Root canals have a worse reputation than they deserve. The procedure ends the pain — it does not cause it.
If the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, you have two realistic options: treat the inside of the tooth and keep it, or remove the tooth entirely. Root canal treatment is how we keep it.
Most patients who have had one tell us afterward that it felt no worse than having a filling done. The severe pain people associate with root canals is the infection they arrived with, not the treatment.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Not every toothache means a root canal, but these are the symptoms that point toward one:
- Persistent, deep pain — particularly pain that wakes you at night or throbs steadily
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold — if the ache continues well after the stimulus is gone, the nerve is likely involved
- Pain on biting or pressure
- Swelling in the gum near the tooth, or a small bump that may drain
- A tooth that has darkened compared to its neighbours
- Tenderness in the surrounding gum or jaw
Symptoms sometimes settle on their own. That is not recovery — it usually means the nerve has died, and the infection continues silently. If any of this sounds familiar, book an emergency appointment rather than waiting for the pain to come back.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment
Treatment usually takes one or two appointments of around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on which tooth is involved.
1. Diagnosis and imaging
We take an X-ray to see the root structure and the extent of the infection, and test the tooth to confirm the nerve is affected.
2. Anaesthetic
The area is fully frozen before anything begins. You should feel pressure and movement, but not pain. If you feel anything sharp, we stop and add more.
3. Accessing the tooth
A small opening is made through the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber.
4. Cleaning the canals
The infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected. This is the part that resolves the infection and the pain with it.
5. Filling and sealing
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent reinfection.
6. Restoring the tooth
A treated tooth is more brittle than a healthy one because the blood supply is gone. Back teeth almost always need a crown afterward to prevent fracture. Skipping this step is the most common reason a successful root canal is lost later.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
During the procedure, no — the tooth is fully anaesthetised. Afterward, expect some tenderness for a few days, usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
If dental anxiety is what has kept you from getting this treated, say so when you book. We offer sedation and there is no downside to using it.
Root Canal or Extraction?
Both are legitimate. Which is right depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains, the condition of the surrounding bone, and your circumstances.
| Root canal + crown | Extraction | |
|---|---|---|
| Keeps your natural tooth | Yes | No |
| Preserves jawbone | Yes | No — bone resorbs over time |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Long-term cost | Usually lower | Higher if replacing the tooth |
| Appointments | 2–3 including the crown | 1, plus any replacement |
Extraction is cheaper on the day and more expensive over time — replacing the tooth with a dental implant or bridge costs considerably more than the root canal would have. Where the tooth is genuinely not restorable, extraction is the right call and we will tell you so.
What a Root Canal Costs
Cost depends mainly on which tooth is involved. Front teeth have a single canal and are more straightforward. Premolars usually have one or two. Molars have three or four, sit at the back of the mouth, and take significantly longer — so they cost more.
The crown that follows is quoted separately, and it is worth budgeting for both together rather than treating the crown as optional. See our fee ranges for the full picture, and we will give you a written estimate before treatment starts.
Root canal treatment is covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan for eligible patients, subject to preauthorisation, and by most private plans. We submit the paperwork and confirm your coverage before we begin.
Aftercare
- Avoid chewing on that side until the permanent restoration is placed
- Expect tenderness for two to three days
- Brush and floss normally
- Get the crown placed on schedule — an unrestored treated tooth can fracture, and a fractured one usually cannot be saved
Contact us if pain worsens after the first few days, swelling develops, or the temporary filling comes out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a root canal take?
Usually one or two visits of 60 to 90 minutes. Molars take longer than front teeth because there are more canals to clean and they are harder to reach.
How long does a treated tooth last?
Properly treated and restored with a crown, a root-canalled tooth can last for decades. Failing to place the crown is the most common reason one does not.
Can I just take antibiotics instead?
No. Antibiotics can temporarily reduce infection and swelling, but they cannot reach inside the tooth to clear the source. The infection returns once the course ends.
Can I drive myself home?
Yes, with local anaesthetic only. If you choose sedation, arrange a ride.
What if I do nothing?
The infection spreads into the surrounding bone and can form an abscess. The tooth is usually lost, and in some cases the infection becomes a broader health problem. This is not a wait-and-see situation.
Is it covered by insurance?
Most private plans cover root canal treatment at least partially, and it is covered under CDCP for eligible patients. We confirm your coverage and provide an estimate before treatment.
Why do I need a crown if the tooth feels fine?
A treated tooth has no blood supply and becomes brittle over time. It can feel completely normal right up until it fractures, and a fractured root-canalled tooth usually has to be extracted. The crown is what protects the work you have already paid for.
Book an Appointment
If you are in pain, do not wait it out — book an appointment and we will get you seen.