Root canal therapy is a safe and effective treatment that can save your natural tooth.
The cost of a root canal can vary depending on several factors but is usually between $600 to $1600 in Ontario, and it may be covered by your health benefits at work. This treatment can safeguard your oral health and help you avoid tooth extractions.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is used to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay, infection, or trauma. The inside of each tooth contains a soft tissue called pulp—consisting of nerves and blood vessels—that helps to keep the tooth alive.
When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause discomfort, swelling, and an abscess. That’s where a root canal comes in: it involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning out the tooth’s canal, and filling it to keep harmful bacteria out.
The procedure typically takes around 60–90 minutes and can be broken into these steps:
- First, you receive a local anesthetic to help reduce or eliminate pain during the procedure. For people who experience dental anxiety, sedation dentistry may be an option, depending on your clinic.
- Your endodontist makes a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
- They will then clean out the decayed or infected tissue and shape the canals.
- To reduce the risk of future infection, your endodontist will then fill each canal with a material called gutta-percha.
- Finally, a crown or other permanent restoration is placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its function.
Root canals can help to save a damaged tooth from extraction, which can otherwise negatively impact oral health. Losing a tooth can cause several problems, from difficulty chewing and speaking to a greater risk of developing gum disease. By preserving the natural tooth, root canals help to maintain your chewing ability and reduce the risk of bacteria from spreading throughout your mouth.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
Most people do not experience pain during a root canal. With modern techniques and anesthetics, the treatment could be no more painful than placing a filling. In a systematic review, only 17% of people listed root canals as their most painful dental experience.
Many patients report relief after the procedure, as it can eliminate swelling and pain associated with infected pulp.
After the procedure, you may experience some tenderness. But this is normal and may be addressed with pain medication as recommended by your dentist. If you do experience severe discomfort and swelling, inform your dentist immediately.
How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?
Your dentist can determine if you need a root canal during a routine exam and cleaning. However, you may notice something is wrong first.
Some signs that a root canal may be in your future include:
- Extreme tooth pain: If you experience severe tooth pain that affects your daily life, it may be due to an infection or damage inside the tooth. The sensitivity can be to hot or cold temperatures or pressure.
- Discoloured tooth: If you notice your tooth turning gray or black, it could be due to a dead tooth nerve or infection inside the tooth.
- Swollen gums: An abscessed tooth or contaminated pulp tissue can cause inflammation and swelling in the gums around the affected tooth.
- Bad breath (halitosis): You might notice a foul odour from your mouth despite maintaining good oral hygiene. This could indicate inflammation or infection in the tooth.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
The cost of root canal treatment in Ontario ranges from $600 to $1600, depending on several factors, such as the:
- Type of tooth
- Severity of damage
- Complexity of treatment
Fees are generally influenced by the Ontario Dental Association’s (ODA) Suggested Fee Guide. It’s a highly technical document and uses dental terminology, so we recommend you discuss the costs with your dentist and get an estimate.
If more work is needed, then you can expect to pay more. That’s why it’s usually best to address dental infections quickly before they get out of hand.
The tooth’s location in your mouth may impact the cost since that affects their size. For instance, front teeth usually have only one infected canal, while molars could have up to four. This means that root canals on molars could cost more.
If you’re worried about the cost of root canal treatment, it’s important to look at your employer’s benefit plan. Many secondary insurers offer partial or total coverage for endodontic treatment.
Find Your Relief from Dental Discomfort
Whenever you look at the cost of dental procedures, remember that investing in your oral health now can help you avoid complications in the future. At West Metro Dental, we understand the power of proactive care and the comfort that comes with knowing you’re in experienced hands.
We’re proud to have an in-house endodontist for root canal therapy. That means you don’t need to go to another clinic. We have a specialist right here so you can feel comfortable in a familiar place with the same friendly staff.If you or your family member is experiencing tooth pain, book an appointment today.
