Q: What causes a tooth to need endodontic treatment?
A: Endodontic therapy is necessary when the pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack, or a chip in the tooth. In addition, a blow to a tooth may cause pulp damage, even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If inflamed or infected pulp is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
Q: Will I have pain during or after this procedure?
A: Most endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulpal inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and local anaesthesia (dental freezing), patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure. For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your endodontist's instructions carefully.
Q: How should I care for my tooth after the root canal is complete?
A: After your root canal treatment, you will need to visit your regular dentist within 1-2 weeks for a final filling and/or crown (cap) for the tooth. In the interim, you will be asked to avoid chewing or biting hard foods on the treated tooth. Please refer to our Post-OP instructions.
Q: Why can't I use antibiotics to make the abscess go away?
A: Unfortunately, when a tooth is infected, the blood supply (pulp) running through the tooth is affected as well. As a result, it is not possible for oral antibiotics to reach the needed area. However, they do assist in controlling and eliminating acute infection in the surrounding bone before and after root canal therapy.
Q: How do I get to your office?
A: Our office is located on the 3rd floor of the Madison Centre Building conveniently located a short walk north of Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue. For a more details please refer to the Directions page.