WHAT IS ROOT CANAL TREATMENT? WHY DO I NEED ONE?

Root canal treatment is the cleaning and filling of the nerve space inside your tooth. Large cavities, injury, cracks and diseases can lead to bacteria getting inside the nerves in your tooth causing pain and/or infection. With root canal treatment, the infected nerve tissues will get cleaned out and the root canal space will be filled so that you can save your tooth. After the root canal treatment, your general dentist will place a permanent filling/crown to protect your tooth so you can keep your natural tooth and maintain a healthy smile.

WHY AM I REFERRED TO AN ENDODONTIST? CAN MY DENTIST DO THE ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

Endodontists are certified specialists in saving teeth. Our specialty training (2+ years of residency beyond dental school) and the use of advanced technology (microscope and 3 dimensional Cone beam CT scan) means you will get quality care for the best outcome for your tooth. General dentists perform a wide range of dental procedures whereas Endodontists perform root canal treatments and various surgical endodontic procedures under the microscope. A general dentist may only perform 2-3 treatments per week whereas an Endodontist performs on average 25 per week.

This is all we do every day. You are referred to an endodontist because your tooth requires special attention and expertise for the diagnosis and treatment for it to have the best outcome.

DOES ROOT CANAL TREATMENT HURT?

We numb the area and make sure the tooth is numb before we start the treatment. If you need more freezing or if you are generally hard to numb, just let us know. We understand that nobody likes root canal treatments and our mission is to create a calm and comfortable environment for all our patients.

I HAVE DENTAL ANXIETY. HOW CAN YOU HELP?

We provide Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) and oral sedation to help with your anxiety. Massage dental chairs, conforting weighted blankets and pillows, wireless noise reducing headphones, your music choice and movie glasses are also available to take your mind off. Dr. Lai understands the anxiety and fear of root canal treatment as she was a recipient of one during her childhood. She has worked with patients ranging from 6-90 years old with various medical histories and anxiety levels. This office is designed to eliminate the fear and stigma of root canal treatment so you can save your tooth.

Don't worry you are in great hands!

I ALREADY HAD ROOT CANAL TREATMENT ON THE TOOTH. HOW COME I NEED ANOTHER ONE?

For various reasons (e.g. new cavity, persistent infection, broken filling), root canal treatment may need to be done again to clean out the tooth and stop the infection from getting worse and affecting the neighboring tooth and jaw structures.

WILL I NEED SOMEONE TO DRIVE ME TO AND FROM THE OFFICE AFTER MY ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

No. You only need a driver if you are taking an oral sedation medication.

WHAT IS ENDODONTIC MICROSURGERY / APICAL SURGERY? WHY DO I NEED ONE?

With persistent infections, infections outside the root and other factors (e.g. cysts), sometimes we need to physically remove the culprit. Apical surgery starts with adequate numbing and a small cut is made in the gums. The infected tissue and a few millimeters of the affected root tip will then be removed. A filling will be placed to seal the root tip and the gum area is sutured back up. The procedure is done under the microscope and we work conservatively and effectively to only remove the affected tissues while preserving your natural teeth.

DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE?

Our office is non-assignment and we do not get reimbursed by any insurance company. Patients are responsible for the full cost of the treatment at the time of the treatment.

As a courtesy, we can find out how much your dental insurance will reimburse you for the proposed treatment. We can also submit the dental claim forms on your behalf so you can get the cheque mailed to you directly.

DO YOU HAVE EXTENDED HOURS? I HAVE A DENTAL EMERGENCY AND IT’S SATURDAY.

We understand that it might be difficult to take time off during normal business hours (Monday to Friday, 9-5pm) so we have evening hours offered on Wednesday and we are also open on most Saturdays. Please contact us in advance for those appointment times.