Root Canal Treatment: Signs You May Need One and What to Expect
What a root canal is, the signs that point to it, how long treatment takes, and what to eat and do afterwards — explained in plain language by a Richmond Hill dental clinic.
"Root canal" has a scary reputation it does not deserve. Modern root canal treatment relieves pain rather than causing it, and it can save a tooth that would otherwise be lost. Here is what the treatment involves and what to expect at each step.
What a root canal actually is
Inside every tooth is a soft core containing nerves and blood vessels, called the pulp. When decay, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach that pulp, it can become inflamed or infected. Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp, cleans and seals the inside of the tooth, and keeps the tooth in your mouth.
Signs that point to a root canal
Only an examination and an X-ray can confirm what is happening inside a tooth, so these signs are reasons to book an assessment — not a diagnosis on their own.
- Deep, lasting toothache, especially when biting or lying down
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that does not fade in seconds
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum near one tooth
- A tooth that has darkened compared to its neighbours
- A cracked or badly damaged tooth, or a filling that has failed
What happens during treatment
The tooth is numbed first, so treatment is generally comfortable. The dentist opens a small access point, removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, then fills and seals them. Most cases are completed in one or two visits, and a tooth toward the back of the mouth can take longer than a front tooth because it has more canals.
Afterwards, a back tooth usually needs a crown to protect it, because a treated tooth is more brittle than a live one.
Recovery: eating, exercise and normal life
For the first day or two, stick to soft foods and chew on the other side of your mouth until the numbness has worn off and any tenderness settles. Avoid very hard or sticky foods on a treated tooth until the final crown or restoration is placed.
Light activity is fine the same day. If you exercise intensively, expect to feel more awareness around the tooth and ease back in over a day or two. Mild soreness for a few days is normal; severe or growing pain, swelling or fever is not — call the clinic right away.
Cost and coverage
The cost of root canal treatment in Ontario depends on which tooth is treated and how complex its canals are, so an exact figure comes from an examination and X-ray. We provide a written estimate before treatment, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan covers root canal treatment for eligible patients within its rules.
Common questions
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are completed in one or two appointments. A front tooth is usually quicker; a molar with several canals takes longer. Your first visit includes the diagnosis that determines the plan.
Does a root canal hurt?
The tooth is numbed before treatment begins, so most patients report the procedure feels similar to having a filling. Tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal and usually managed with simple pain relief.
What can I eat after a root canal?
Soft foods such as pasta, eggs, yogurt and soup are comfortable for the first day or two. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on the treated tooth until the permanent crown or filling is in place.
Can I go to the gym after a root canal?
Light activity is generally fine. Strenuous exercise on the same day may increase throbbing around the treated tooth, so many dentists suggest waiting a day. Follow your dentist's specific advice.
Related care at Nova Family Dental
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Articles are general information. For advice about your own teeth, book an examination with Dr. Diba.
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