Root canal therapy at Smile On You Dentistry is a tooth-saving procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth, eliminates the source of pain, and seals the canal system to prevent reinfection — all while preserving the natural tooth structure above the gumline. Despite its reputation, modern root canal treatment performed under local anaesthetic is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed, and the relief from the pre-treatment infection pain is typically immediate. Our Lake Forest clinicians use rotary endodontic instruments and precise irrigation protocols to clean and shape the canals efficiently, with most cases completed in one to two appointments.
Book NowFind out how root canal therapy can help you. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions.
The procedure itself is carried out under local anaesthetic and is typically no more uncomfortable than a routine filling — the tooth and surrounding tissue are fully numb before any instrumentation begins. The pain patients associate with root canals is almost always the pre-treatment infection, not the treatment itself; most patients report significant relief from their toothache within 24–48 hours of the procedure.
The majority of root canal cases at Smile On You Dentistry are completed in one to two appointments — the first to clean, shape, and medicate the canals, and the second (if needed) to confirm healing and place the permanent filling. A crown is then recommended to protect the treated tooth, which is placed in a subsequent appointment once the root canal is confirmed successful.
Extraction removes the infection but leaves a gap that, without replacement, causes neighbouring teeth to drift and the jawbone beneath to resorb over time — leading to bite changes, increased wear on remaining teeth, and potential further tooth loss. Preserving the natural tooth with root canal therapy avoids these downstream consequences and is almost always the more cost-effective long-term solution when the tooth structure above the gumline is restorable.