Root Canal Therapy in Scarborough, Without the Fear

The cost depends on which tooth is involved and how many canals it has, since front teeth are simpler than back molars. A crown is usually needed after. A root canal plus crown costs more than pulling the tooth, but keeps your natural tooth. We help with insurance and CDCP, and give an exact written quote after your exam.

The procedure itself should not hurt. We fully numb the tooth first, so most patients feel only mild pressure or vibration, much like getting a filling. The pain people associate with root canals is almost always the toothache from the infection beforehand — and the treatment is what relieves that pain. Modern anaesthetic makes the appointment far more comfortable than its old reputation suggests.

Common signs include a lingering toothache, pain when biting, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is gone, swelling near a tooth, or a pimple-like bump on the gum. Sometimes there are no symptoms and it is found on an X-ray. Only an exam can confirm it, so if you have persistent tooth pain, call us and we will find out what is causing it.

Most root canals are completed in one or two visits, and each appointment usually takes about an hour to ninety minutes depending on the tooth. A single-canal front tooth is quicker than a multi-canal molar. If the tooth is very infected, we may treat it in two stages to let it settle. We will tell you what to expect for your specific tooth at your appointment.

A tooth that has had a root canal loses its inner blood supply and becomes more brittle, which makes it prone to cracking under the force of chewing. A crown caps the tooth and protects it, greatly improving how long it lasts. For front teeth a filling is sometimes enough, but for back teeth that do heavy chewing, a crown is usually the safest choice.

Keeping your natural tooth is usually the better choice when it can be saved. An extraction leaves a gap that affects your bite and often needs a bridge or implant to fill, which typically costs more overall than saving the tooth. A root canal lets you keep your own tooth, which fits and functions like no replacement can. We will tell you honestly if a tooth cannot realistically be saved.

An infected tooth will not heal on its own, and delaying treatment lets the infection spread through the root into the surrounding bone, which can lead to an abscess and worsening pain. Over time you are more likely to lose the tooth and may face a more complicated problem. Treating it early with a root canal is the most reliable way to save the tooth and stop the infection.

With a proper crown and good oral hygiene, a tooth that has had a root canal can last many years, often for the rest of your life. The keys are protecting it with the recommended restoration, keeping up with brushing and flossing, and coming in for regular checkups. Like any tooth, it can still get decay at the edges, so it needs the same daily care as your others.

Yes, though it is best to chew on the other side until your tooth has its permanent restoration, especially if it still has a temporary filling. The tooth may feel tender for a few days, so soft foods are easier at first. Once the crown or final filling is in place and the tooth has settled, you can eat normally on it again.

Most people return to work or their normal routine the same day or the next. The numbness wears off over a few hours, and any tenderness is usually well managed with over-the-counter pain relief. You will not be sedated for a routine root canal, so you can drive yourself home. If your job is physically demanding, take it easy for the rest of the day.

Yes. Root canal therapy is a well-established, routine dental treatment that has been performed for decades to relieve pain and save teeth. Claims that root canals cause other illnesses are not supported by credible evidence. The procedure removes infected tissue and seals the tooth, which is what protects your health. If you have concerns, we are happy to talk them through before you decide.

Mild tenderness for a few days is normal, especially when biting, and it settles as the tooth heals. If the pain gets worse rather than better, or swelling returns, call us — that is not typical and we want to check it. Occasionally a tooth needs a second treatment or a specialist referral. Because we are open seven days a week, a follow-up is easy to arrange.