Root canal - Montreal

Root canal (endodontics) covered by the CDCP

A root canal saves a tooth with an infected or inflamed nerve instead of pulling it. Done under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), with direct billing and no charge above the plan's fees.

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1 to 2visits depending on the tooth

Localanesthesia, pain-free

CDCPdirect billing

Why save the tooth

Keeping your natural tooth is almost always better than replacing it. A root canal makes that possible when the infection reaches the pulp.

Avoid extraction

The treated tooth stays in place and keeps doing its job for chewing and alignment.

Relieve the pain

Removing the infected tissue ends the pain caused by the inflamed nerve.

Stop the infection

The canal is cleaned and sealed, which prevents it from spreading to nearby tissue.

A lasting result

A tooth that is properly treated and restored can last for many years.

How the treatment works

The treatment follows precise steps, spread over one or two visits depending on the state of the tooth.

Diagnosis and X-ray

The tooth and roots are assessed to confirm a root canal is the right call.

Local anesthesia

The area is fully numbed, so the treatment is pain-free.

Cleaning the canals

The infected tissue is removed and the canals are cleaned and disinfected.

Sealing

The canals are filled and sealed tight to prevent a new infection.

Restoration

The tooth is restored (filling or crown) to bring back its strength.

Coverage and good to know

Covered by the CDCP

A root canal is one of the services eligible under the Canadian Dental Care Plan. The clinic bills the plan directly; depending on your income bracket an official co-payment may apply, with no extra charge added by the clinic.

What to expect after the visit

Some temporary sensitivity is normal in the first few days.

Chew on the other side until the final restoration.

Keep up regular brushing and flossing.

A crown is often recommended to protect the tooth.

Root canal or extraction: which to choose

The choice depends on the state of the tooth. Here are the main differences to understand your dentist's recommendation.

Criteria	Root canal	Extraction
Goal	Keep the natural tooth	Remove the tooth
Visits	1 to 2	Usually 1
After	Restoration (filling or crown)	Possible replacement (denture, bridge)
Chewing	Preserved	To be restored via the replacement
Coverage	CDCP, direct billing	CDCP, direct billing

A painful or sensitive tooth?

An assessment tells us whether a root canal can save your tooth.

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Frequently asked questions

Does a root canal hurt?

No. Thanks to local anesthesia, the tooth and the area around it are numb, so the treatment is done pain-free. It is usually the infection before treatment that hurts, not the procedure itself.

How many visits does it take?

One to two visits, depending on the tooth and the number of canals. Your dentist confirms this after the X-ray and initial assessment.

Is it covered by the CDCP?

Yes, endodontics is one of the eligible services. The clinic bills the plan directly; an official co-payment may apply based on your income bracket, with no extra charge added.

Do I need a crown afterward?

Often, yes. A treated tooth becomes more fragile; a crown protects it and extends its life, especially for molars that take heavy chewing.

How long does a treated tooth last?

With a good restoration and regular hygiene, a tooth that has had a root canal can last for many years, often a lifetime.