107-14785 Yonge St, Aurora ON, L4G 1N1

Root Canal Treatment in Aurora, ON | Aurora Borealis Dentistry
Endodontics

Root Canal Treatment in Aurora, ON

Gentle, effective endodontic care to relieve tooth pain and preserve your natural smile.

Book a Consultation 905-538-8808

Root canal therapy is one of the most misunderstood procedures in dentistry — and one of the most valuable. Far from something to dread, a root canal relieves the pain of an infected tooth, saves it from extraction, and stops the infection from spreading.

At Aurora Borealis Dentistry in Aurora, Ontario, Dr. Waji Khan provides thorough, comfortable root canal treatment using modern techniques and, when needed, sedation options to ensure patients feel at ease throughout.

Don't wait if you're in pain. A toothache that doesn't go away, sensitivity that lingers after eating or drinking, or swelling around a tooth are signals that need prompt attention. Early treatment is simpler, more successful, and prevents the infection from spreading. Call us at 905-538-8808 or book online.

The Basics

What is a root canal?

Inside every tooth, beneath the hard enamel and dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp — a chamber containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When decay, a crack, or trauma allows bacteria to reach the pulp, it becomes infected and inflamed, causing pain and, if left untreated, potentially serious complications including abscess formation and bone loss.

Root canal therapy (also called endodontic treatment) removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inner chamber and root canals, seals the space to prevent reinfection, and preserves the natural tooth. The result is a tooth that looks and functions normally — without the pain.

Keeping a natural tooth through root canal treatment is almost always preferable to extraction. Natural teeth are stronger than artificial replacements, and maintaining them avoids the cost, complexity, and healing time of the implants or bridges needed to fill the gap after an extraction.

Warning Signs

Signs you may need a root canal

These symptoms suggest the pulp of a tooth may be infected or inflamed. If you're experiencing any of them, book an evaluation promptly — early treatment produces better outcomes:

1
Persistent toothache — pain that doesn't go away or keeps returning, especially throbbing pain.
2
Lingering sensitivity — hot or cold sensitivity that continues more than a few seconds after the stimulus is removed.
3
Pain when biting — discomfort or pressure when chewing or pressing on a specific tooth.
4
Swelling or tenderness — swollen, tender, or discoloured gums around a specific tooth.
5
Darkening of the tooth — a tooth that has become noticeably darker than those around it.
6
A pimple on the gums — a recurring bump near a tooth, a sign of abscess.
7
Cracked or chipped tooth — especially with pain, as damage can expose the pulp to bacteria.
?
No symptoms at all — some infected teeth cause no pain. Regular checkups and X-rays catch problems before they become emergencies.

Your Options

Root canal vs. tooth extraction

When a tooth is severely infected, both root canal treatment and extraction are potential options. In most cases, saving the tooth through root canal therapy is the better long-term choice:

Preferred Option

Root Canal Treatment

  • Preserves your natural tooth
  • Maintains bite function and alignment
  • No gap left in your smile
  • Prevents bone loss at the tooth site
  • No implant or bridge needed afterward
  • Typically completed in 1–2 visits
  • Cost-effective long-term solution
When Needed

Tooth Extraction

  • Tooth is permanently removed
  • Adjacent teeth may shift over time
  • Leaves a gap requiring replacement
  • Bone loss begins at the extraction site
  • Replacement adds cost and treatment time
  • Recovery from surgical extraction takes longer
  • May be necessary if the tooth can't be saved

Extraction may be the only option if a tooth is too damaged or fractured to restore. If extraction is necessary, dental implants are the gold standard for replacement — Dr. Khan can discuss both the extraction and oral surgery and implant options together at your consultation.

What To Expect

Our root canal treatment process

1

Evaluation & diagnosis

A thorough clinical exam and digital X-rays assess the extent of infection and plan treatment. In complex cases, our in-house CBCT scanner provides a 3D view of the root anatomy.

2

Anaesthesia & comfort

The area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic before treatment begins — you should feel no pain. Sedation options including nitrous oxide and oral sedation are available for anxious patients.

