Root Canal Treatment in Guelph

Bisson Dentistry provides root canal treatment in Guelph, Ontario. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 519-821-3561.

Root canal therapy is needed whenever the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. Some signs that you might need a root canal are sensitivity to hot and cold, difficulty eating, swelling, severe pain, and a small pimple-like bump on the gum tissue near the painful tooth.

There are a lot of misconceptions about root canals, with the most common being that they are painful. With modern techniques and local anesthesia, root canals are usually no more painful than getting a cavity filled. Indeed, root canals are used to treat dental pain—it’s common for patients to leave our office feeling better than when they arrived.

A root canal requires opening your tooth so we can access the inflamed or infected pulp and remove it. The canals are shaped and the inside of your tooth is cleaned to prevent reinfection. Your dentist will replace the pulp with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, then the tooth is sealed with a dental crown or filling.

Root canals allow us to save your natural tooth, which is always the best option when it comes to your oral health. The alternative is to have your tooth extracted, which requires replacement with a dental implant or bridge. A root canal ultimately means fewer visits to our office and less time in the dentist’s chair.

How long does a root canal take?

The length of time it takes to complete a root canal is determined by the anatomy of your canals as well as the complexity of your case. A simple root canal can be completed in as little as 30 minutes, while a more complex case may require two 90-minute appointments.

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

After a root canal, crowns are often required, but not always. In some cases, a tooth can be restored with a dental filling instead.

Can a root canal be done in one day?

Yes, because we offer same-day crowns, if your case is simple, the entire root canal process can be completed in a single visit.

Can I get a filling instead of a root canal?

No, dental fillings and root canals are two very different treatments. One restores the tooth's surface structure, while the other addresses issues inside the tooth. Infected or inflamed pulp can only be treated with a root canal or a tooth extraction.

Does tooth sensitivity mean you need a root canal?

No, there are other factors that can cause sensitivity in a tooth. While a cavity is likely the most common reason for sensitivity, gum recession can also cause discomfort by exposing part of the root of a tooth, which makes it sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Before scheduling a root canal, we'll rule out any other causes of tooth sensitivity.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 519-821-3561.