Straight Talk About Root Canals
Root canals have a reputation, and we understand why the word makes people nervous. The treatment itself is designed to end your pain by removing infected tissue from inside the tooth. With good numbing and a calm, patient team, most people find it feels much like a routine filling.
Keep the Tooth, Lose the Toothache
Dr. Manor's care philosophy is simple: treat what needs treating and protect what you have. Root canal therapy removes the source of infection, which relieves the ache and pressure. Your natural tooth stays in place, so your bite, your chewing, and your smile stay familiar, and you keep a gap from forming that could later call for an implant or bridge.
A Calm Appointment at Your Pace
Feeling nervous is normal, and our team plans for it. Numbing gel is applied before freezing, so even the injection is gentler. If you'd like laughing gas, we can book your treatment at our sister office in Headon. We check in often, and if something hurts, we stop and adjust, while a ceiling-mounted TV, music, and a warm blanket help you settle in.
Information You Can Trust
You get the full picture so you can make a confident choice. Your dentist walks you through your X-rays and explains what's causing the pain. You'll hear every option, including extraction, along with what each one means for your long-term health. Costs are shared upfront, and we follow the Ontario fee guide at both locations.
Why an Infected Tooth Needs Treatment
Inside each tooth, beneath the hard outer layers, is the pulp: a soft core of nerves and blood vessels. Once bacteria get in through a deep cavity, a crack, or an injury:
- The pulp cannot repair itself, so the inflammation or infection tends to continue.
- Pain may come and go, which can make the problem seem to have resolved when it hasn't.
- An abscess can form at the root tip, leading to swelling and, over time, loss of the bone that supports the tooth.
Prompt treatment gives your tooth the best odds and usually means a more straightforward visit.
Symptoms That Point to a Root Canal
Your body often gives clues when the pulp of a tooth is in trouble. Book a visit if you notice:
- Cold or heat sensitivity that hangs on. A twinge that lasts well after your coffee or ice water is gone can signal a damaged pulp.
- Pain that shows up on its own. A toothache that starts without a trigger, or keeps you up at night, deserves a prompt look.
- Soreness when you chew. If biting down on one tooth hurts, infection may have reached the area around the root.
- Gum swelling near one tooth. A tender, puffy area or a small pimple-like bump on the gum can mean an abscess.
- A tooth that looks greyer than its neighbours. Discolouration can come from damage to the nerve inside.
Some infected teeth cause no symptoms at all and are first spotted on X-rays at a regular visit.
We've got you covered
We work with all providers and follow Ontario's fee guide at both locations, so there are never any surprise costs. Give us a call or book online and we'll happily sort out the details with you.
Your Root Canal, Step by Step
Find the Cause
Your dentist examines the tooth, takes X-rays, and pinpoints what's causing your symptoms. You'll get a clear explanation of your options and their costs before you decide.
Get Comfortable and Numb
Topical gel comes first, followed by local freezing. Pillows, blankets, and a show overhead help you relax. We'll make sure you're settled before we begin.
Clear Out the Infection
Through a small opening in the tooth, your dentist removes the damaged pulp, then cleans and shapes the narrow canals inside the roots. The canals are filled and sealed to keep bacteria out. Some teeth are finished in one visit, while others need a second, with a temporary filling in between.
Restore and Protect
Teeth that have had a root canal, especially molars, often benefit from a crown to protect them from cracking. Your dentist will tell you whether yours needs one. Crowns are available here at LIV, so your care stays with the team you know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal as painful as people say?
What exactly is a root canal?
What are the warning signs that I might need one?
Why save the tooth when it could be removed?
Do I need a crown after root canal therapy?
Can I drive myself home afterward?
What should I expect in the days after treatment?
Will a pain-free tooth still need treatment?
How long does a tooth last after a root canal?
Will my insurance cover a root canal?
We would love to meet you
Whether you're looking for a new dental home, coming back after a while away, or just finally ready to book that appointment, we're here, and we'd love to welcome you. New patients are always welcome at both locations. Book online or give us a call, we'll take great care of you.