Root canal therapy has a reputation that does not match the reality of modern dentistry. At Aster Dental Centre in SE Edmonton, Dr. Khushali Bhanushali, DDS, perform root canal treatments at 1265 Aster Blvd using techniques that most patients find no more uncomfortable than a routine filling. The goal is always to save the natural tooth: once the infection is removed and the canals are sealed, the tooth functions normally for years.
The most reliable signs that a tooth may need root canal therapy include a persistent, deep toothache that worsens at night, prolonged sensitivity to heat (lasting more than 30 seconds after the stimulus is removed), swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth, and visible darkening of the tooth. Some infected teeth, however, cause no pain at all and are detected only on X-rays.
At Aster Dental Centre in Edmonton, the dentist takes a digital X-ray to look for infection at the root tip and tests the tooth's response to cold and pressure to confirm the diagnosis. Do not wait for the pain to become unbearable. A dental abscess left untreated spreads to surrounding bone and, in severe cases, to soft tissues of the face.
Root canal therapy at Aster Dental Centre begins with local anaesthetic. Most patients are surprised to feel little more than pressure once the anaesthetic takes effect. The dentist creates a small opening in the top of the tooth, removes the infected pulp tissue from the canals using fine rotary instruments, disinfects the canals thoroughly, fills them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, and seals the access opening.
Most root canals at our Edmonton clinic are completed in 1 to 2 appointments. After the root canal is complete, a crown is strongly recommended within 4 to 6 weeks to protect the tooth from fracture. Teeth treated with root canals become brittle over time and crack easily without a crown.
Root canal therapy at Aster Dental Centre in Edmonton ranges from $800 to $1,500 CAD depending on which tooth is being treated. Front teeth have fewer canals and cost less; molars with three or four canals are more complex and cost more. A crown placed after the root canal adds $1,100 to $2,200 CAD. Most Canadian dental plans cover root canal therapy at 50% to 80% of the eligible fee after the deductible.
Aster Dental Centre direct-bills all major insurers. The team will confirm your estimated coverage before treatment starts. 0% financing is available for patients who need help with the out-of-pocket balance.
After root canal therapy at Aster Dental Centre, most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours. Mild soreness around the treated tooth, particularly when biting down, is common for 2 to 5 days and is typically managed with over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen. The tooth is sensitive because the surrounding ligament was inflamed, not because the nerve is still present.
Dr. Bhanushali advises patients to avoid chewing hard foods on the treated side until the permanent crown is placed. A temporary filling covers the access opening until the crown appointment. If severe pain, significant swelling, or a reaction to the temporary filling develops before the crown appointment, call Aster Dental Centre at (780) 540-9300.
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