SAVE AND RESTORE AN INFECTED TOOTH

Root Canal Therapy in Toronto

When Does a Tooth Need Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is used when the soft tissue inside a tooth, known as the dental pulp, becomes infected, inflamed, or damaged. This can happen because of deep tooth decay, cracks, injuries, or other damage that allows bacteria to reach the inside of the tooth. Symptoms may include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, or tenderness around the affected tooth.


At Beach Dental in Toronto, your dentist will examine the tooth and may use dental X-rays to determine what is causing your symptoms. When appropriate, root canal therapy can remove the damaged or infected tissue while allowing you to keep your natural tooth.

How Root Canal Therapy Helps Save Your Tooth

During root canal therapy, the affected pulp is removed from inside the tooth. The root canal system is then carefully cleaned, shaped, filled, and sealed to help prevent bacteria from entering the treated area again. The tooth will also need to be restored afterward so it can continue to function properly.

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Remove Infected or Damaged Pulp

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Help Relieve Infection-Related Tooth Pain

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Preserve Your Natural Tooth

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Restore the Tooth for Everyday Function

Root Canal Therapy for Kids

Children can also develop deep cavities or experience dental injuries that affect the pulp inside a baby or permanent tooth. Although baby teeth eventually fall out, keeping an affected baby tooth when appropriate can help maintain chewing function and preserve its space until the permanent tooth is ready to emerge.


Beach Dental offers root canal therapy for kids when clinically appropriate. Treatment for a child's tooth is planned according to whether it is a baby or permanent tooth, the extent of the damage or infection, and whether the tooth can be successfully restored. Depending on the condition of a baby tooth, treatment may involve removing part or all of the affected pulp rather than following exactly the same procedure used for an adult tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about root canal therapy? Explore helpful information about treatment, recovery, kids’ care, and what to expect.

  • How do I know if I might need a root canal?

    Persistent tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity, swelling, tenderness, or a tooth affected by deep decay or significant damage may indicate a problem with the dental pulp. However, symptoms alone cannot confirm whether root canal therapy is needed. Your dentist will examine the tooth and may take X-rays before recommending treatment.

  • Does root canal therapy hurt?

    Local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area during root canal therapy. The purpose of treatment is to address the damaged or infected tissue causing the problem. Some tenderness can occur afterward, but severe pain or swelling is not considered typical and should be reported to your dentist.

  • How long does root canal therapy take?

    Root canal therapy may be completed in one or two appointments depending on the tooth and complexity of treatment. After the root canal system has been cleaned, filled, and sealed, the tooth also requires an appropriate final restoration. Your dentist will explain the expected number of appointments based on your tooth.

  • Why would a child need root canal therapy on a baby tooth?

    A baby tooth may require pulp treatment when deep decay or an injury reaches the tissue inside the tooth. When the tooth can be restored, preserving it may help maintain chewing function and its place in the mouth until it is naturally ready to fall out.

  • Is root canal treatment for kids the same as an adult root canal?

    Not always. Treatment depends on whether the child has an affected baby tooth or permanent tooth and how much of the pulp is involved. For certain baby teeth, treatment may involve a pulpotomy or pulpectomy. Your dentist will assess the tooth and determine which approach, if any, is appropriate.

  • Will I need a dental crown after root canal therapy?

    Some teeth require a crown after root canal therapy, particularly back teeth that experience significant chewing forces. Other teeth may be restored with a filling depending on how much healthy tooth structure remains. Your dentist will determine the appropriate restoration after assessing the treated tooth.