Save Your Tooth, Relieve Your Pain
Few dental procedures have been as unfairly misrepresented as root canal treatment. For decades, the phrase "root canal" has conjured images of an agonizing ordeal — but the reality in modern dentistry is almost the opposite. At Long Lake Family Dentistry, root canal therapy is performed with excellent local anaesthesia and a gentle, precise technique that most patients find far more comfortable than they expected. In fact, the discomfort you feel before a root canal — from the infected or inflamed tooth — is almost always far worse than the procedure itself.
💡 The Truth About Root Canals
Root canals don't cause pain — they relieve it. The procedure removes the infected or inflamed nerve tissue that is the source of your pain, leaving you comfortable and your natural tooth intact. Studies consistently show that patients who have had root canal treatment rate it as no more uncomfortable than having a routine filling placed.
A root canal becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside the root of a tooth — called the pulp — becomes infected or severely inflamed, typically due to deep decay, a crack in the tooth, or trauma. Left untreated, the infection spreads, destroying the surrounding bone and potentially leading to a painful abscess and the eventual loss of the tooth. Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp, cleans and seals the root canals, and allows you to keep your natural tooth — which is always preferable to extraction from a health and functional standpoint.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Why Save the Tooth?
Maintains your natural bite and chewing function
Prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting
Less costly than implants or bridges long-term
Preserves the jaw bone around the tooth root
Natural appearance — no visible restoration
95%+ long-term success rate
What to Expect During Treatment
Diagnosis & X-Rays
We examine the tooth and take digital X-rays to assess the extent of infection and the anatomy of the root canals. This guides our treatment plan and ensures precision throughout the procedure.
Local Anaesthesia
The area is thoroughly numbed with local anaesthetic. We take our time to ensure you are completely comfortable before proceeding — you should feel pressure but no pain during the treatment.
Pulp Removal & Canal Cleaning
A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth. Using specialized instruments, we carefully remove the infected pulp tissue, then clean, shape, and disinfect each root canal to eliminate all bacteria.
Sealing the Canals
The cleaned canals are filled and sealed with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which prevents future bacterial contamination. A temporary or permanent filling is then placed.
Crown Placement
Most teeth that have had root canal treatment benefit from a dental crown to protect and strengthen the tooth long-term. We will discuss crown options and schedule this as a follow-up appointment.