The striker, who is currently stand-in captain for the injured Ledley King, scored two first-half goals to take Spurs into a 3-0 lead but was then sent off for deliberate handball.
But the damage was already done despite Bolton hitting back through the resulting penalty and it was Spurs' first home league win of 2007.
They started brightly and were ahead after 11 minutes. Dimitar Berbatov laid the ball into the path of the on-rushing Keane who took no time in slamming a volley in off Jussi Jaaskelainen's near post.
The celebrations which ensued summed up the mood around White Hart Lane at the moment during this good run of form - and what was to follow moments later has been symbolic of the resurgence.
Paul Robinson, back to form after a poor first half of the season which cost him his England place, pulled off a stunning reflex save to deny Stelios Giannakopoulos from point-blank range as Bolton looked for a quick response.
But Spurs soon found themselves two ahead when Berbatov was again allowed to take down a high ball and lay it off for Keane, who again struck a fierce shot which was this time saved by Jaaskelainen. Sadly for him, Jermaine Jenas was on hand for a tap-in.
The home side were running riot and on 22 minutes they were 3-0 up. A neat one-two with Teemu Tainio released Pascal Chimbonda down the right who sent in a low cross to the near post which Keane tapped in.
However, after again going close with a shot six minutes later, the Irishman's afternoon was about to sour on 37 minutes.
Ivan Campo headed a Bolton corner goalwards and Keane was adjudged to have handled the ball on the line with his hand.
Referee Graham Poll dismissed the skipper, although replays showed the ball may have hit his chest.
Gary Speed stepped up to duly slam home the penalty as Bolton finished the half the stronger side.
But after settling down at the break, Spurs came out for the second half seemingly intent on scoring a fourth.
Berbatov was willing to lead the line on his own and he offered the main threat. He sent a long-range effort inches over on 48 minutes before failing to convert a good headed opportunity from a Jenas cross.
Abdoulaye Meite was guilty of the same thing the other end on 59 minutes, but Nicolas Anelka did force Robinson into two good second-half saves.
But Berbatov was running the show at the other end for Spurs with a great display of sublime control and passing.
This was most evident on 74 minutes when a brilliant piece of skill enabled him to beat his man and set up Jenas for a fierce shot on the edge of the box which Jaaskelainen palmed away.
But it was Aaron Lennon who sealed the game for Martin Jol's side when he tapped home a Steed Malbranque cross in the 90th minute.