Saving your natural tooth
Root canal treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp—the soft tissue inside your tooth—and carefully filling the space with medicated materials to restore strength and function. This treatment helps extend the life of your natural tooth while also maintaining the health of the surrounding bone and gum tissue. When possible, preserving your natural tooth can save you from greater discomfort, complications, and costly procedures in the future.
- Persistent sensitivity to heat or cold
- Intense or throbbing tooth pain
- Swollen or inflamed gums near the affected tooth
- A noticeable change in the tooth’s colour
- A pimple-like bump (abscess) on the gums
You might need a root canal if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
The root canal treatment plan
Root canal therapy is typically completed in one or two appointments and may be performed by your general dentist or a root canal specialist (endodontist). Here’s what to expect from start to finish:
Diagnosis and planning
Your appointment begins with a detailed X-ray of the affected tooth and surrounding bone to pinpoint the cause of your discomfort. If needed, antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce swelling and infection ahead of treatment. Much of the pain linked to abscesses is caused by pressure from inflammation—so managing this early on helps make the procedure more comfortable.
Preparing the tooth
When it’s time for the root canal, the area is thoroughly numbed to ensure you feel relaxed and pain-free throughout the process. After the gums and tooth are anesthetized, a small opening is created to access the inside of the tooth. The infected pulp, damaged nerve tissue, and bacteria are then carefully removed.
Cleaning and sealing
If there’s significant infection, a disinfecting medication may be placed inside the tooth to eliminate any lingering bacteria. For multi-visit treatments, a temporary filling will protect the area between appointments. Most patients feel a sense of relief shortly after this stage. Once the tooth is completely clean and healed, it will be permanently sealed to restore its function and protect it from future issues.
Cost of a root canal in Vancouver
While dental procedures can range significantly in cost, root canal therapy remains one of the most cost-effective ways to preserve a natural tooth. For those with dental insurance, the average out-of-pocket cost typically falls between $200 and $500+. If you’re paying out-of-pocket without coverage, treatment generally ranges from $600 to $1,200 or more.
Once we’ve completed a thorough oral exam, we’re happy to provide a detailed quote that you can share with your insurance provider to better understand your actual expenses.
- How severe the infection is
- Which tooth is affected and its position in the mouth
- The overall health of surrounding teeth and gum tissues
- Any potential complications that may require additional expertise or time
What affects the cost of root canal treatment? Several variables influence pricing, including:
It’s important to note that no clinic can provide an accurate quote without an in-person evaluation. Every mouth is different, and so is every treatment plan—so we always recommend an in-office assessment to explore all your available options.
Are there alternatives to a root canal?
Tooth infections and abscesses are serious and need to be treated promptly—they’re not just painful, they can be dangerous to your overall health. While root canals are sometimes seen as the lesser of two evils, they are in fact a critical way to remove infection and avoid more invasive emergency procedures down the line.
We understand that root canal therapy has a tough reputation. That’s why we prioritize your comfort and clarity at every step. If you’re nervous or unsure about the procedure, we still encourage you to come in. We won’t move forward with any treatment unless you’re fully informed and on board. In some cases, we may even be able to offer alternative solutions depending on your specific situation.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thanks to advanced dental techniques and a patient-focused approach, root canals today are often no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Our experienced dentists and hygienists are trained to make the process smooth, gentle, and virtually pain-free.
Once the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected, antibiotics alone won’t solve the problem. They may temporarily reduce symptoms but won’t remove the source of infection. The only permanent solution is to remove the damaged tissue through root canal therapy.
Most root canal treatments are completed in one or two visits. For simpler cases, the procedure typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. More complex cases may take up to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth and level of infection.
Coverage varies depending on your dental insurance plan. After your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed estimate that you can submit to your provider. Regardless of coverage, we urge patients to address root canal needs promptly to avoid more serious problems down the line. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have concerns about cost or timing.
In most cases, a crown is recommended for molars and premolars after root canal treatment to restore strength and function. However, front teeth—such as incisors and canines—often do not require a crown unless there’s significant structural damage.
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