed. The dentist will also place a filling or temporary restoration after the procedure, and a permanent crown may be placed later to protect the tooth.
Signs that you may need endodontic treatment include persistent tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling or tenderness in the gums, darkening of the tooth, or the presence of a pimple-like bump on the gums. Sometimes there may be no noticeable symptoms, and the issue is only detected through X-rays. These signs indicate that the tooth pulp may be damaged or infected and requires professional evaluation.
Yes, a root canal is specifically designed to save a damaged or infected tooth. By removing the infected pulp, cleaning the internal canals, and sealing the tooth, the procedure eliminates infection while preserving the natural tooth structure. This allows the tooth to continue functioning normally. After treatment, a crown is often placed to strengthen and protect the tooth, making it durable for long-term use.
After a root canal, the tooth may feel slightly sensitive or tender for a few days as the surrounding tissues heal. Most patients can return to normal activities the same day. The dentist may initially place a temporary filling or crown, followed by a permanent restoration later to fully protect the tooth. Good oral hygiene and follow-up care are important to ensure long-term success and prevent reinfection.
Antibiotics are not always required for endodontic treatment. In most cases, the root canal procedure itself is enough to remove the infection. However, antibiotics may be prescribed if there is significant swelling, spreading infection, or systemic symptoms like fever. The dentist will decide based on the severity of the condition. Proper cleaning and sealing of the tooth are the most important steps in eliminating the infection.
Root canal treatments have a high success rate, typically ranging from 85% to 95% or higher when properly performed and maintained. Success depends on factors such as the severity of infection, tooth location, and quality of restoration after treatment. With good oral hygiene and a properly fitted crown, a treated tooth can last many years or even a lifetime. Regular dental checkups help ensure long-term success.
You can usually eat after a root canal once the numbness from anesthesia wears off, which typically takes a few hours. It is recommended to start with soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored with a permanent filling or crown. Hard or sticky foods should be avoided initially to prevent damage. Following your dentist’s instructions helps ensure proper healing and protection of the treated tooth.

Thanks for stopping by! We hope this is the beginning of a long and positive dental health journey. Please take a moment to review some important information about your first appointment with us.

Find Out More
JOIN THE FAMILY

New Patients Welcome!

New Patient Form

At cursus sit ultricies elementum gravida vel curabitur pretium velit lacinia placerat

Dental Office Policy

At cursus sit ultricies elementum gravida vel curabitur pretium velit lacinia placerat

Dental Treatment Consent Form

At cursus sit ultricies elementum gravida vel curabitur pretium velit lacinia placerat