Root Canal Therapy

A root canal saves a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. When the pulp inside your tooth (the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels) becomes infected, root canal therapy removes the infection, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it. Modern root canals are much more comfortable than the procedure’s reputation suggests. We numb the area thoroughly, offer oral sedation for anxious patients, and most patients describe the experience as no worse than a routine filling.

Signs you may need a root canal

• ✓Severe, throbbing toothache, especially with chewing or pressure
• ✓Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that does not fade after 30 seconds
• ✓A pimple-like bump on the gum near the painful tooth
• ✓Darkening or discolouration of one tooth
• ✓Swelling or tenderness of the gum next to the tooth
• ✓A deep cavity, large crack, or repeated trauma to the tooth

If you have any of these signs, call us at 604-282-3800 right away. The longer an infected pulp goes untreated, the higher the chance you will need an extraction instead of a root canal.

How root canal therapy works

1. Diagnosis and X-ray. We examine the tooth, take a digital X-ray, and confirm that the pulp is infected or damaged. We discuss whether you would benefit from oral sedation and answer any questions about the procedure.
2. Local anaesthetic. We numb the tooth and surrounding area thoroughly. Once you are fully numb, the procedure feels no different from a routine filling. You will feel pressure and movement but not pain.
3. Isolation. We place a small rubber sheet (a dental dam) around the tooth. This keeps the area clean, dry, and protected from bacteria in your saliva during the treatment.
4. Cleaning the canal. We make a small opening in the top of the tooth, remove the infected pulp, and clean and shape the canal system with very fine instruments. We rinse the canals with disinfecting solutions throughout.
5. Sealing the tooth. We fill the cleaned canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and seal the opening with a temporary or permanent filling. Most appointments are completed in 60 to 90 minutes.

For some teeth, we complete the entire procedure in one visit. For others (especially multi-rooted molars or teeth with significant infection), we may schedule a second visit to complete the final filling.

Recovery: what to expect after

Pain management and oral sedation

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable a modern root canal is. The procedure itself does not hurt because the area is fully numb. Mild discomfort after the freezing wears off is well-controlled with ibuprofen and acetaminophen alternated.

If you feel anxious about the procedure, we offer oral sedation: a medication you take by mouth before your appointment that helps you stay calm and relaxed. You will be awake and able to respond, but the procedure will feel shorter and far less stressful. Oral sedation requires a ride home from the appointment.

Note: we do not offer IV sedation or general anaesthesia. If your case requires those, we will refer you to an oral surgeon and coordinate your care.

Restoring the tooth after a root canal

A tooth that has had a root canal is more brittle than a healthy tooth because the pulp is gone and the tooth is no longer hydrated from the inside. To protect it from fracture, most root-canal-treated teeth (especially molars and premolars) need a crown placed within a few weeks of the procedure. We complete the crown in our office, so you do not need a referral.

For front teeth, a permanent filling may be enough if there is minimal damage. We assess each tooth individually and recommend the most conservative restoration that will keep your tooth working for decades.

Cost, insurance, and CDCP

Root canal therapy is covered by most extended health plans and by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) if you are eligible. We bill your insurance directly so you only pay your residual at the appointment. The total cost depends on which tooth (front teeth are less complex than molars) and whether you need a crown afterwards. See our insurance and financing page for the full list of insurers we work with, or call us at 604-282-3800 for a quote on your specific situation.

Why choose Madison Dental Studio

Root canal FAQ

Does a root canal hurt?

No, the procedure itself does not hurt. We numb the tooth thoroughly before we start, and once you are numb you feel pressure and movement but not pain. The myth that root canals are painful comes from the days before modern anaesthetics and rotary instruments. Most patients say the procedure was much easier than they expected.

How long does a root canal take?

Most root canal appointments take 60 to 90 minutes. Front teeth (single root) are quicker. Molars (multiple roots) take longer. Some cases require a second visit to complete the final filling, especially if the infection is significant.

Can I drive home afterwards?

Yes, if you only had local anaesthetic. If you chose oral sedation, you need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.

How long will the treated tooth last?

A root-canal-treated tooth that is restored with a crown can last decades and often a lifetime. Studies show success rates of over 95 percent when the tooth is properly restored within a few weeks of the root canal.

Is a root canal better than extraction?

Almost always, yes. Saving your natural tooth is better for your bite, your chewing, and the long-term position of surrounding teeth. Extraction is faster and cheaper upfront, but you may end up paying more later for a bridge or implant to fill the gap. We discuss both options honestly during your consultation.

What if I do not get the root canal?

An infected pulp does not heal on its own. The infection spreads, you risk developing an abscess (a pocket of pus), and the infection can travel into the surrounding bone or even into the bloodstream. The tooth almost always needs to be extracted if a root canal is not done.

Will my tooth need a crown?

Most molars and premolars need a crown after a root canal because the tooth is more brittle and crown protection prevents fracture. Front teeth often only need a filling. We will give you a straight answer for your specific tooth during the consultation.

Is root canal therapy covered by CDCP?

Yes. CDCP covers root canal therapy at a coverage level of 40, 60, or 100 percent depending on your adjusted family net income. We are an enrolled CDCP provider. See our CDCP page for full details.