Our Services

Root Canals Are Not What You Think

Modern root canal therapy is no more uncomfortable than a filling — and it ends the severe pain of an infected tooth, not causes it.

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Root Canals at West Broadway Dental, Kitsilano

Few dental procedures carry as undeserved a reputation as root canals. The reality is that a root canal performed with modern techniques and effective local anaesthesia is a comfortable, routine procedure — and it's the procedure that stops the pain, not causes it. When a tooth's nerve becomes infected or irreversibly inflamed due to deep decay, a crack, or trauma, a root canal removes the infected tissue, disinfects the canals, and seals the tooth so it can remain in your mouth for years to come. At West Broadway Dental, Dr. Sharma uses rotary endodontic instruments and digital X-rays to work efficiently and precisely. Our Kitsilano patients are often pleasantly surprised at how manageable the experience is, and how quickly they feel relief.

Transparent pricing

Root canal fees vary by which tooth is being treated — front teeth have fewer canals than molars and are generally less complex. West Broadway Dental provides an itemised estimate before treatment, and most dental insurance plans cover root canals under major restorative benefits. We direct-bill your insurer and will let you know your estimated out-of-pocket cost upfront. Compared to extraction and replacement, saving your natural tooth with a root canal is almost always the more cost-effective long-term option.

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Common concerns we see

Persistent, Severe Toothache
A tooth that throbs constantly — especially at night or without any obvious trigger — often has irreversible pulpitis or an abscess. Root canal therapy eliminates the source of pain by removing the inflamed or infected nerve tissue.
Prolonged Sensitivity to Temperature
Sensitivity that lingers for many seconds or minutes after removing the stimulus (hot coffee, cold water) signals that the nerve is stressed and may not recover. This type of sensitivity is different from normal dentinal sensitivity and warrants an evaluation.
Swelling or a Pimple on the Gum
A small bump on the gum near a tooth — sometimes called a dental fistula — is the body draining infection from a tooth abscess. This is a sign of chronic infection that requires root canal treatment or extraction.
Cracked Tooth with Deep Infection
Cracks that extend into the root can allow bacteria to infect the nerve over time. Depending on the location and depth of the crack, root canal therapy combined with a crown can save the tooth. Dr. Sharma will assess whether the tooth is restorable before recommending treatment.

How the treatment works

Diagnosis & Anaesthetic
Dr. Sharma takes targeted digital X-rays and performs pulp vitality tests to confirm the diagnosis. Once the tooth is thoroughly numb — we don't begin until you are — you should feel pressure but no pain throughout the procedure.
Accessing & Removing Infected Tissue
A small opening is made through the top of the tooth. Using rotary nickel-titanium files, Dr. Sharma removes the infected or inflamed pulp tissue and shapes the canals to receive the filling material.
Disinfection & Canal Filling
The canals are irrigated with an antibacterial solution to eliminate residual bacteria. They are then filled with gutta-percha — a biocompatible rubber material — and sealed with a dental cement to prevent re-infection.
Crown Placement
A tooth that has had a root canal loses some structural integrity and is more brittle. In most cases, Dr. Sharma will recommend a crown to protect the tooth and restore full biting function. This is typically done at a follow-up appointment once the tooth has settled.

Common questions about root canals

Will a root canal hurt?

Root canals have a fearsome reputation that modern dentistry has long since made obsolete. With effective local anaesthesia, the procedure itself should be no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. The relief from pre-existing infection pain typically begins within a day or two of treatment.

How long does a root canal take?

Most root canals on front and premolar teeth can be completed in 60–90 minutes. Molars with more complex canal anatomy may take longer or require two appointments. Dr. Sharma will give you a realistic time estimate when you're diagnosed.

What happens if I don't get a root canal?

A tooth with an infected nerve does not heal on its own. The infection will spread into the surrounding bone and potentially to adjacent teeth. Eventually, extraction becomes the only option, and the resulting gap creates a new set of problems. Root canal therapy is almost always preferable to extraction.

How long does the tooth last after a root canal?

A root canal-treated tooth protected by a well-fitting crown can last many years — often as long as the surrounding natural teeth. The main risk factors for failure are a crack that extends too deep into the root, and re-infection if the crown seal is lost. Regular check-ups help us catch any concerns early.

Is there any aftercare I need to follow?

Avoid chewing hard food on the treated tooth until the crown is placed. Some tenderness for a few days after the procedure is normal and manageable with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. Contact us promptly if you experience increasing pain, swelling, or your temporary restoration comes out.