RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Root canal therapy
Saving a tooth with an infected or damaged nerve, so you don't have to lose it.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What does root canal therapy involve at Orangeville Smiles Dentistry?
Orangeville Smiles Dentistry performs root canal therapy in Orangeville for patients whose tooth decay or damage has reached the nerve, causing pain, sensitivity, or infection. The procedure removes the infected tissue inside the tooth and seals the space to stop the infection from spreading. In most cases, this allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it extracted. A crown is often recommended afterward to protect the treated tooth from future fracture.
- Relieves pain caused by nerve infection or damage
- Saves your natural tooth rather than extracting it
- Typically completed in one or two visits
- Followed by a crown to restore full strength
WHO IS THIS FOR
Who is a candidate for root canal therapy at Orangeville Smiles Dentistry?
- Patients with persistent tooth pain, especially when biting down or with hot and cold sensitivity
- Patients with a visibly cracked, chipped, or deeply decayed tooth reaching close to the nerve
- Patients with swelling, a bump on the gum, or a recurring abscess near a tooth
- Patients whose previous filling or crown has since become painful
- Patients who want to save a natural tooth instead of choosing extraction
WHY PATIENTS CHOOSE THIS
Why do patients choose root canal therapy at Orangeville Smiles Dentistry?
Eliminates infection deep inside the tooth
Stops nerve pain at its source
Avoids the need for an extraction
Keeps your natural bite and jaw alignment
THE PROCESS
How does root canal therapy work at Orangeville Smiles Dentistry?
01
Diagnosis and X-ray
We take an X-ray to confirm the infection and assess the extent of the damage inside the tooth.
02
Numbing and access
We numb the area and create a small opening to reach the infected pulp inside the tooth.
03
Cleaning and shaping
The infected tissue is removed, and the inner canal is cleaned, shaped, and disinfected thoroughly.
04
Sealing and restoring
The canal is filled and sealed, and the tooth is typically capped with a crown to restore its strength.
COST & COMPARISON
How much does root canal therapy cost at Orangeville Smiles Dentistry?
Root canal costs at Orangeville Smiles Dentistry vary depending on which tooth is treated, since molars generally involve more canals and more time than front teeth. Published Canadian ranges for root canal treatment often fall between roughly $800 and $1,600, though your exact cost should be confirmed against the current ODA Fee Guide.
ROOT CANAL VS. EXTRACTION
Root canal therapy removes infected tissue while keeping the natural tooth in place, whereas extraction removes the tooth entirely. Keeping a natural tooth generally helps maintain normal chewing function and can avoid the need for a bridge or implant later. Extraction is sometimes quicker and less costly upfront, but it usually creates a gap that needs replacing to prevent shifting of nearby teeth.
RISKS & CONSIDERATIONS
What are the risks of root canal therapy?
- Root canal treatment is generally successful, but in a small percentage of cases the infection can return and require retreatment or extraction
- The treated tooth can become more brittle over time, which is why a crown is often recommended afterward
- Some patients experience mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days after the procedure
- Very curved or narrow canals can occasionally make full cleaning more difficult, which may affect long-term outcomes
AFTERCARE
What does aftercare look like after root canal therapy?
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it's fully restored
- Take any prescribed pain relief or antibiotics as directed
- Expect mild tenderness for a few days as the area heals
- Keep brushing and flossing normally around the tooth
- Schedule your follow-up crown appointment promptly
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions about root canal therapy in Orangeville
Easy to find,
easy to visit,
right in Orangeville.
As your local Orangeville family dentist, our Alder St. office sits minutes from downtown, with simple access for families across Orangeville and Dufferin County.
