Ask people to name a scary dental procedure and many will say root canal, yet the reality has changed enormously. With today's techniques, the appointment is designed to feel much like a routine filling.
Getting Comfortable and Numb
Everything begins with making sure you feel nothing. We gently numb the tooth and surrounding area, and we check that it is fully frozen before any work starts.
A thin protective sheet is placed to keep the tooth clean and dry, and to keep everything else out of the way. Most patients relax once they realize the numbing has done its job and the discomfort they arrived with is already easing.
Cleaning and Sealing the Tooth
Through a small opening in the top of the tooth, we carefully remove the inflamed or infected tissue from the inner canals. The space is then cleaned, shaped, and disinfected so no bacteria remain.
Once the inside is clean, we fill and seal the canals with a soft, rubber‑like material to keep them protected. The opening is closed with a filling, and in many cases a crown is later added for strength.
Why It Feels Better, Not Worse
The pain people associate with root canals usually comes from the infection itself, not the treatment. By removing that infection, the procedure is what finally relieves the ache.
At Cambie Dental in Vancouver we work at a calm, unhurried pace and check in with you throughout. Many patients are surprised to walk out feeling far more comfortable than when they walked in.
