Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment (RCT) are an option to retain natural teeth if the pulp or nerve has been adversely affected by either infection or inflammation. This is sometimes referred to a as a deeper filling in the channels or canals of a tooth.
While many associate this word with pain, the fact is that the inflammation or infection of a tooth is the cause of pain. The treatment of the root canals of a tooth is done under local anaesthesia and you are numbed for your comfort in the area of treatment.
Yes! We Follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide!
What are Root Canals?
Save Natural Teeth with Root Canal Treatment
Root Canal Treatment or Therapy (also commonly abbreviated as “RCT”) is a recommended treatment when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, the blood supply to the tooth may be lost and the pulp may die. This causes increased blood flow and pressure in the tooth causing severe pain that is relieved with this type of treatment.
Root Canal Treatments Resolve Tooth Nerve Pain
The words “Root Canal” are the most misunderstood word in the common language that incorrectly implies significant pain (e.g. “hurts as bad as a root canal”). Root Canal Treatment is performed with local anesthesia and you should be numb for the procedure. This is an interceptive treatment that should reduce the type of pain which preceded the procedure.
Indications for Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is usually needed when there is pulp nerve damage or irritation which may have one of the following symptoms: pain on a tooth while biting or chewing food; swelling around the tooth or on that side of your face; sensitive of teeth to hot or cold; tooth discolouration (darkening); and/or pain that wakes you at night.
Root canal symptoms can resemble other tooth problems. It’s important to have a thorough dental examination (emergency or routine) where we can diagnose the cause of pain and discuss available treatment options. We offer Emergency Exams to diagnose the cause of pain.
Can a Filling Be Done Instead?
Sometimes for a deep filling, deep cavity or sensitivity a white filling can be attempted with the understanding that risks are present that the treated tooth may require further treatment, which includes Root Canal Treatment (if you want to keep the tooth) or Removal. The success of resolving symptoms in these cases is based on a number of factors.
However, if a tooth has an exposed pulp chamber or is infected/abcessed, then a typical dental filling is not expected to provide any benefit unless Root Canal Treatment is performed first.
Root Canal Treatment Process
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Tooth Numbing
We will numb you in order to make sure that you are comfortable during this process.
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Disinfection and Seal
Cleaning and shaping of the root canal system prepares them to be filled with a natural rubber (which seals bacteria from re-entry).
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Temporary Filling
At the end of Root Canal Treatment a temporary filling is placed to prevent food entry.
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Permanent Filling
After a short healing period of 7-10 days, either a resin filling is placed or consideration for a dental crown.
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Root Canal Treatment Costs
Understand the costs of the root canal treatment procedure (this does not include the filling or crown costs). We follow the current Alberta Dental Fee Guide. We can always do a Pre-Determination of Insurance Benefits to see what is covered under your Health Benefit Plan. Learn more: Dental Insurance, The Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
| Code | Treatment Description | 2024 Alberta Dental Fees | 2024 Harvest Dental Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33111 | Root Canal Treatment (1 Canal; non-difficult) |
$761.19 | $761.19 |
| 33121 | Root Canal Treatment (2 Canals; non-difficult) |
$1,108.48 | $1,108.48 |
| 33131 | Root Canal Treatment (3 Canals; non-difficult) |
$1,296.32 | $1,296.32 |
| 33141 | Root Canal Treament (4 Canals; non-difficult) |
$1,636.20 | $1,636.20 |
Are Root Canals Right for You?
Diagnosis
At the time of examination we determine the extent of damage that has been done to the nerve of the tooth due to bacteria or infection or trauma. If the tooth is deemed to be restorable (can be fixed), then a Root Canal Therapy is a treatment option.
Informed Decision
At our clinics we take the time to diagnose your condition and give you the option to pursue a Root Canal Treatment or other options that are present. We realized that not every patient may want to pursue this type of treatment but we do believe you should have the right information to make an education decision.
Don’t Ignore the Problem
However, if an infected tooth is left untreated, infection can spread to other areas of the jaw and face, continued weakening the structure of your teeth, possibly causing the tooth to become non-restorable and require tooth extraction. The purpose of Root Canal Therapy is to help save your teeth and retain appearance and/or function. Alternatively, you can always remove a tooth and then consider replacement options for missing teeth such as dental implant crowns, bridges, partial dentures or do nothing.