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About root canals

A way to keep a tooth you’d otherwise lose

Inside every tooth is soft tissue called pulp, with nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach it, the pulp gets infected. That’s the toothache that keeps you up at night.

A root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth and seals it. You keep your own tooth, so there’s no gap to fill with an implant or a bridge. The Canadian Dental Association says a treated tooth can last as long as your other teeth with proper care and regular visits.

If you’ve been told you need one and you’re nervous, you’re not alone. With the tooth numbed, most people find it feels a lot like having a filling done, only longer.

Warning signs

Signs you might need a root canal

Only an exam and an X-ray can confirm it, but these are the usual warnings.

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A toothache that lingers

Throbbing pain, or pain that wakes you up.

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Sensitivity that doesn’t fade

Hot or cold that keeps hurting after the drink is gone.

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A pimple on the gum

A small bump near the tooth that comes and goes can mean an abscess.

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Swelling in the face or jaw

This is urgent. Call 905-832-4886 for an emergency visit.

How it works

How a root canal is done

Treatment usually takes one or two appointments.

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01

Exam and X-ray

We find which tooth is causing the pain and check its roots on a digital X-ray.

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02

Cleaning the canals

With the tooth numbed, the infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped.

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03

Filling and sealing

The canals are filled and sealed so bacteria can’t get back in.

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04

Restoring the tooth

The tooth is rebuilt with a permanent filling or a crown so you can chew on it again.

Aftercare and cost

After treatment, and what it costs

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The tooth may be tender for the first week or two. Bad pain or swelling isn’t normal, so call us if that happens. Back teeth usually need a crown afterward, because a tooth without its pulp is more likely to crack under chewing. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, and the cost depends on which tooth it is and how many canals it has. We go over it with you before we start, and we can send a pre-treatment estimate to your insurer. The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers root canal treatment for eligible patients, though a crown under CDCP needs approval in advance. See costs, insurance and CDCP for payment options.

  • Cost before we start It depends on the tooth and its canals.
  • CDCP accepted Root canal treatment is covered for eligible patients.
  • Pre-treatment estimate We can check with your insurer first.
  • One or two visits That covers most root canals.
  • Urgent visits Call when we open if you are in pain.
  • Evening and Saturday visits Wednesdays until 8 pm and Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm.

Reviewed by Dr. Sophie (Sophia) Polymeneas, DDS

Dr. Sophie graduated from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 1991 and has cared for patients in Maple for over 30 years. She has been published three times in the Invisalign GP Summit. Registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, registration #12326.

Why patients choose us

Why patients come to us for root canals

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Out of pain first

If you come in hurting, the first goal is to get you comfortable.

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We save the tooth when we can

Keeping your own tooth is usually better than replacing it.

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Digital X-rays

We show you the problem on screen and explain what we see.

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Cost explained up front

Including the crown, if the tooth needs one.

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A referral when it’s needed

Some teeth with complicated roots are better treated by an endodontist. We’ll tell you if yours is one.

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Over 30 years in Maple

Dr. Sophie has cared for patients here for over 30 years.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The tooth is numbed, so the treatment itself shouldn't hurt. Most people say it feels like a long filling. The tooth may be tender for a week or two afterward.

Root canal treatment is usually done in one or two appointments, according to the Canadian Dental Association. The crown or permanent filling may need a separate visit.

Often, yes, especially on back teeth. A tooth that has had a root canal is more likely to crack, and a crown protects it. Some front teeth only need a filling.

Usually not. Saving your natural tooth means you don't have to replace it with an implant, a bridge or a denture. If the tooth can't be saved, we'll go through your replacement options with you.

With proper care and regular dental visits, a treated tooth can last as long as your other teeth, according to the Canadian Dental Association. It can still get a cavity or gum disease, so keep brushing, flossing and coming in for check-ups.

Yes. The Canadian Dental Care Plan covers root canal treatment for eligible patients. Re-treating an old root canal, and placing a crown afterward, both need approval from the plan first. Bring your member card to your visit.

Contact Now

Book Your Appointment Today for a Healthier, Brighter Smile

Visit Maple Dental Centre at 9300 Keele St in Maple. Dr. Sophie and her team see adults and kids, with Wednesday evening and Saturday appointments.

9300 Keele St, Unit #1, Maple, ON L6A 1P4

Clinic Hours

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  • Mon 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tue 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wed 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Thus 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Fri Closed
  • Sat 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Sun Closed