Root Canal Treatment Calgary

Gentle, expert care to help you save your natural smile for years to come.

Understanding Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal)

Endodontic treatment—most commonly known as a root canal procedure—is a highly effective way to treat teeth that are severely decayed, infected, or injured internally. The primary goal of this treatment is simple and important: to save your natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction whenever possible.

Root Canals: Explained Simply

The term “root canal” actually refers to the intricate system of spaces inside your tooth where the dental pulp (containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue) is located. When this delicate tissue becomes infected or damaged, root canal treatment is performed to clean out the infection and protect the tooth's structure.

2. A close-up of a tooth extraction procedure, showing the dentist using tools to remove a tooth from a patient's mouth.

What Happens During the Procedure at Cougar Ridge Dental?

During your root canal treatment at Cougar Ridge Dental in Calgary, here is a general overview of what you can expect:

We will gently access the inside of your tooth, usually through a small opening in the crown.
The infected or damaged pulp tissue is carefully and thoroughly removed from the pulp chamber and root canals.
The inner canals are meticulously cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to ensure all bacteria are removed.
We fill and seal the cleaned space with a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha, to prevent future infection.
The opening in the tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling. Often, a crown is recommended later to protect the treated tooth and restore its full function and appearance.

When Might You Need a Root Canal?

We may recommend endodontic treatment if you are experiencing symptoms or conditions such as:

An abscess or significant infection at the root of a tooth.
Severe and persistent tooth pain, especially when chewing or with temperature changes.
Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers long after the source is removed.
Swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums.
A darkened or discoloured tooth, which can indicate nerve damage.
A deep cavity that has reached the dental pulp.
A chip or crack in the tooth that exposes the nerve.

Important: Leaving these issues untreated can lead to more serious problems, including spreading infection, severe pain, and ultimately, tooth loss. Taking action early can save your tooth and prevent future complications.

Is It Going to Hurt? Addressing a Common Concern

It's understandable to be concerned about pain when thinking about a root canal. However, the good news is that with modern techniques and effective local anesthetic, root canal treatment is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The procedure actually relieves the pain caused by the infection or damage.

Some mild soreness or sensitivity after the treatment is normal for a few days and can usually be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by your dentist.

Have questions about pain or the procedure?

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Understanding the Cost of a Root Canal

The cost of a root canal can vary depending on several factors, but typically ranges between $700 to $1500. This range is influenced by:

Which tooth is being treated: Molars are generally more complex and have more canals than incisors or premolars.
The complexity of the root canal anatomy: Unusual shapes or calcified canals can increase treatment time.
Whether it's a retreatment: Fixing a previously treated root canal can be more involved.
Any additional procedures needed: Such as a post or core buildup before placing a crown.

We will always provide you with a personalized estimate before beginning treatment and help you understand what is covered by your dental insurance plan. Our goal is to ensure you have clear information about your investment in your dental health.

Specialist Referrals for Complex Cases

While our experienced team at Cougar Ridge Dental is highly skilled in performing root canal therapy, some complex cases may benefit from the specialized expertise of an Endodontist (a dentist who specializes in root canal treatment).

If your tooth has particularly challenging anatomy or requires retreatment, we will discuss this with you and, if needed, refer you to a trusted Endodontist in the Calgary area to ensure you receive the highest level of specialized care possible.