Root Canal Therapy

“I’d rather have a root canal…” While there is definitely a negative conation behind getting a root canal, the reality is that root canal therapy is one of the most common and simple dental procedures and not nearly as bad as you may think. It can also be the difference between keeping your natural tooth and having to get your tooth extracted.

What Happens in a Root Canal?

The inside of your tooth contains a collection of blood vessels and nerves called pulp. This tissue helps to build and maintain the outer tooth. If the tooth experiences any kind of trauma from prolonged decay, cracks, or repeated dental procedures, the pulp can become damaged. Some telltale signs of pulpitis or infection include sensitivity to hot and cold, pain or swelling around the tooth.

In this case, we would likely recommend root canal therapy. This procedure involves a local anesthesia to numb the area (in other words, you won’t feel any pain!) as we remove diseased pulp, thoroughly clean the root canal system and seal the tooth. Unless there is a complication, the procedure can be completed within one or two visits and has a better than 90% success rate.

If a tooth is too compromised and a root canal is not going to fix the problem, we will find out either during your initial consultation or if a complication arises after a treatment. This, however, is very rare. If you do experience any kind of problem, we’re readily available to help.

Once the treatment ends, much like a dental filling, you will be able to drive home and return to your daily routine.

How Much Do Root Canals Cost?

The average root canal treatment cost in Alberta ranges from $300 to $2000. It will depend largely on what tooth needs to be treated (front tooth, molar, bicuspid).

For a look at standard pricing on common dental practices, visit the Alberta Dental Guide for Dental Fees.

After the root canal treatment, it may be necessary to place a crown or a filling which will be another additional charge. A dental crown can cost less than $1,000 while a filling can cost less than $500. 

Complications may arise during or after the root canal treatment which may result in additional charges.