Save Your Natural Tooth and Ease the Pain
A root canal has an intimidating reputation that it really does not deserve. It is actually the treatment that can relieve a serious toothache and help save your natural tooth when the pulp inside becomes infected. Keeping your own tooth is usually the healthiest option because it helps you chew comfortably, supports the teeth around it, and may help you avoid more complex treatment later. With gentle techniques and thorough numbing, we focus on keeping you comfortable while we clear the infection and help protect your natural smile.
When you might need a root canal
Inside every tooth is a soft centre of nerves and blood vessels called the pulp. When decay, a crack, or an injury lets bacteria reach that pulp, it can become infected or inflamed, and that is often what causes the pain. A root canal removes the damaged tissue, carefully cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, then seals it to help prevent the infection from returning.
- A bad or lingering toothache
- Sharp pain with hot or cold that doesn't fade
- A pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth
- Swelling or tenderness around a tooth
- A tooth that has darkened or been badly cracked
What treatment is like
After numbing the area, we make a small opening in the tooth, gently clean out the damaged pulp, carefully clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, and seal it. For many people, it feels a lot like getting a filling, and once the tooth settles, the relief afterward is the part they remember most.
Because the tooth can become more brittle afterward, we often recommend protecting it with a crown, depending on which tooth is being treated and how much healthy tooth structure remains. With our same-day CEREC technology, we can often make that crown in a single appointment.
Easing dental anxiety
If the idea of a root canal makes you nervous, you are not alone, and we understand. We take the time to explain each step, answer your questions, and make sure you're comfortable throughout your visit. If it's appropriate for your situation, we can also discuss sedation options to help you feel more relaxed. Many patients tell us afterward that the experience was much easier than they expected.
Why patients choose Power Smile
Eases the pain
By removing the infected or damaged tissue inside the tooth, a root canal treats the source of the pain and helps relieve your discomfort.
Keeps your natural tooth
Keeping your own tooth is usually the healthiest option. It helps you chew comfortably, keeps your bite balanced, and may help you avoid more complex treatment later.
Gentle and comfort-focused
We numb the tooth well and can discuss sedation options if they're appropriate for your situation, so treatment is far more comfortable than most people expect.
Same-day crown option
Many treated teeth benefit from a crown afterward, and our CEREC technology can often make it in the same appointment, saving you a second visit.
Frequently asked questions
Does a root canal hurt?+
We numb the tooth fully, so most people are comfortable during treatment, and it often helps relieve the pain that brought you in. Mild tenderness for a day or two afterward is normal and usually settles quickly.
How much does a root canal cost in BC?+
We follow the BC Dental Association Fee Guide, so your treatment fees are based on the same provincial guidelines used by many dentists across British Columbia—not an arbitrary price set by our office.
The final cost depends on which tooth is being treated, how many canals it has, and whether the tooth needs additional treatment before it can be restored.
During your visit, we'll examine your tooth, take any necessary digital X-rays, explain what we find, discuss your treatment options, and provide a written treatment plan and estimate before you decide whether to proceed. If an examination fee applies, we'll let you know before your appointment.
You'll never be asked to agree to treatment without first understanding what we recommend, why we recommend it, and what it will cost. We'll help you understand your insurance or CDCP coverage, explain payment options if they're available, and make sure you understand every cost before treatment begins.
Still have questions? We'd be happy to examine your tooth, explain what we find, discuss your options, and provide a written treatment plan and estimate before you decide whether to proceed.
Is it better to pull the tooth instead?+
Saving your natural tooth is often the better choice when it can be treated successfully. It helps protect your bite, supports normal chewing, and may help you avoid the need for a replacement tooth later. We'll explain the benefits and trade-offs of each option, so you can choose what's right for you.
How long does a root canal take?+
Most are done in one or two appointments of about an hour to ninety minutes, depending on the tooth and how complex the treatment is. We'll explain the timing for your specific case before we begin, so you know what to expect.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?+
Often, yes. A treated tooth can become a bit more brittle, and a crown may help protect it from cracking. With our same-day CEREC technology, we can frequently make that crown in the same visit, saving you a second appointment.
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