A root canal removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside a tooth to relieve pain and prevent extraction. Most procedures in London, Ontario take one to two appointments, cause far less discomfort than their reputation suggests thanks to modern anesthesia, and have a success rate above 90% when followed by a proper crown restoration.
Why Root Canals Have a Reputation Problem
Ask ten people what a root canal feels like and at least seven will describe it as one of the worst experiences imaginable. That reputation is decades out of date. Modern local anesthetics, rotary instruments, and imaging technology have made the procedure roughly comparable to getting a deep filling for most patients. The pain people remember is usually the infection that led to the root canal, not the treatment itself, which is designed specifically to end that pain.
Separating the myth from the mechanics matters, because fear of the procedure is one of the main reasons people delay treatment until a tooth becomes unsalvageable.
What's Actually Happening Inside the Tooth
Every tooth has a hollow center called the pulp chamber, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This pulp helped the tooth develop, but once fully formed, the tooth can survive without it — the surrounding structure keeps it nourished.
When bacteria reach the pulp through a deep cavity, crack, or repeated dental trauma, the tissue becomes infected and inflamed. Left untreated, this infection can spread to the bone surrounding the root, forming an abscess. A root canal clears out that infected tissue, disinfects the canal system, and seals it to prevent bacteria from returning.
Signs You Might Need One
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that persists after the stimulus is removed
- Pain when chewing or applying pressure
- A pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth
- Visible darkening of the tooth
- Swelling in the face or jaw
Not everyone with these symptoms needs a root canal — a dentist confirms this with an exam and X-ray — but they're the most common early indicators.
How the Procedure Works, Step by Step
Diagnosis and Numbing
The dentist takes an X-ray to assess the extent of infection and root shape, then numbs the area thoroughly. This is typically the only part patients feel any sensation from, and it's brief.
Accessing and Cleaning the Canal
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. Using fine instruments, the dentist removes the infected tissue and shapes the canal walls to prepare them for filling.
Disinfecting
The canal is irrigated with an antibacterial solution to eliminate remaining bacteria — a step that's significantly improved outcomes over the past two decades of endodontic practice.
Filling and Sealing
The cleaned canal is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, then sealed to prevent recontamination.
Restoration
Because a root-canal-treated tooth loses some structural integrity, most cases require a crown afterward to protect it from cracking under normal chewing force. Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons treated teeth eventually fail.
Recovery: What's Normal and What Isn't
Mild soreness for two to three days is typical and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. What's not typical: sharp pain that worsens after a week, visible swelling, or a fever. Those symptoms warrant a follow-up call to your dentist rather than waiting it out.
A Real-World Comparison: Root Canal vs. Extraction
One question patients ask constantly is why save the tooth at all instead of just pulling it. It's a fair question, and the honest answer is that extraction is sometimes the right call — but it usually isn't the better one.
A patient in their mid-40s came in with a cracked molar and was initially leaning toward extraction, assuming it would be simpler and cheaper long-term. After walking through the comparison, the calculation changed: extraction would eventually require an implant or bridge to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, which typically costs more than root canal therapy plus a crown, and takes considerably longer to fully resolve. She opted for the root canal and was back to normal chewing within two weeks.
This isn't the right call for every tooth — sometimes a tooth is too damaged to save — but it's worth having the conversation before assuming extraction is the simpler path. For readers weighing this decision for their own case, a dentist offering root canal london treatment can evaluate whether the tooth is a good candidate before deciding between the two options.
Cost Considerations in Ontario
Root canal pricing in Ontario varies by tooth location — molars, with their multiple canals, typically cost more than front teeth due to added complexity and chair time. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of endodontic treatment, though coverage percentages vary widely by provider. It's worth requesting a treatment estimate before proceeding so there are no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a root canal hurt more than a filling?
Not typically. Both procedures use local anesthetic, and most patients report similar comfort levels during treatment. Post-procedure soreness is usually mild.
How long does a treated tooth last?
With a proper crown restoration, root-canal-treated teeth can last decades — often the lifetime of the patient — provided oral hygiene stays consistent.
Can an infection come back after a root canal?
Rarely, but it's possible if bacteria re-enter through a cracked filling or crown. This is why timely crown placement matters and why routine checkups catch problems early.
About the Author
This article was written by the clinical team at Apple Tree Dental, a general and family dental practice with locations on Beaverbrook Avenue North and Wonderland Road South in London, Ontario. The practice is registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and its dentists perform root canal therapy and related restorative treatments regularly as part of general practice. Apple Tree Dental focuses on helping patients understand their options clearly before deciding between treatments like root canals and extractions.
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