A Root Canal Treatment

What is a root canal procedure for your teeth?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged dental pulp from inside the tooth. This pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels that give the tooth vitality and sensitivity.
When it’s affected by infection, deep decay, or trauma, it must be removed to prevent bacteria from spreading to the root.

Once the pulp is removed, the dentist cleans and disinfects the canals before sealing them hermetically. This treatment preserves the tooth’s structure and prevents extraction, while restoring its functionality.

Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) cover root canal treatment?

The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) may cover part of the cost of certain endodontic procedures, including root canal treatment, depending on your eligibility and coverage plan. Since a crown is often recommended afterward, we suggest confirming your exact coverage with our team before your appointment, as crowns and root canal treatment may be assessed separately under the plan.

Root Canal Treatment and Complementary Procedures

A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment remains susceptible to dental cavities and is more fragile than a vital tooth. Since the pulp and nerves have been removed, it loses part of its natural resistance.
For this reason, it is often recommended to place a dental crown after treatment. This reinforces the tooth and protects it from potential fractures.

With rigorous oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist, a treated tooth can last a lifetime.

Why would you need a root canal?

Root canals are necessary when the dental pulp is irreversibly damaged. The pulp contains the nerves, blood vessels, and cells that ensure the vitality of the tooth. When bacteria infiltrate it or when inflammation becomes uncontrollable, the pulp can no longer regenerate.

Without treatment, the infection progresses toward the tip of the root and reaches the bone, which can lead to significant pain, an abscess, and eventually tooth loss. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the infection, disinfect the inside of the tooth, and seal the canals hermetically to allow the tissues around the root to heal.

The Most Common Causes for the Procedure

Deep dental cavity

When decay reaches the pulp, toxins cause pulpitis. At first reversible (brief pain with cold), it then becomes irreversible, with spontaneous and persistent pain. At this stage, a root canal is necessary to remove the infected pulp and stop the infection.

Dental Trauma

An impact can damage the blood vessels of the tooth and lead to its devitalization, sometimes without immediate pain. Progressive discolouration or an absence of reaction to cold indicates pulp necrosis, which should be treated with a root canal to avoid a periapical lesion.

Crack or Fracture

Microcracks allow bacteria to reach the pulp, causing pain when chewing, especially upon release. Diagnosis is made using magnification or cone beam imaging. If the crack reaches the pulp, root canal treatment and a reinforcing restoration are necessary.

Pulp Infection or Inflammation

Bacteria from decay, a defective restoration, or periodontal disease can infect the pulp. Without treatment, the inflammation leads to necrosis and then to a periapical lesion. Root canal treatment eliminates the bacterial source, which antibiotics alone cannot do.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

Persistent pain

A throbbing, prolonged, or nighttime pain suggests irreversible pulpitis. Prompt intervention helps preserve the tooth and prevent complications.

Sensitivity to heat and cold

A brief reaction to cold remains benign, but if the pain persists or occurs with heat, the pulp is likely affected. Early diagnosis reduces the risk of necrosis.

Swelling or Abscess

Swelling, a fistula, or an unpleasant taste signals an infection of dental origin. Root canal treatment eliminates the cause, while antibiotics are only used as support if the infection spreads.

Tooth Discolouration

A tooth that darkens after an impact or progressively often indicates a loss of vitality. Examinations confirm the necrosis, and root canal treatment can prevent lesions and, if needed, restore the colour.

Performance of root canal treatment:

Step 1: Diagnosis and Anesthesia

Before any treatment, the dentist performs a clinical examination and takes an X-ray to assess the depth of an infected tooth. Local anesthesia is then administered to help minimize discomfort during the procedure.

Step 2: Cleaning and Disinfecting the Tooth

The infected pulp is removed using precise instruments. Your root canal is then cleaned, widened, and disinfected with an antiseptic solution. This step aims to eliminate all traces of bacteria from the root canal system and prepare the tooth for filling.

Step 3: Filling and Restoration by the Dentist

The canal is then filled with a biocompatible material, gutta-percha, which hermetically seals the inside of the tooth.
In some cases, a dental crown is placed to reinforce the structure and prevent future fractures.

Is a Crown Necessary After A Root Canal Treatment?

Yes, in most cases. A tooth that has had a root canal becomes more brittle, as it no longer receives blood or nutrients. The crown acts as a protective shell: it strengthens the tooth, restores its chewing function, and preserves its natural appearance.

The lifespan of a tooth restored in this way depends on the quality of care, daily hygiene, and regular follow-up with the dentist. With proper maintenance, it can remain functional for many years.

• Care and follow-up after a root canal
• After treatment, you may experience temporary sensitivity when chewing or to the touch. This usually disappears within a few days.
  To promote healing and extend the life of the tooth:
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush
• Use dental floss daily
• Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated side for the first few days
• Schedule regular follow-ups to check the integrity of the tooth and crown

The following videos illustrate how root canal treatments and complementary procedures are performed.