Fillings and Root Canals
Repairing a decayed or damaged tooth, and treating a tooth when decay reaches the nerve.
Repairing a tooth, and saving one
A filling repairs a tooth that decay or a crack has damaged. We clean out the damaged part and rebuild the tooth with a tooth coloured material, so it works and looks like the rest of your mouth.
When decay reaches the nerve inside the tooth, a filling is not enough. Root canal treatment clears the infected tissue from inside the tooth so the tooth itself can stay where it is.
What this covers
- Tooth coloured composite fillings
- Ceramic and glass ionomer fillings, including fluoride releasing options used for children
- Replacing old fillings that have worn, cracked or started to leak
- Root canal treatment on front and back teeth
- Rebuilding a tooth after root canal treatment, with a filling or a crown
- Sealants on the biting surfaces of back teeth
What actually happens at the visit
This is the part most people want to know before they book, so here it is in order.
Freezing first
We freeze the area first and wait until it is properly numb. Tell us if you can still feel sharpness and we will add more.
How long a filling takes
A filling usually takes one appointment of thirty to sixty minutes.
How a root canal is spread out
Root canal treatment takes longer and is sometimes done across two visits. You can ask for a break whenever you need one.
What it feels like
You will feel pressure and vibration. That is normal, and it is not the same as pain.
Being told before each step
We will tell you before each step what we are about to do, if you would rather know.
Before treatment starts
We go through the options with you and what each one costs, and you decide what to go ahead with. Nothing is done to a tooth before you have said yes, and you can have the plan in writing.
Good to know
- Freezing wears off over two to four hours. Take care not to bite your cheek or lip while your mouth is numb, and keep an eye on children after their appointment.
- A new filling can be sensitive to cold for a few days. If it feels high when you bite, call us, because adjusting it takes only a few minutes.
- A tooth that has had root canal treatment is more brittle than it was. A crown is often suggested afterwards so it is less likely to split.
- Fillings do not last forever. We look at yours at every exam and tell you when one is starting to fail.
Who this is for
Children needing a first filling, adults with decay or a worn old filling, and seniors dealing with decay at the gum line or around existing dental work.
If something does not feel right after an appointment, phone the clinic on (416) 744-6323. It is easier to sort out early than late, and we would rather hear from you.
Common questions
Does a root canal hurt?
The tooth is frozen for the whole appointment, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. The ache that brought you in usually settles once the infected tissue is out.
Can my child have a tooth coloured filling?
Yes. Tooth coloured and fluoride releasing materials are both used for children. We will explain which one suits the tooth.
How long does a filling last?
It depends on the material, where the tooth sits in the mouth, and how it is looked after. We check your existing fillings at each exam and tell you when one needs replacing.
Why would I need a crown after a root canal?
Root canal treatment removes tissue from inside the tooth, which leaves it weaker. A crown covers the tooth and holds it together.
Book this visit
If a tooth is sore, sensitive or has broken, book a visit and we will look at it. Call the front desk if you want to ask something first.
Open seven days a week, evenings until 9:00 pm on weekdays.
Not sure what your plan covers?
Bring your insurance card, or your program card, to your appointment. The front desk checks your coverage before treatment starts and tells you plainly if something is not covered.
Insurance and programs