Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment North York, ON

The purpose of root canal treatment is to remove infected tissue (nerve and blood supply) from the canals of a tooth, and prevent re-infection so that the tooth can be saved instead of extracted. Root canal treatment is needed when a cavity has become so large that the bacteria in the mouth are able to enter the pulp tissues (nerve and blood supply) that is housed in the canal(s) inside of a tooth. 

Signs of needing root canal treatment can include:

  • A large cavity or a broken tooth
  • Severe sensitivity to hot and/or cold temperatures that lingers
  • Pain when biting on the tooth
  • Swelling near the tooth, on the gums, or on the face

Root Canals at Dr. Sara Shiewitz Dentistry

During root canal treatment at our North York, ON dental office, the area around the tooth will be anaesthetized with local anesthetic. In case of a large carious lesion, the cavity will be cleaned out , the top of the chamber that houses the nerve and blood supply will be opened, and the infected tissues is cleaned out of the chamber and the canals with a series of very narrow files. The canals are also shaped. Throughout the procedure, the canals will be irrigated with a disinfecting solution.

Once the canals are cleaned and shaped appropriately, they will be filled and sealed with an inert material called gutta percha. The gutta percha filling creates a fluid-tight seal within the root canal to help prevent the canals from getting reinfected. A permanent filling is then placed to replace missing tooth structure.

A crown is typically used to protect and reinforce the tooth after treatment. A temporary crown will be fitted on the tooth to prevent bacteria and food from entering the site while a permanent crown is created. This permanent crown will be placed at a later visit. The entire process usually takes from one to three appointments.

Post-Operative Care

In case the root canal treatment takes more than one appointment, the tooth will be closed with a temporary filling. While a temporary filling is in place, do not chew anything hard or sticky. It's normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a root canal therapy appointment, especially when chewing.

Pain medication may be necessary to reduce discomfort after root canal treatment. Dr. Shiewitz recommends taking medication for pain-relief within one hour after the appointment. It is best to get the medication into your blood stream before the anesthesia begins to subside. In some situations, such as severe infection, oral antibiotics may be prescribed. For a large spreading infection, IV antibiotics at the hospital may be necessary.

If you experience persistent pain or discomfort, contact Dr. Sara Shiewitz Dentistry. Prompt root canal treatment can relieve tooth pain and prevent further infection. And, with proper dental care and regular checkups, your restored tooth can last a lifetime.


If you have a painful or infected tooth, a root canal may be necessary. Dr. Sara Shiewitz Dentistry offers root canal treatment to save your tooth and ease your pain. Call (416) 223-4181 today to schedule an appointment at our North York, ON office. 

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Our Regular Schedule

WINTER HOURS (October to April)

Monday:

ONE MONDAY PER MONTH, 10 AM TO 6 PM

Tuesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

NOON TILL 8 PM

Thursday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

ALTERNATE FRIDAYS 10 AM TO 2 PM

Saturday:

ALTERNATE SATURDAYS 10 AM TO 6 PM

Sunday:

Closed

SUMMER HOURS (April to October)

Monday:

ONE MONDAY PER MONTH, 10 AM TO 6 PM

Tuesday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

NOON TILL 8 PM

Thursday:

10:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

ALTERNATE FRIDAYS 10 AM TO 2 PM

Saturday:

ALTERNATE SATURDAYS 10 AM TO 6 PM

Sunday:

Closed