A root canal is the treatment that saves a tooth when the nerve inside is infected or damaged. Done under local anesthetic, most patients say it feels similar to having a filling. At Brampton Smiles, Dr. Azher Abbas treats most root canals in-house, and same-day appointments are usually available for root canal pain.
When is a root canal needed?
- deep decay that reaches the nerve
- a crack that extends into the pulp
- heat sensitivity that lingers
- swelling near the gum
- an X-ray that shows infection at the root tip
The alternative is pulling the tooth, which can shift neighbouring teeth, change your bite and usually means an implant or bridge later. Without a root canal, the risk of tooth loss goes up significantly.
What happens during a root canal
- Diagnosis (15 to 20 minutes). Targeted X-rays, a cold test and sometimes a 3D CBCT scan.
- Anesthesia and isolation. Local anesthetic, then a rubber dam to keep the tooth clean and dry.
- Cleaning the canals (45 to 75 minutes). The infected pulp is removed, and the canals are shaped with rotary instruments and rinsed with disinfectant.
- Filling and sealing. The canals are filled with gutta-percha and sealed.
- Final restoration. Front teeth usually get a tooth-coloured filling. Back teeth usually need a crown, placed within about 4 weeks.
How many visits?
Many root canals are finished in one visit of 60 to 90 minutes. Single-canal front teeth are typically one visit (60 to 75 minutes). Molars with 3 to 4 canals are often split into two visits, 1 to 2 weeks apart, so medication can clear the infection.
Pain and recovery
Most patients feel no pain during treatment. Mild chewing tenderness for 2 to 4 days is normal and usually responds to ibuprofen. Severe pain, swelling or worsening pain should be reported by phone straight away. Oral sedation is available for anxious patients.
Why a crown after a root canal?
A root-canalled tooth becomes more brittle and can fracture. Back teeth usually need a crown. Front teeth with a small access opening often need only a filling. Well-treated root canals can last a lifetime in many cases, and the quality of the seal and the speed of the final restoration make the difference.
What if an old root canal fails?
A failing root canal may show as a low-grade ache, chewing sensitivity or a small bump on the gum. A 3D scan helps us decide whether re-treatment is possible or surgery is needed. Re-treatment has a success rate of 70 to 80 percent in published research. Unusually curved or calcified canals, or earlier failed treatment, may be referred to a board-certified endodontist in Peel Region.
Cost, insurance and CDCP
Cost depends on the tooth, the number of canals, how curved or calcified they are, whether it is a first treatment or a re-treatment, and whether you need a crown. Fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, and you get a written estimate first. Most extended plans cover 50 to 80 percent under basic or major restorative, and CDCP covers root canal treatment for eligible patients. We run a predetermination so your coverage is confirmed in writing. We direct-bill Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Desjardins and ClaimSecure, and offer 0% in-house payment plans.
Before Your Visit
- Call before noon if you can for the best chance of a same-day slot. After-hours messages are returned the next morning.
- Take pain relief as directed on the label. Do not place aspirin on the gum.
- Eat beforehand if possible. You will be numb for several hours.
- Bring your insurance card and a list of medications, and tell us about swelling or fever.
After Your Treatment
- Do not chew on the tooth until the final filling or crown is placed, and avoid hard or sticky foods on that side.
- Wait for numbness to fade before eating, and avoid biting your cheek or lip.
- Mild soreness for 2 to 4 days is normal. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen usually helps.
- Take any prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed.
- Book your crown or final filling within about 4 weeks.
- Call us for severe pain, swelling or pain that gets worse.
Visit Brampton Smiles
50 Sunny Meadow Blvd, Unit 300, Brampton, ON L6R 0Y7, near Bovaird Drive East. Free parking. Phone: (905) 793-8668.
Hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 10 AM to 7 PM. Tue, Fri 10 AM to 5 PM. Sat 9 AM to 2 PM. Sun closed.
Call to book your root canal consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does a root canal hurt?
Most patients feel no pain during treatment under local anesthetic. Soreness afterward is mild.
How long does a root canal take?
Often 60 to 90 minutes in one visit. Molars may need two visits 1 to 2 weeks apart.
Can I get a root canal on the same day?
Same-day appointments are usually available for root canal pain. Calling before noon is best.
Do I need a crown afterward?
Back teeth usually do. Front teeth often need only a filling.
Is a root canal covered by insurance or CDCP?
Most extended plans cover part of it, and CDCP covers it for eligible patients.
Is it better to pull the tooth?
Saving the tooth is usually better, because extraction can shift teeth and lead to implant or bridge costs. We explain both options.
Can I have sedation for a root canal?
Oral sedation is available for anxious patients.