What to expect
What is Root Canal Treatment?
When Might You Need Root Canal Care?
- Severe tooth pain that does not go away
- Long term sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is removed
- Swelling or an abscess near a tooth
- A tooth that is cracked from an injury or hard bite
- Darkening of a tooth after trauma
If you have these signs, call our office. Same-day emergency dental care is available when availability permits. Early care can often prevent the infection from spreading.
Root Canal
A root canal removes infected pulp from inside a tooth. The dentist cleans and shapes the root canals, then fills and seals them. After the root canal, a dental crown in London or filling is often placed to protect the tooth.
If you need a root canal, we will explain the steps, numb the area for comfort, and discuss follow-up care. For more details, visit our dedicated Root Canal page .
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment
Here is how root canal care usually works.
Exam and X-rays
We take images and check your tooth. This helps us see how deep the infection is and plan your care.
Local anesthesia
The area is numbed so you feel little or no pain during the procedure.
Cleaning the canals
The infected pulp is removed. The canals inside the tooth are cleaned and shaped.
Sealing the tooth
The canals are filled and sealed to stop bacteria from returning.
Restoration
After healing, a crown or permanent filling helps protect the tooth.
Most patients feel better quickly once the infection is removed. We give clear instructions for care after the appointment.
Benefits of Root Canal Care
Root canal treatment can:
Save your natural tooth
Reduce pain and swelling
Prevent the spread of infection
Restore normal chewing and biting
Help reduce the chance of needing more complex treatment later
Keeping your natural tooth helps your bite and jaw stay balanced. With good care , a treated tooth can last many years
Recovery and Aftercare
After treatment, you may notice some mild discomfort for a few days. This is normal. We usually advise:
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Eating soft foods for a short time
- Avoiding hard or sticky foods on the treated side until the tooth is restored
- Keeping good oral hygiene to support healing
If you have unusual pain, swelling that worsens, or fever, call us right away. We will provide guidance and arrange follow up care if needed.
Cost and Insurance
The cost of root canal care varies by the tooth and the complexity of the case. Factors that affect price include:
- Which tooth needs treatment (front teeth are usually less complex than molars)
- Whether retreatment or surgery is needed
- Need for imaging beyond standard X-rays
Insurance may cover part of the cost of root canal treatment, but it depends on your policy. Some plans classify root canals as major restorative care. Our team can help by reviewing your benefits and offering direct billing when your plan supports it. We will provide a clear estimate before treatment begins.
Direct billing & CDCP. We bill most insurance providers directly and participate in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Ask us for a written estimate before treatment begins — no surprises.
When We Refer to a Specialist
Our dentists assess each case carefully. Most root canal needs can be managed within general dental practice. However, some cases are complex.
We may refer you to a specialist endodontist when:
- A previous root canal has failed and retreatment is needed
- The tooth has unusual root anatomy or is hard to access
- Surgery such as an apicoectomy is likely required
If a referral is needed, we will explain why and help arrange the next steps. Referrals are made to trusted local specialists to ensure you get the right care.
Meet Our Dentists
Fairmont Dental Centre is led by Dr. Edward Pham and Dr. Alain David , who are general dentists serving London, Ontario.
They focus on careful exams and clear communication. Both dentists provide root canal care within the scope of general dentistry and will refer patients to specialists when a case needs advanced treatment.
Our team brings more than 35 years of community care to every visit. We work to make sure you understand the treatment and feel comfortable with your options.
