Root Canal Therapy in NE Calgary

About Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a specialized dental procedure that treats infection or damage inside the pulp of a tooth, the soft tissue that holds its nerves and blood vessels. It removes bacteria and inflamed tissue to stop pain and prevent tooth loss. This treatment helps preserve your natural tooth and restore full function, avoiding the need for extraction.

At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, our gentle root canal therapy offers expert care to relieve your pain and protect your natural tooth. Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but the reality is different. The pain comes from the infection, and the treatment is what takes it away.

If you have a severe toothache, we keep same-day time open every day, including Sunday, so you do not have to wait in pain.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

• Pain relief: Eliminates severe tooth pain caused by infection or inflammation for immediate comfort.
• Tooth preservation: Saves your natural tooth structure, maintaining your smile's appearance and bite function.
• Prevents further infection: Stops infection from spreading to surrounding teeth and gums, protecting your overall oral health.
• Improved oral function: Restores the tooth's strength and ability to chew properly, allowing you to enjoy food again.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

• Persistent tooth pain, especially when you bite or chew
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the food or drink is gone
• Swelling in your gums, cheek or face
• A tooth that has become darker or discoloured
• A pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth
• A deep cavity, a crack or an injury to the tooth

Some infected teeth cause no pain at all, so an exam and X-ray are the only way to know for sure. If your pain is severe or you have swelling, contact our dental emergency care team right away.

What Is Included in Your Root Canal Treatment

• An exam and X-ray to confirm the diagnosis
• Local anaesthetic so you stay comfortable
• Removal of the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth
• Careful cleaning and disinfecting of the root canals
• Filling and sealing of the canals to prevent new infection
• A temporary or permanent filling to close the tooth
• Guidance on protecting the tooth, including a crown when needed
• A written estimate before treatment begins

What to Expect at Your Visit

1. Exam and X-ray. We find the cause of your pain and confirm that a root canal is the right treatment.
2. Numbing. We numb the tooth and the area around it so the procedure is comfortable.
3. Cleaning the tooth. We remove the infected tissue and clean and disinfect the canals inside the tooth.
4. Sealing. We fill and seal the canals to stop bacteria from returning, and close the tooth with a filling.
5. Aftercare plan. We explain how to look after the tooth and whether you need a crown to protect it.

Most root canals take one or two visits, depending on the tooth.

Recovery and Aftercare

Most patients return to normal activities the next day. The tooth and gums around it may feel tender for a few days, which is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief as we advise. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on that side until the tooth is fully restored.

A tooth that has had a root canal is more brittle, so we often recommend a crown to protect it. You can read more about Dental Crowns and Bridges on their own page. Keep brushing and flossing as usual, and call us at 403-300-2233 if pain or swelling gets worse instead of better.

Root Canal or Extraction?

Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is the best option for your long-term dental health. Keeping the tooth helps you maintain your bite and the alignment of your other teeth, supports your jawbone and lets you chew and speak naturally.

Sometimes a tooth is too damaged to save. In that case, an extraction is the right choice, and we can talk you through your options for replacing the tooth, including Dental Implants. We will always explain your options clearly, so you can decide with confidence.

Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Root Canal Therapy

• Our skilled dental team specializes in root canal therapy, ensuring precise treatment and excellent outcomes
• Same-day urgent slots every day, including Sunday
• Surgical experience in-house: Dr. Kevin R. Kalin completed an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency at Harvard and Mass General Hospital
• Local anaesthetic and sedation options for anxious patients
• Open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
• Participating CDCP provider with direct billing to most major insurers

Related Treatments

• Dental Crowns and Bridges: Protect a treated tooth so it lasts.
• Dental Fillings: Repair cavities before they reach the nerve.
• Dental Implants: Replace a tooth that cannot be saved.
• Oral Exams and X-Rays: Catch decay early, often before it hurts.

Cost of Root Canal Therapy in NE Calgary

The cost of a root canal depends on which tooth is being treated and how complex it is, since back teeth have more canals. After your exam, we give you a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins, so you always know what to expect.

We direct bill most major insurers, and root canal therapy is among the services covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan for eligible patients. Call us at 403-300-2233 first so we can verify your coverage before you arrive. Flexible payment options are available for larger treatments, and a personalized quote is available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions