Everyday care
Root canal treatment in North York
Keeping your own tooth, with each step and its fee explained first.
Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, then cleans and seals it so you can keep the tooth. At our studio on Sheppard Avenue East, near Yonge and Sheppard, we explain what we see on the X-ray, your options, and the fee before we begin.
Diagnosis
What a root canal is
Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which holds nerves and blood vessels.1,2 Bacteria can reach the pulp through deep decay, a crack, or a leaking filling, and infect it.1 Root canal treatment removes that pulp and seals the inside of the tooth.
Signs you may need one
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the hot or cold is gone. Pain that lasts more than about 30 seconds suggests the pulp may be damaged.2,3
- Pain when you bite or chew2
- Swollen or tender gums near the tooth, or a pimple-like bump on the gum2
- A tooth that has darkened2
Sometimes the dentist finds an infection on an X-ray before you notice anything.1
Step by step
What to expect
Diagnosis
The dentist examines the tooth, takes an X-ray, and tests how it responds. We explain whether a root canal is recommended and why.
Treatment
The infected pulp is removed, and the canals inside the root are cleaned, shaped, filled and sealed.1
Visits
How long it takes
Root canal treatment is done in one or two visits, depending on the tooth and the infection.1 A crown, if needed, follows at a later visit.
Outcomes
How well it works
A systematic review found that 86% to 93% of root-canal-treated teeth were still in place two to ten years later. Having a crown placed afterwards was the strongest factor in keeping the tooth.4 A later study found that 95% of teeth were still in place four years after treatment.5
The Canadian Dental Association and the Canadian Academy of Endodontics describe root canal treatment as safe and effective, and have warned about misinformation that circulates online.1
Your options
Alternatives and limitations
- Extraction: the alternative to a root canal is removing the tooth. A missing tooth can then be replaced with an implant or a bridge, or the gap can be left.7
- Not every tooth can be saved: a tooth that is badly cracked, or has too little structure left, may not be a good candidate. We tell you if we think that is the case.
- Who does the treatment: we do root canals on front teeth and premolars here at the studio. For molars (the large back teeth), it depends on how complex the tooth is: we treat some molars here, and complex cases are referred to an endodontist, a dentist with specialist training in root canal treatment.1 We tell you which applies to your tooth before you decide, and help arrange the referral if one is needed.
Fees
Cost and insurance
- The fee depends on which tooth it is (front teeth have fewer canals than molars) and whether a crown is needed afterwards. You receive the fee before treatment.
- We never charge more than the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) fee guide.
- Root canal treatment is commonly included in dental insurance plans. We bill your insurer directly and can send a predetermination (pre-treatment estimate) first.
- We accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), which covers root canal treatment. Root canal re-treatment needs preauthorization.6 For covered care, you pay only your CDCP co-payment, or nothing if CDCP covers 100% of your care. We never charge the difference between the CDCP and ODA fee guides. See insurance, direct billing and CDCP.
- 0% financing is available on larger treatments; the term depends on the case. Ask us whether your treatment qualifies.
Aftercare
Aftercare
- The tooth may be tender for the first week or two, especially when you bite.1
- Avoid chewing hard foods on that side until the tooth has its final filling or crown.
- Keep the follow-up appointment for the crown, if one was recommended. It protects the tooth from breaking.
- Brush and clean between your teeth as usual.
Urgent problems
When to call us
Severe pain or swelling after a root canal is not common. Call (647) 474-7980 if it happens.1 Also call if a temporary filling falls out, or if your bite feels high.
If you have a toothache now, swelling, or a pimple on your gum, call us and we'll see you at the earliest available appointment. See emergency visits.
Book an appointment.
New to seesmile? Start with our new-patient visit.
A consultation and exam are needed to decide whether root canal treatment is right for your tooth.
Questions
Questions, answered.
References
Sources
Related pages: Dental implants · Emergency visits · Nitrous oxide
- Canadian Dental Association. Root canal (including the CDA and Canadian Academy of Endodontics public statement). https://www.cda-adc.ca/for-the-public/understanding-your-oral-health/procedures/root-canal
- American Association of Endodontists. Root canal explained. https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-explained/
- American Association of Endodontists. Tooth pain. https://www.aae.org/patients/dental-symptoms/tooth-pain/
- Ng YL, Mann V, Gulabivala K. Tooth survival following non-surgical root canal treatment: a systematic review of the literature. International Endodontic Journal 2010;43(3):171-89. PMID 20158529. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20158529/
- Ng YL, Mann V, Gulabivala K. A prospective study of the factors affecting outcomes of non-surgical root canal treatment: part 2: tooth survival. International Endodontic Journal 2011;44(7):610-25. PMID 21366627. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21366627/
- Government of Canada. Canadian Dental Care Plan: services covered. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/dental/dental-care-plan/coverage.html
- Ontario Dental Association. Common dental procedures. https://www.oda.ca/oral-health-basics/dental-procedures/common-dental-procedures/