Root Canal Treatment (Endodontics): Symptoms, Procedure, Cost, and What to Expect at Desh Dental
Save your natural tooth with gentle, advanced root canal therapy
A root canal may sound intimidating, but modern dentistry has made the procedure comfortable, safe, and highly effective. Root canal treatment (also called endodontic therapy) is designed to save an infected or damaged tooth so you don't have to lose it.
At Desh Dental in Whitby and Danforth, our gentle and experienced team uses advanced technology to perform root canals with precision and minimal discomfort—helping relieve pain, remove infection, and preserve your natural tooth structure.
If you're experiencing tooth pain or have been told you may need a root canal, this complete guide explains everything you need to know.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria invade this space, the infection can cause severe pain, swelling, and eventually tooth loss if untreated.
During a root canal, the dentist:
- Removes the infected pulp
- Cleans and disinfects the root canals
- Fills the canals with a biocompatible material
- Seals the tooth
- Places a crown for strength and protection
The treatment eliminates infection while preserving your natural tooth.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
You may require a root canal if you're experiencing:
- Persistent toothache
- Sharp pain when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or tenderness around the tooth
- Darkening of the tooth
- Gum pimple or abscess
- Pain that wakes you up at night
If you have any of these symptoms, contact Desh Dental immediately—root canals are often time-sensitive.
What Causes the Need for a Root Canal?
Common reasons include:
- Deep decay reaching the pulp
- Cracked or fractured tooth
- Trauma or injury
- Repeated dental procedures
- Severe gum disease
Infections do not heal on their own—treatment is required to stop the bacteria and save the tooth.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy provides several important benefits:
- Relieves Pain
The procedure eliminates the infection causing your toothache. - Saves the Natural Tooth
Prevents the need for extraction and costly tooth replacements. - Stops Infection Spread
Prevents bacteria from spreading to surrounding teeth, gums, and bone. - Restores Function
After a crown is placed, the tooth functions like normal. - Long-Term Protection
Successful root canals can last a lifetime with proper care.
How We Perform Root Canal Treatment at Desh Dental
Your comfort is our priority. Here's what you can expect:
- Examination & X-rays
We begin with digital X-rays or panoramic imaging to examine the infection. - Local Anesthesia
Your tooth and surrounding gum area are numbed completely. - Pulp Removal
A small opening is made in the tooth to remove the infected tissue. - Cleaning & Shaping
The canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped using modern rotary instruments. - Filling the Canals
The canals are filled with gutta-percha, a safe, biocompatible material. - Sealing the Tooth
A temporary or permanent filling is placed. - Crown Placement
Most root-canal-treated teeth need a dental crown to prevent cracking and ensure long-term strength.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
No — root canals today are no more uncomfortable than a regular filling.
Thanks to advanced anesthesia, rotary instruments, and modern techniques, most patients say they feel:
- Pressure
- Mild sensitivity
- NO significant pain
Root canals actually stop the pain caused by infection.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Most root canals take 45 to 90 minutes, depending on:
- Number of roots
- Severity of infection
- Tooth location (molars take longer than front teeth)
Sometimes 2 visits are required if the infection is severe.
Root Canal Treatment Cost in Canada
Root Canal Pricing
At Desh Dental, the cost varies based on tooth type:
- Front tooth: $350 – $600
- Premolar: $500 – $900
- Molar: $900 – $1,500
Additional costs may include:
- Dental crown: $900 – $1,500
- X-rays
- Exam fees
Insurance Coverage:
Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of root canal therapy.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients return to normal activities the same day.
To heal comfortably:
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until crowned
- Take anti-inflammatory medication if recommended
- Avoid very hot or hard foods for 1–2 days
- Maintain brushing and flossing as usual
- Attend your follow-up appointment
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Which Is Better?
| Feature | Root Canal | Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Saves natural tooth | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| Chewing function | Normal | Reduced unless replaced |
| Cost | Moderate | Higher if implant needed |
| Recovery | Fast | Longer |
| Long-term oral health | Excellent | Jawbone loss possible |
In most cases, saving the natural tooth is the best option.
Are Root Canals Safe?
Yes — root canal therapy is a proven, safe, and predictable treatment performed millions of times per year worldwide.
At Desh Dental, we follow strict sterilization and precision techniques to ensure the highest level of safety.
When to See a Dentist
If you feel:
- Severe tooth pain
- Prolonged sensitivity
- Swelling
- A bump on the gums
- A cracked tooth
Do NOT wait. Infection can spread quickly.
Root Canal Treatment at Desh Dental (Whitby & Danforth)
Whether you're in Whitby or Toronto's Danforth area, our endodontic team is here to provide gentle, high-quality root canal treatment in a comfortable environment.
📍 Whitby Clinic
Phone: (905) 579-0999
📍 Danforth Clinic (Toronto)
Phone: (416) 690-9999
🦷 New patients welcome! Same-day emergency care available.