Frequently asked questions

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the dental pulp and periradicular tissues.

As a specialist in dental medicine, the endodontist treats mainly inflammations and infections of the internal root canal system of the dentition, particularly the dental pulp and periradicular tissues. They have received at least two years of advanced training and hold a certificate in endodontics from a specialized training program accredited by the Canadian Dental Association. His practice is limited to endodontics.

Endodontists are dentists specializing in root canal treatment, committed to helping you maintain your natural smile for life. Endodontists have completed at least two additional years of training beyond university dental school. Did you know that all endodontists are dentists, but only 3% of dentists in North America are endodontists? Their advanced training, specialized techniques and cutting-edge technology guarantee you the highest quality care with the best possible outcome: saving your natural teeth!

Yes, your general dentist will refer you to us if he or she feels that specialized treatment is required. Please be sure to bring your medication list and referral with you on your first visit, or ask your general dentist to complete our online referral form.

We understand that you may need to cancel or postpone an appointment. If this is the case, please give us at least 48 hours’ notice by contacting our reception team.

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes early for your consultation appointment, especially if your medical questionnaire has not been completed online through our website. This process includes your medical history and current medications. When this is done online, it gives you time to complete these details at a convenient time without having to rush. When you arrive, we’ll need a few minutes to confirm your information with our reception staff, change anything if necessary and open your file if this is your first visit with us. In the case of a treatment visit, you can arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

Your first consultation appointment may vary, but will generally cost between $155 and $390, including X-rays and 3D imaging if required. After your consultation, your endodontist will be better able to give you an idea of what your treatment will entail, including the number of appointments. Before treatment begins, you may be given a written estimate so that you are fully informed of the expected costs of the required treatment plan. If you have additional private dental insurance coverage, you may be eligible for a discount from your insurer. Our reception team can help you complete your claim with your insurance provider.

Absolutely! Root canal therapy is a safe and effective solution for treating teeth with inflamed or infected pulp. It is also used in special situations to preserve and restore teeth. For many patients, root canal therapy remains the only possible solution for preserving a tooth that has suffered severe damage or infection. Unfortunately, there is some misinformation about root canal therapy circulating in the public domain, particularly on the web and social networks. Patients are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns they may have about root canal treatment with us to avoid anxiety or fear of developing other health problems leading to a delay in treatment that could further compromise the integrity of the tooth.
For more information, please consult the following credible links:
Canadian Association of Endodontists: Safety of Endodontic Treatment – https://www.caendo.ca/patients/safety-of-endodontic-treatment/
American Association of Endodontists: Myths about root canals – https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/myths-root-canals/
and Root canal safety – Root Canal Safety – American Association of Endodontists

Canadian Cancer Society: Do root canals cause cancer? – https://cancer.ca/fr/cancer-information/reduce-your-risk/myths-and-controversies/do-root-canals-cause-cancer

After endodontic treatment, a healing check-up may be necessary, 3 to 12 months after the end of the procedure, depending on the case. In many cases, this can be done at your dentist’s office, as we work closely with him or her. However, if a follow-up visit to our clinic is recommended, our reception team will contact you to let you know. This appointment is free of charge.

We will take every measure to ensure that your procedure is in no way uncomfortable or painful. If treatment is necessary, we will use the appropriate amount of anesthetic to gently numb a concentrated area of your mouth. For most patients, the numbing sensation usually disappears after 2 to 3 hours.

The majority of root canal treatments are completed successfully and without complication. However, there are a few rare situations that can arise during the procedure. For example, in complicated cases, a piece of the instrument used to clean the canal may accidentally break off, particularly when the canal is very tight or very curved. In such cases, the instrument may have to be removed or relocated in order to properly disinfect and seal the canal in spite of its presence; this does not usually diminish the success of the treatment. We do our utmost to preserve the crowns of the teeth we treat if they are adequate, but occasionally the porcelain of a crown fractures and cannot be repaired. In such cases, your dentist will have to replace it.

Some patients report having had teeth extracted after endodontic treatment and are therefore pessimistic about the potential results of root canal therapy. Our expectations for long-term healing of diseased teeth are high, and your individual expectations will be assessed and discussed before your treatment begins. We’ll explain how to protect the tooth to minimize the risk of failure of the procedure performed. In some cases, inflammation or infection of a tooth is caused by a crack. Some of these cracked teeth can be preserved by root canal treatment and the addition of a crown. Properly restored, these teeth are functional, but may feel different. As endodontic specialists, we also see patients with failed root canal treatment who need endodontic retreatment. Initial root canal failures are often the result of problems with the initial treatment, and once corrected, the tooth can heal successfully.