Root Canal Therapy: Saving Your Natural Tooth
Pain-free treatment with advanced microscope technology for superior precision and success rates.
What Is a Root Canal?
Despite their reputation, root canals are no more uncomfortable than getting a filling—and they eliminate the intense pain you've been experiencing. At BluSky Dental Holland Cross, we use advanced techniques including microscope root canal therapy for superior precision and success rates.
Root canal (endodontic therapy) treats infection or damage inside your tooth. The procedure removes infected or damaged pulp (nerve and blood vessels), cleans and disinfects the inside, then seals it to prevent future infection.
Serving Westboro, Hintonburg, Wellington West, Little Italy, and Downtown Ottawa.
When You Need a Root Canal
Signs you may need root canal therapy:
- Severe, persistent toothache
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
- Darkening of the tooth
- Swollen, tender gums
- Pimple on gums near affected tooth
- Pain when chewing or touching tooth
- Abscess or pus drainage
The Root Canal Procedure
1. Diagnosis
X-rays and examination confirm need.
2. Anesthesia
Local anesthesia numbs the area completely. You won't feel pain.
3. Access Opening
Small opening created in tooth crown to access pulp chamber.
4. Cleaning & Shaping
Infected or damaged pulp removed. Root canals cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
5. Filling
Canals filled with biocompatible material (gutta-percha) and sealed.
6. Restoration
Temporary filling placed. Permanent crown typically needed to protect the treated tooth.
Microscope Root Canal Therapy
We offer advanced microscope-assisted root canal therapy at Holland Cross:
- Enhanced visibility (up to 25x magnification)
- Higher success rates
- More precision
- Less invasive
- Better outcomes for retreatment
After Your Root Canal
Immediately After:
- Numbness wears off in 2-4 hours
- Mild discomfort possible for few days
- Over-the-counter pain relief usually sufficient
- Avoid chewing on that side until permanent restoration
Long-Term Care:
- Get permanent crown within 2-4 weeks
- Brush and floss normally
- Regular dental checkups
- Treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper care
Root Canal vs. Extraction
Why Save the Tooth:
- Maintains natural appearance
- Preserves jawbone
- Maintains bite alignment
- More cost-effective long-term
- Avoids need for implant or bridge
Root Canal Myths
Myth: Extremely painful
Truth: No more uncomfortable than fillings. We're eliminating your pain!
Myth: Causes illness
Truth: No scientific evidence. Root canals prevent infection spread.
Myth: Extraction is better
Truth: Saving natural tooth almost always preferable.
Root Canal Cost
Costs vary based on:
- Which tooth (front simpler than molars)
- Complexity
- Microscope assistance
- Crown needed afterward
Most insurance covers 50-80% of root canal costs.
Pain-Free Root Canal Treatment
Why Choose BluSky for Root Canals?
- Microscope technology
- Experienced specialists
- Comfortable care
- Same-day crowns available
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Root canal therapy is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Local anesthesia completely numbs the area, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. We're eliminating the pain you've been experiencing from the infected tooth. Most patients report feeling relief immediately after treatment. Any mild discomfort afterward is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Most root canals take 60-90 minutes and are completed in a single visit. Front teeth are typically quicker (60 minutes) while molars with multiple canals may take up to 90 minutes. Complex cases or retreatments may require a second visit. You'll need a follow-up appointment 2-4 weeks later for permanent crown placement.
If tooth pulp is infected or severely damaged, root canal therapy is the only way to save the natural tooth. The only alternative is extraction, which creates bigger problems: you'll need an implant, bridge, or denture to replace the missing tooth. Saving your natural tooth with root canal therapy is almost always the better choice - it's more cost-effective long-term and preserves natural function.
Root canal therapy has a 95% success rate. With microscope-assisted treatment, success rates are even higher. Most root canal-treated teeth, when properly restored with crowns, last 20+ years or a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular dental care.
Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation
Don't suffer with tooth pain. Let us help you save your natural tooth with gentle, effective root canal therapy.
Call: (613) 728-1511
Address: 20 – 1620 Scott Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4S7
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
At BluSky we BEElieve in bringing life to your smile. 🐝