Root Canal Treatment in Scarborough
Treat the Infection. Save Your Natural Tooth.
Tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling may signal an infection inside your tooth. At Dentistry at Sullivan, we provide root canal treatment to remove the infection and help protect your natural tooth.
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Personalized Treatment
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Gentle, Patient-Focused Care
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Clear Treatment Recommendations
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Convenient Scarborough Location
Flexible Hours
7 days a week call answering
Emergency Dental Care
same day appointment
Consultation
Free consultation available
Convenient Location
accessible by public transit
Special appointment
fixable scheduling for students
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a procedure used to treat infection or inflammation inside a tooth.
Inside each tooth is a soft area called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, cracks, or an injury can allow bacteria to reach the pulp and cause an infection.
During a root canal, the damaged pulp is removed. The inside of the tooth is cleaned, filled, and sealed.
The goal is to remove the infection while keeping your natural tooth whenever possible.
Keeping your natural tooth can help maintain normal chewing and avoid losing a tooth that can still be restored.
Signs You Need a Root Canal Dentist in Scarborough
Certain symptoms may mean that the pulp inside your tooth is infected or damaged.
You may need a dental assessment if you have:
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Tooth pain that continues or returns
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Pain when biting or chewing
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Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
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Swelling around the tooth or gums
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Tenderness near a specific tooth
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A darkened or discolored tooth
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A recurring pimple or abscess on the gums
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A deep cavity or cracked tooth
Not every toothache requires a root canal. Some infected teeth may also cause little or no pain. An examination can help determine what is actually causing the problem.
What Can Cause a Tooth Infection?
Common causes include:
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Deep tooth decay
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Cracks or fractures
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Dental injuries
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Repeated treatment on the same tooth
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Bacteria reaching the inner pulp
If you have persistent tooth pain or swelling, it is best to have the tooth assessed rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen.
If you have severe pain, swelling, or a dental injury, you can also learn more about our
How Is a Root Canal Diagnosed?
At Dentistry at Sullivan, Dr. Sepideh Maleki and her team will assess your symptoms and the condition of the affected tooth to determine what is causing the problem.
Your assessment may include:
Reviewing Your Symptoms
We will ask about your pain, sensitivity, swelling, when your symptoms started, and what makes them better or worse.
Examining the Tooth
The affected tooth and surrounding gums are examined for signs of decay, cracks, infection, swelling, or tenderness.
Taking X-Rays When Needed
Dental X-rays can help examine the roots of the tooth and surrounding bone. They may also reveal changes that cannot be seen during a visual examination.
Checking Whether the Tooth Can Be Saved
If root canal treatment is an option, we will assess whether the tooth can be restored and explain the available treatment options.
This helps ensure that treatment is based on the condition of your tooth rather than just the symptoms you are experiencing.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
If a root canal is recommended, treatment focuses on removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it.
1. The Tooth Is Numbed
Local anesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding area before treatment.
2. The Tooth Is Opened
A small opening is made in the tooth to reach the infected or inflamed pulp.
3. The Damaged Pulp Is Removed
The damaged pulp is carefully removed from inside the tooth.
4. The Canals Are Cleaned and Shaped
The root canals are cleaned and shaped to remove infected material and prepare them for sealing.
5. The Canals Are Filled and Sealed
The cleaned canals are filled and sealed to help prevent bacteria from entering the tooth again.
6. The Tooth Is Restored
After root canal treatment, the tooth needs a final restoration. Depending on the tooth and the amount of healthy structure remaining, this may involve a filling or crown.
Dr. Maleki will explain which restoration is appropriate for your tooth.
Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
Many patients worry about pain during a root canal.
Local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area. You may feel some pressure during the procedure, but the goal is to keep you comfortable throughout treatment.
Some tenderness or sensitivity can occur after treatment and usually improves as the tooth settles.
If you feel nervous about dental treatment, let our team know before your appointment. We can explain the procedure and what you can expect at each stage.
What Happens After Root Canal Treatment?
Your tooth may feel tender for a few days after treatment. Follow the care instructions provided by our dental team and take care when chewing until the tooth has been fully restored.
Continue brushing and flossing as recommended. Good oral hygiene helps protect the treated tooth and your surrounding teeth.
Will You Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
Not every root canal requires a crown. The need for a crown depends on factors such as:
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Which tooth was treated
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How much healthy tooth structure remains
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The amount of damage or decay
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How much protection the tooth needs
A crown may be recommended when additional protection is needed after root canal treatment.
Is Root Canal Treatment Better Than Tooth Extraction?
When a tooth can be restored, root canal treatment can allow you to keep your natural tooth while treating the infection.
Extraction removes the entire tooth. A missing tooth may then need to be replaced with an implant, bridge, or another dental restoration.
However, not every tooth can be saved. If the tooth cannot be predictably restored, extraction may be recommended.
At Dentistry at Sullivan, Dr. Maleki will assess the condition of your tooth and explain your options before you make a treatment decision.
If extraction is necessary, you can also discuss tooth replacement options, including dental implants.
Root Canal Treatment in Scarborough Cost
The cost of root canal treatment varies depending on your individual needs.
Factors that may affect the cost include:
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Which tooth needs treatment
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The number and shape of the root canals
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The complexity of the infection
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The number of appointments required
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The restoration needed after treatment
An examination is the best way to determine what treatment your tooth needs and provide a clearer understanding of the expected cost.
For other dental needs, Dentistry at Sullivan also provides general dentistry services, including restorative dental care.
Does CDCP cover Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatments are among the dental services covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients. The CDCP reimburses a percentage based on established CDCP fees and adjusted family net income, and some patients may have additional costs.
Dentistry at Sullivan is a CDCP dental clinic in Scarborough and provides information to help eligible patients understand and use their CDCP benefits.
You can learn more about the program through here or review the official Government of Canada CDCP coverage information.
Frequently asked questions on Root Canal
Ready to Treat Your Tooth?
Visit Dentistry at Sullivan for root canal treatment in Scarborough.
Unit 102, 3123 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1T 3J7