Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Root Canal Treatment in Jarvis
Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp so a tooth can be kept. Jarvis patients can learn about symptoms, the procedure and recovery at our Port Dover office.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Seeing Jarvis patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Jarvis patientsSaving a damaged tooth
A root canal treats the inside of the tooth so the outside can stay.
Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an injury can cause the pulp to become inflamed or infected. Root canal treatment removes that tissue, cleans and shapes the canals inside the root, and seals them, allowing you to keep the natural tooth.
Root canal treatment is often less dreaded once people understand it. Jarvis patients can have the tooth assessed at our Port Dover office, where the dentist explains whether treatment is needed and what each step involves.
Is it needed
Symptoms vary, and some teeth give no warning.
Signs the pulp may be affected
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, spontaneous throbbing pain, pain when biting, a darkening tooth, swollen or tender gums near a tooth or a pimple on the gum can all suggest pulp problems. Some infected teeth cause no pain at all and are discovered on X-rays during routine exams.
Confirming the diagnosis
The dentist uses temperature tests, tapping, bite tests and X-rays to determine whether the pulp is healthy, inflamed or infected. Sometimes pain is referred from another tooth. The dentist will explain what the tests show and whether root canal treatment, monitoring or another approach is most appropriate.
Weighing options
Keeping your natural tooth has advantages.
Saving the tooth
A tooth saved with root canal treatment can continue to function for many years with a proper restoration. Keeping it maintains your bite and avoids the need for a replacement such as an implant or bridge. The dentist will discuss the likely success of treatment for the specific tooth.
Extraction as an alternative
If the tooth is badly damaged or the chances of success are lower, extraction may be discussed. Removing the tooth is quicker but leaves a space that may need to be filled. Compare the long-term implications, costs and time involved in each option before deciding.
The procedure
Modern root canal treatment is similar to a filling.
Numbing and cleaning the canals
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, and a small protective sheet isolates it. The dentist makes an opening in the top of the tooth, removes the pulp, then cleans, shapes and disinfects the canals. Treatment may be completed in one visit or spread over two, depending on the tooth and infection.
Sealing and restoring
The canals are filled with a sealing material and a temporary or permanent filling is placed. Back teeth often need a crown afterward to protect them from fracturing. Some complex cases may be referred to an endodontist. The dentist will explain the plan for restoring the tooth.
Recovery
Most people return to normal activities quickly.
The first few days
Some tenderness when biting is common for a few days after treatment. Over-the-counter pain relief usually helps, if it is safe for you. Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until it is fully restored. Call the office if pain or swelling increases or you develop a fever.
Protecting the treated tooth
Complete the final restoration as recommended, since a temporary filling is not designed to last. Brush and floss normally and keep regular checkups. A treated tooth can still develop decay or gum problems, so ongoing care protects your investment in saving it.
Planning your appointment
Having a tooth assessed from Jarvis
Call our Port Dover office if you have lingering tooth pain, swelling or sensitivity. Describe the symptoms so the team can arrange a timely assessment.
Bring a list of medications, and mention any previous treatment on the tooth, such as fillings or crowns.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Root canal questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Does a root canal hurt?
The tooth is numbed, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Many find the procedure relieves the pain they had beforehand. Some tenderness afterward is common.
How long does a root canal take?
It depends on the tooth and complexity. Many are completed in one or two visits. The dentist will estimate the time needed for your tooth.
Do I need a crown afterward?
Back teeth usually need a crown to prevent fracture. Front teeth may sometimes be restored with a filling. The dentist will recommend what is appropriate.
Can a root canal fail?
Most are successful, but some teeth develop new infection or problems. Retreatment or other options may be possible. Regular checkups help monitor treated teeth.
Is extraction a better option?
Not usually, if the tooth can be saved. Extraction leaves a gap that may need replacement. The dentist will compare both options for your situation.
Related tooth-saving care
General Dentistry →Dental Crowns →
A crown covers a weakened tooth to restore strength and shape. Jarvis patients can learn at our Port Dover office when a crown is advised and what the visits involve.
Dental Abscess Treatment →
A throbbing tooth, gum pimple or swelling may signal an abscess. Jarvis patients should call our Port Dover office promptly to discuss symptoms and urgent assessment.