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Root Canal Therapy in Ottawa: Relief from Tooth Pain and Infection

Understanding Root Canal Therapy

You may be experiencing tooth discomfort and wondering what can help. If you’re worried that you’ll need to have that tooth removed, that’s not always the case! At Innes Dental Health Group in Ottawa, ON, we provide root canal therapy to treat infection inside a tooth and relieve discomfort. Root canal therapy in Ottawa is a common and effective way to restore a natural tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. By treating the source of infection, this procedure helps repair your oral health and allows you to keep chewing, speaking, and smiling with comfort!

Why Root Canal Therapy Matters

Both the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and the Canadian Academy of Endodontics (CAE) have warned the public about widespread misinformation regarding root canal treatment. Patients are strongly advised to discuss any questions or fears about the procedure with their dentist. This helps ensure that unnecessary anxiety or concerns about developing other health issues don’t lead to treatment delays, which could further compromise the tooth’s health. If left untreated, pulp infection can spread, leading to more serious health problems.

Early intervention by a dentist is necessary to prevent these risks. Once a dentist diagnoses an infected tooth nerve, they will recommend treatment based on the severity of the infection, like root canal therapy.

What to Expect at Innes Dental Health Group

When you come to Innes Dental Health Group in Ottawa for root canal therapy, you can expect a supportive and organized process designed to keep you comfortable:

  • Personalized Care Plan: Our dentist will review your needs and explain the options available for treating your tooth.
  • Comfort and Support: We use techniques to help keep you relaxed during your visit, and our team is available to answer your questions.
  • Clear Communication: You will know what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.
  • Follow-Up Guidance: After treatment, we provide instructions and schedule checkups to monitor your healing and help protect your tooth long term. Some aftercare tips include brushing and flossing like normal to maintain your oral hygiene. Avoiding hard or sticky foods and treat the treated tooth gently while it settles. Not smoking because it raises the possibility of requiring additional surgery. As the number of years spent smoking rises, smokers are actually almost twice as likely as non-smokers to require root canal therapy. After a root canal procedure, you can also indulge in alcohol once the numbness wears off.

The Link Between Oral and Overall Health

Healthy teeth do more than allow you to chew. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the potential complications of untreated pulp infections, such as the formation of dental abscesses and the spread of infection to other areas of the body. Irreversible pulpitis means that something has damaged the nerve beyond repair, and the inflammation in the pulp cannot be reversed. Early intervention and treatment are crucial to prevent these complications and maintain oral health.

By choosing root canal treatment, you’re not just saving a tooth; you’re also reducing strain on your immune system and helping your body stay healthier overall.

How Often and Who Needs Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is not needed by everyone, but it is often the right choice if:

  • Severe, lingering tooth pain
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts after the temperature is gone
  • Swollen, tender, or puffy gums near a tooth
  • Darkening or discolouration of a tooth
  • A chipped or cracked tooth
  • A pimple or bump on the gums (which may release pus)


Even if the pain fades, an infection can still spread. Most teeth can be saved with a root canal. However, sometimes a tooth can’t be treated if the root canals aren’t accessible, the root is severely fractured, there isn’t enough bone support, or the tooth can’t be restored.

Most people still need regular checkups twice a year for preventive care. These visits allow your dentist to catch problems early, sometimes before a root canal becomes necessary.

At-Home Tips Between Visits

Taking care of your teeth every day helps lower your risk of needing root canal therapy in the future. Follow these steps:

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss once daily to remove plaque between teeth
  • Avoid biting hard objects like ice or pens that can crack teeth
  • Limit sugary snacks and drinks that feed bacteria
  • Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings

Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy Now

  • Tooth pain that lingers after hot or cold foods
  • Swelling in gums near a tooth
  • Darkening or discolouration of a tooth
  • Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been removed
  • A pimple-like bump on the gums
  • Severe pain while chewing or biting

Why Choose Innes Dental Health Group for Root Canal Therapy in Ottawa

At Innes Dental Health Group, we know that tooth pain can be stressful. Our Ottawa team provides root canal therapy in a calm and supportive setting. We use digital dentistry and gentle techniques to make the process clear and manageable. From diagnosis to follow-up, you can expect thoughtful care designed to protect your oral health. We’re also proud to offer sedation dentistry for patients with dental fears or anxieties. Plus, we’re open five days a week with early-morning visits so your whole family can access care when you need!

Deep Dive: Retreatment of Root Canals

With proper care, even teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. But sometimes, a tooth that has been treated doesn’t heal properly and can become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment. If your tooth failed to heal or develops new problems, you have a second chance. An additional procedure may be able to support healing and save your tooth. If you have pain or discomfort in a previously treated tooth, talk to an endodontist about retreatment. 

Putting off a root canal for too long can cost you the tooth. When infection spreads unchecked, it eats away at the supporting bone. If that loss is severe, especially around the root branches, a root canal can’t save the tooth, and extraction becomes the only option. 

Affordability and Insurance

Root canal therapy is often a more cost-effective way to save a tooth compared to extraction and replacement. At Innes Dental Health Group in Ottawa, we help you understand the cost before treatment begins. Many insurance plans include partial coverage for root canal therapy, depending on your provider. We provide clear estimates and discuss payment options so you can make the choice that works best for you.

We also accept patients who qualify for the CDCP, which covers restorative services and endodontic treatment, such as root canal therapy.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

You do not need to live with tooth pain or risk losing your tooth to infection. At Innes Dental Health Group in Ottawa, ON, we are here to help with root canal therapy. This treatment can save your natural tooth, stop infection, and bring comfort back to your smile. Call us today to schedule your root canal therapy and protect your oral health!

Common Questions About Root Canal Therapy

While a bad toothache often signals you need a root canal, sometimes a tooth can require this treatment even if there’s no pain. Our dentist can test teeth to see if the pulp inside is infected or damaged. If it is, a root canal would be necessary to restore the tooth. And remember, when it comes to your teeth: no pain is normal. So, if you have a toothache, be sure to visit our clinic!

 Most root canal treatments take one or two visits, depending on the complexity of the tooth and the level of infection. Simpler cases take around 30 to 60 minutes, while more complex ones can take up to 90 minutes.

Many back teeth need crowns after root canal therapy to protect them from breaking. Your dentist will let you know if a crown is recommended.

The cost of a root canal varies depending on the complexity of the problem and which tooth is affected. Because molars are more complex to treat, the fee is typically higher. While most dental insurance policies offer some coverage for endodontic treatment, it’s generally less expensive than the alternative of having the tooth extracted. An extracted tooth needs to be replaced with an implant or a bridge to restore your ability to chew and prevent other teeth from shifting, and these replacement procedures often cost more than a root canal and a crown.

It’s important to talk to your child about the procedure and why it’s necessary. Kids can feel scared about going to the dentist or having treatments, so helping them understand what will happen is important. Try not to let your anxiety surrounding the procedure pass on to your little one. Explain to your child that root canal therapy doesn’t take much time and will be over soon.

Call Innes Dental Health Group about Root Canal Therapy today!

5 Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

  • Relieves tooth pain and sensitivity
  • Saves your natural tooth from extraction
  • Stops infection from spreading in the mouth
  • Restores chewing comfort and strength
  • Helps maintain your natural smile