Root Canal in NW Calgary

What Is a Root Canal?

Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp. It holds nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach the pulp, it can become inflamed or infected. Root canal therapy, also called endodontic treatment, removes the damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth and seals it.

Many people dread the idea of a root canal. The infection is usually what hurts, and treatment is meant to relieve it. With local anesthesia, most patients tell us the procedure feels about the same as having a filling.

Patients come to us for root canal treatment from Country Hills, Hamptons, Hidden Valley, Panorama Hills, Coventry Hills, Evanston, Sandstone, Kincora, Nolan Hill, Sherwood and the surrounding NW Calgary communities. If a toothache will not wait, see our page for an emergency dentist in NW Calgary.

Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment

Only an exam and X-rays can confirm that a tooth needs a root canal. These signs are common:

• A severe toothache, or pain when you chew or press on the tooth
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the hot or cold is gone
• A darkened or discoloured tooth
• Swelling or tenderness in the gum near the tooth
• A pimple-like bump on the gum that keeps coming back

Pain that suddenly stops does not mean the problem is gone. The infection can remain. To learn more, read our guide to reasons for root canal therapy or our tips on how to handle tooth pain while you wait for your visit.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Most patients find the visit more comfortable than they expected. We numb the area with local anesthesia before we begin, and you should feel pressure but not sharp pain.

After treatment, mild soreness around the tooth for a day or two is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most people return to their normal routine within a day or two. If you feel anxious, ask about our sedation dentistry options, which include nitrous oxide and oral sedation. To clear up common worries, read myths and facts about root canals.

Root Canal Treatment Step by Step

Treatment takes one or two visits, depending on the tooth and how much infection is present. Here is what to expect.

A tooth that has had a root canal can be weaker, so a crown is often advised to reduce the risk of it breaking. Learn more about a dental crown. For a longer walk-through, read our guide to root canal treatment.

Root Canal vs Extraction

Saving your natural tooth is usually the first choice, because your own tooth works and looks like your other teeth and it keeps the neighbouring teeth in place. Extraction is the usual alternative when a tooth is too damaged to restore. Your dentist will explain which option suits your tooth after an exam.

If a tooth cannot be saved, we also offer tooth extraction.

Why Choose All Smiles Dental Care for a Root Canal

• General dentists caring for children and adults at one family-friendly clinic
• Local anesthesia, plus nitrous oxide and oral sedation for anxious patients
• Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras to find the problem clearly
• Appointment times held open each day for emergency patients
• Direct insurance billing
• 0% financing available
• Monday evening hours, early Thursday and Friday starts and Saturday appointments
• A convenient NW Calgary location in the Country Hills area

Root Canal Cost in Calgary

The cost of a root canal depends on which tooth is treated, how complex it is and whether you need a crown afterward, so a price can only be given after your dentist examines you. We go over your treatment plan with you before you decide. We bill insurance directly and offer 0% financing, and our team can explain your coverage and payment options when you call 403-777-3567.