Here’s the truth: root canals don’t cause pain — they relieve it. Modern root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling, and it’s one of the most effective ways to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
At Enhance Dental Centre in Kitsilano, our endodontic team performs root canal treatments with precision, care, and a commitment to keeping you comfortable throughout the process.
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed — due to deep decay, a crack, or trauma — it needs to be removed to save the tooth.
Root canal treatment (endodontics) involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. The tooth is then restored — usually with a crown — and continues to function normally.
We start by numbing the area completely so you’re comfortable before we do anything. We then access the inner portion of the tooth, carefully remove the infected tissue, clean the canals thoroughly, and seal everything up. Many patients are surprised by how manageable the procedure is — and how much better they feel afterward.
The treated tooth will typically receive a crown to restore its strength and appearance.
Nothing replaces your natural tooth. Keeping it means maintaining your natural bite and chewing efficiency, preserving surrounding bone and tooth structure, avoiding more expensive replacement options, and keeping your smile intact.
A: With modern anaesthesia and techniques, most patients report that the procedure itself is surprisingly comfortable. The relief from the pre-existing infection is usually immediate.
A: Most root canals can be completed in 1–2 appointments. Complex cases or those with significant infection may require additional visits.
A: Some tenderness in the area is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage this well. You’ll return for a crown to protect and restore the tooth.
A: General dentists perform many root canals. Complex cases may be referred to an endodontic specialist. At Enhance Dental Centre, we handle the majority of root canal cases in-house.
A: Root canal treatment has a very high success rate — over 95% in many studies. With a proper crown and good oral hygiene, the treated tooth can last a lifetime.
