What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth — the pulp — and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection. It allows us to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Despite its reputation, a root canal is not a painful procedure. The discomfort patients associate with root canals is typically the infection itself — which the root canal relieves. Most patients are surprised by how manageable the experience actually is.
When Is a Root Canal Needed?
A root canal is typically recommended when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a crack or chip that has reached the inner tooth, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or trauma. Symptoms may include severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling, or a persistent pimple on the gum.
What to Expect
The procedure involves numbing the area thoroughly, accessing the inside of the tooth, removing the infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and sealing the tooth. Most root canals are completed in one or two appointments. A crown is typically recommended afterward to protect and strengthen the treated tooth.
Dental Anxiety
If you have anxiety about the procedure, please let us know. We take extra care to ensure you're comfortable and fully numb before we begin.
Ready to get started?
Office Hours
Monday - 8:00AM - 3:00PM
Tuesday - 8:00AM - 3:00PM
Wednesday - 8:00AM - 3:00PM
Thursday - 8:00AM - 3:00PM
Friday - 8:00AM - 1:200PM
Closed Weekends and Holidays
Location
2423 Beacon Ave Suite 102, Sidney, BC V8L 1X5, Canada
We are located in the historic Old Post Office building in the heart of Sidney. Our entrance is on Fourth Street — look for the black awning that reads “Dental Hygiene Clinic.”
frequently asked questions
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, we accept CDCP and offer direct billing for eligible patients, so you won't need to pay upfront and claim it back yourself.
Do you see emergency dental patients?
We do our best to accommodate urgent dental issues — call our office directly and let us know you're dealing with a dental emergency so we can find you the earliest available appointment.
What happens after a root canal?
fter treatment, the tooth is typically restored with a filling or crown to protect it going forward. Most patients return to normal activities the same day, with some tenderness for a few days.
Do you offer direct billing to insurance?
Yes, we direct bill most major insurance providers, so you typically only pay the portion not covered by your plan.
Are you accepting new patients in Sidney?
Yes, we're currently welcoming new patients at our Sidney, BC dental clinic. You can book online or call our office to get started.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common signs include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, swelling or tenderness in the gums, or a darkening of the tooth. A dental exam and X-ray can confirm whether a root canal is needed.
What should I bring to my first appointment as a new patient?
Please bring your dental insurance information and a list of any medications you're currently taking.
Is a root canal painful?
Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but with modern anesthesia the procedure itself is generally no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The pain people associate with root canals is usually from the infection that made the procedure necessary in the first place.
Also at Sidney By The Sea Dental
Related Services
Dental Crowns
Most teeth treated with a root canal need a crown to protect them afterward. We make crowns in gold, porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, and porcelain fused to metal, partnering with top-notch dental lab technicians.
Dental Implants
If your tooth cannot be saved, dental implants are a permanent, natural-looking solution for missing teeth — replacing both the root and the crown.
Dental Exams
Regular exams help catch decay and infection early — before a root canal becomes necessary.