Saving Your Natural Tooth
In a root canal procedure, the pulp of the tooth (the living tissue inside) is removed, and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated dental materials to restore the tooth to full function. Using root canal therapy not only preserves your natural tooth, extending its lifetime, but it also protects and preserves the jaw bone and other supporting tissues around the tooth. Wherever possible, saving your natural tooth will also save you from more pain and expense in the future.
There are several signs that may suggest root canal therapy is necessary:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Severe toothache pain.
- Red or swollen gums near the tooth.
- Discolouration of the tooth.
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
The Root Canal Treatment Plan
A root canal treatment usually requires one or two office visits and is performed by either a dentist or an endodontist. Here is how we perform the root canal:
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
The first step is an X-ray of the tooth and surrounding bone to determine what’s causing your symptoms. Your specialist may prescribe antibiotics to help control infection and inflammation. The pressure from infected swelling causes abscesses, which are often painful during a root canal. Reducing inflammation in advance helps prevent discomfort during the procedure.
Prepping the Tooth
When we are ready to perform the root canal, we will numb the area thoroughly before freezing your gums, teeth, and tissues. Your comfort and peace of mind are essential to us. Once you are comfortable, we will drill an access hole into the tooth and remove the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and other debris.
Sealing the Tooth
Depending on the severity of the abscess, we may place some medicine inside the tooth to eliminate any remaining infection. If the procedure requires multiple visits, a temporary filling will be applied. You will likely feel some relief at this point. Only when the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and healthy will it be permanently sealed.
Cost of a Root Canal in Dundas
The cost of dental treatment varies, but saving the tooth with a root canal is often more cost efficient in the long run. With typical insurance, a root canal in Dundas generally costs around $200 to $500+ out of pocket. After an oral exam, we would be happy to provide you with an accurate quote for your insurance company to help you determine your actual out of pocket costs. Without insurance, treatment typically costs between $600 and $1200+.
Why is there such a wide estimate for cost? When generating a quote for root canal therapy, we consider factors such as:
- The severity of the infection.
- The location of the infection in your mouth.
- The health of surrounding teeth and gums.
- Any complications that may require more time or delicate care.
No dental practice can give an accurate quote over the phone. Each case is unique, so it’s crucial to consult with a dentist who can evaluate your situation and offer you all available treatment options.
Is There an Alternative Treatment to Root Canals?
An abscess or infection in your tooth is a serious issue and considered an urgent health matter. Many people view root canals as a “lesser evil” compared to enduring extreme dental pain. More importantly, root canals eliminate infections that could spread and become life threatening, requiring more urgent and invasive care. This is why we work tirelessly to challenge the negative reputation root canal therapy has gained, ensuring your comfort and peace of mind throughout the process.
If you believe you have an infection but are hesitant about a root canal, we encourage you to reach out to us. We will never perform any procedure without your full understanding and consent and may offer alternative options with the goal of resolving the infection.
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
Damage can occur from deep decay, trauma, dead nerve, a loose filling or crown, or a crack or chip in the tooth.
Thanks to modern techniques, technology, and a compassionate dental philosophy, our highly trained team can perform root canal treatments with minimal to no pain at all.
By the time you need a root canal, the pulp and nerve of the tooth have begun to decay. Infected tissue will never fully heal and will likely become infected again. Removing the pulp is the only safe solution.
A root canal treatment generally requires one or two office visits. Simple or minor cases typically take around 30 to 60 minutes, while more complex cases may take approximately 90 minutes.
This depends on the type of insurance coverage you have. After a consultation, we can provide you with an estimate to submit to your provider. We recommend making a root canal a priority and encourage you to speak with us if you feel any hesitation.
A dental crown is typically required after a root canal for your back teeth (molars and premolars). Front teeth, canines, and incisors may not need a crown.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Booking an Appointment is Easy!
Simply call us or book an appointment in 3 easy steps:
Fill Out a Quick Form
We'll Call You Right Away
Choose a Time That Works for You
