Root Canal Therapy in Scarborough

Root canal therapy is required when there has been an irreversible damage to the pulp (nerve and blood supply) of the tooth. This may be the result of any of the following:

1. Trauma or a blow to the tooth.
2. Deep decay that extends to or into the pulp.
3. Dramatic orthodontic (braces) movement of the tooth.
4. Large, deep fillings.
5. Medical/systemic complications.

When the tooth is irreversibly damaged, the blood supply to the tooth is compromised. This in turn causes the pulp to die or become non-vital. The response at this point may be either acute or chronic in nature. The acute response might include a period of sensitivity to temperature (hot usually more than cold) and pressure (touch or chewing). If these symptoms are ignored, the problem may proceed to a sharp/throbbing pain, with or with-out swelling.

The chronic response may begin like the acute response, with sensitivity to temperature and pressure. There may also be a noticeable darkening in the colour of the tooth. However, at this point the tooth may not exhibit any painful symptoms. The tooth may remain in this state for years, but at some point an acute episode with the tooth is very likely. Therefore, an irreversibly damaged tooth should be treated with root canal therapy as soon as possible.

When a tooth is irreversibly damaged, there are only two treatment approaches: root canal therapy or extraction (pulling, the tooth). The goal of root canal treatment is to remove the damaged pulp without removing the tooth. The success rate for root canal therapy is over 90%.

Root Canal Therapy Costs

The fees for treatment vary depending on the number of roots and canals present in the tooth to be treated. Most front teeth have one canal; the teeth between the front teeth and the molars may have one to three canals; and the back teeth may have three or more canals. The fee for the root canal does not include the final restoration of the tooth, such as, fillings, post buildups, crowns, etc. As a general rule, all posterior (back) teeth that have received root canal therapy should be restored with a crown (cap) or other full coverage protective restoration (onlay). The reason for this is that root canal treated teeth are more prone to fracture. Sometimes this fracture may occur vertically (from top to bottom) and may cause loss of the tooth.

Sometimes a tooth lets you know it is in trouble long before you sit in the chair. The signals can be easy to brush off at first, then harder to ignore. If any of the following sound familiar, it is worth booking a visit so we can take a look and figure out what is going on.

• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, rather than fading away after a few seconds
• A dull ache or sharp pain when you bite down or chew on one particular tooth
• A small pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth, which may come and go
• Swelling or tenderness in the gum or the side of your face
• A tooth that has darkened or changed colour compared to the ones around it

Not every sore tooth needs a root canal, and a few of these signs can point to other things. That is exactly why an exam matters. If you are dealing with a sudden or severe toothache, please don't wait it out at home, give your clinic a call.

A root canal has a bigger reputation than it deserves. The aim is simple: clear out the infected tissue inside the tooth, clean things up, and seal it so the tooth can stay put and keep doing its job. Here is how a typical visit tends to go.

1. We numb the area thoroughly so the tooth and the gum around it are fully frozen before we begin.
2. Once you are comfortable, we make a small opening in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp inside.
3. We gently remove the infected or damaged pulp from the inner chamber and the canals.
4. The canals are cleaned and shaped, then disinfected to clear out bacteria.
5. We fill and seal the canals with a stable material and close the opening with a temporary or permanent filling.
6. Because a treated tooth can become more brittle over time, a crown is usually placed later to protect it for the long run.

That final step matters, especially for back teeth that take the brunt of chewing. You can read more about the cap that follows on our crowns and bridges page.

For a lot of people, the worst part is the dread beforehand. The reality of modern root canal therapy is much gentler than the old stories suggest. With today's anaesthetic and instruments, having a root canal is often comparable to getting a regular filling, just over a little more time in the chair.

Remember that the pain people associate with root canals usually comes from the infection itself, not the treatment. We numb the area first, and most folks are surprised by how manageable the appointment feels. If you tend to feel anxious at the dentist, tell us. We can take breaks, explain each step as we go, and talk through options like laughing gas to help you settle.

Our team across all five clinics across Scarborough and East York would rather you ask questions than sit with worry. There is no such thing as a silly one.

Most people head back to their day soon after, though it helps to take it easy on that side for a little while. Here is what to expect and how to look after things as the area settles.

• Some tenderness or mild soreness for a few days is normal and usually eases on its own
• Stick to softer foods and chew on the other side until any numbness wears off and the tooth feels steady
• Keep brushing and flossing as usual, gently around the treated tooth
• If you were given a temporary filling, take a little extra care until the permanent restoration or crown is placed
• Call your clinic if swelling, strong pain, or a returning bump shows up after a few days

Why keeping your natural tooth is usually the better path

When a tooth is badly infected, the two real options are root canal therapy or removal. Where it makes sense, we lean toward saving the natural tooth. Your own tooth keeps your bite working the way it should, holds neighbouring teeth in place, and means you skip the extra steps of replacing what's been lost. Root canal therapy often saves the tooth and lets it serve you for years to come.

That said, it isn't the right answer for every situation, and we will always talk you through what we see. If removal turns out to be the wiser choice, our tooth extractions page explains how that works and what comes next. You can also explore the rest of our general and preventive dentistry services to see how we help keep teeth healthy in the first place.