3

Accessing the pulp

A small opening is made through the crown to reach the pulp chamber and canals. A rubber dam keeps the area clean and dry throughout.

4

Cleaning & shaping

The infected pulp is carefully removed from the chamber and canals, which are then shaped and thoroughly disinfected to eliminate bacteria.

5

Sealing the tooth

The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed to prevent reinfection, with a temporary filling placed to protect the tooth.

6

Crown restoration

Most treated teeth — especially molars — need a crown to protect and strengthen them long-term. Dr. Khan will advise whether one is recommended for your tooth.

Most root canal treatments are completed in a single visit. Some cases with significant infection or complex root anatomy may need a follow-up to ensure the infection has fully resolved before the tooth is permanently sealed.

Recovery

What to expect after treatment

Some mild soreness or sensitivity around the treated tooth for a few days is normal — this is the surrounding tissue settling as inflammation resolves, not the procedure causing damage. For most patients it's easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Contact our office if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening pain not relieved by medication
  • Visible swelling inside or outside the mouth
  • An allergic reaction to prescribed medication
  • A return of the original symptoms
  • The temporary filling coming loose or falling out

Until your crown or permanent restoration is in place, avoid chewing hard or crunchy foods on the treated tooth — the temporary filling isn't designed for heavy biting forces.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is root canal treatment painful?
No — this is the most common misconception about root canals. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you should feel no pain during treatment, and most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is. It's the infected tooth itself that causes pain; the root canal relieves it. Any mild soreness afterward typically resolves within a few days.
How many appointments does a root canal take?
The majority of root canal treatments at Aurora Borealis Dentistry are completed in a single visit. Some cases with significant infection or complex root anatomy may require a second appointment to confirm the infection has resolved before the tooth is permanently sealed. Dr. Khan will advise you at your evaluation.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Most root canal-treated teeth benefit from a crown, particularly molars and premolars that bear significant chewing forces. After treatment a tooth becomes more brittle and more vulnerable to fracture — a crown protects it and restores full strength and function. Front teeth with less biting force may only need a filling in some cases.
How long does a root canal-treated tooth last?
With proper restoration and good oral hygiene, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime. Long-term success depends on the quality of the crown or filling placed afterward and on maintaining regular dental hygiene visits to monitor the tooth's health.
Can I eat before a root canal appointment?
Yes — for standard root canal treatment with only local anaesthetic, you can eat and drink normally beforehand. If you're having sedation, specific instructions will be provided when you book. In general, eating before your appointment is fine and actually recommended so you're comfortable during the procedure.
Is sedation available for root canal treatment?
Yes. If dental anxiety makes the idea of treatment daunting, sedation options including nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation are available. Most patients who use sedation report the procedure is far less eventful than they anticipated.
What happens if I don't get a root canal when I need one?
A tooth infection does not resolve on its own. Without treatment the infection will spread — potentially into the surrounding bone, adjacent teeth, or in severe cases the jaw and neck. The tooth will eventually need extraction, and by that point the infection may have caused significant damage. Early treatment is always simpler and less costly.
Does insurance cover root canal treatment in Ontario?
Most dental insurance plans in Ontario provide some coverage for root canal treatment as a major restorative procedure, though coverage levels vary by plan. Aurora Borealis Dentistry accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and direct bills most major insurers. Our team will review your coverage before treatment begins so you understand your costs clearly.

Book Now

Book a root canal consultation in Aurora

If you're in pain, have been told you need a root canal, or simply want an evaluation of a tooth that's been bothering you, we're here to help. Dr. Khan will assess your situation, explain your options clearly, and provide treatment designed around your comfort. We're located at 107–14785 Yonge Street, Aurora, ON, open Monday to Saturday, 8AM to 9PM. New patients are always welcome.

Book Online 905-538-8808
Individual results vary. Root canal treatment requires a clinical examination and imaging to determine suitability; outcomes depend on individual factors and on the final restoration placed afterward. This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a professional consultation.