Saving Your Natural Tooth
A root canal procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth and filling the space with specialised, medicated dental materials. This restores the tooth’s full functionality while preserving its natural structure. By choosing root canal therapy, you extend the life of your natural tooth, maintain the health of surrounding tissues and jawbone, and prevent the need for more extensive dental work in the future. It’s a cost-effective solution that alleviates pain and protects your oral health.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy:
- Sensitivity to Hot and Cold: Prolonged sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages.
- Severe Tooth Pain: Persistent or intense pain in the affected tooth, especially when chewing.
- Gum Redness or Swelling: Inflammation or tenderness in the gums surrounding the tooth.
- Tooth Discolouration: Darkening or discolouration of the affected tooth.
- Abscess or Swelling: The appearance of a pimple-like swelling on the gums, indicating an infection.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to schedule a dental consultation promptly. Early intervention can save your natural tooth and prevent complications.
The Root Canal Treatment Plan
A root canal treatment typically requires one or two visits to the dental office and is performed by either a dentist or an endodontist. Here’s how we carry out the procedure to ensure the best possible outcome:
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
The process begins with a detailed examination, including an X-ray of the affected tooth and surrounding bone. This helps us pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce any existing infection and inflammation. Often, the pain associated with a root canal stems from the pressure caused by swelling from an abscess. By addressing this inflammation beforehand, we can significantly reduce discomfort during the procedure.
Prepping the Tooth
To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, we carefully numb the affected area, including the tooth, gums, and surrounding tissues. Our priority is to make you feel at ease and pain-free. Once you’re comfortably anaesthetised, we create a small access opening in the tooth. Through this opening, we meticulously remove the infected pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and any other debris, thoroughly cleaning the inside of the tooth.
Sealing the Tooth
If the infection is particularly severe, we may place a medicated dressing inside the tooth to ensure all bacteria are eliminated. If multiple visits are required, a temporary filling will be placed to protect the tooth between appointments. By this stage, you should start to feel significant relief from pain and discomfort. We only proceed with permanently sealing the tooth once we are confident that it is completely clean and infection-free. Our careful and comprehensive approach ensures that your root canal treatment is as comfortable and effective as possible, preserving your natural tooth and restoring its function.
Cost of a Root Canal in Toronto
The cost of a root canal can vary significantly, but preserving your natural tooth through this procedure is generally more cost-effective in the long run. For those with dental insurance, the out-of-pocket expense typically ranges from $200 to $500+, depending on your specific plan. We’re happy to provide an accurate estimate after an oral exam, allowing you to check with your insurance provider to understand your actual costs. Without insurance, the cost of root canal therapy in Toronto usually falls between $600 and $1200 or more.
Why Do Root Canal Costs Vary So Much? Several factors influence the cost of root canal therapy, including:
- Severity of the Infection: More advanced infections require more complex treatment.
- Location of the Tooth: Molars are more challenging to treat and generally cost more than front teeth.
- Health of Surrounding Teeth and Gums: Pre-existing dental issues may require additional care.
- Complexity of the Procedure: Some cases require more time, specialised equipment, or an experienced touch.
Since each case is unique, it’s not possible to provide an accurate quote over the phone. It’s essential to consult with a dentist who can evaluate your specific situation and discuss all available treatment options with you.
Is There an Alternative to Root Canal Therapy?
An infection or abscessed tooth is a serious health concern that requires urgent attention. While some people view root canals as an undesirable solution, the procedure is actually vital for removing dangerous infections that can spread and lead to severe health complications. Our team is dedicated to making the process as comfortable as possible, helping you feel at ease throughout your treatment.
If you suspect you have an infection but are hesitant about getting a root canal, we encourage you to reach out to us. We believe in transparent communication and will never proceed with any treatment without your full understanding and consent. In some cases, alternative options may be available, but the primary goal is always to resolve the infection and protect your overall health.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Root canals are typically needed due to deep decay, trauma, a dead nerve, a loose filling or crown, or a crack or chip in the tooth. These issues can expose the inner pulp to bacteria, leading to infection and inflammation.
Thanks to modern dental techniques, advanced technology, and our compassionate approach, root canal treatments are performed with minimal to no pain. Our skilled team of dentists and hygienists prioritise your comfort, ensuring a virtually pain-free experience.
Antibiotics cannot fully resolve the issue because, by the time root canal therapy is needed, the pulp and nerve of the tooth are already decayed and infected. Antibiotics might temporarily reduce inflammation but will not eliminate the decayed tissue, which can lead to re-infection. The only safe and effective option is to remove the infected pulp.
A root canal usually requires one or two office visits. The duration depends on the complexity of the case:
- Simple or minor cases generally take 30 to 60 minutes.
- More complex cases may take around 90 minutes or longer.
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan. After an initial consultation, we can provide an estimate for you to submit to your insurance provider. If you have concerns about the cost, please reach out to us, and we’ll help you understand your options. We strongly encourage making a root canal a priority to prevent further complications.
In most cases, a dental crown is recommended after a root canal on molars and premolars, which are the back grinding teeth. These teeth require extra strength and protection due to the pressure they endure during chewing. For front teeth (canines and incisors), a crown may not be necessary unless there is significant structural damage. Your dentist will advise on the best option based on your specific needs.
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