Calgary Root Canal Treatment

Relieve the pain, save your tooth

A root canal can sound intimidating, but its purpose is simple: to relieve pain and save a natural tooth that is infected or badly inflamed. At Rideau Dental on 4th Street, Dr. Janet Kan provides root canal treatment in Calgary and explains what to expect at every step, so there are no surprises.

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Written by the Rideau Dental on 4th Street team. Reviewed by Dr. Janet Kan. Last updated October 2026.

When is a root canal needed?

Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack, a large or repeated filling, or an injury can let bacteria reach the pulp. Once it is inflamed or infected, it cannot heal on its own.

Signs you may need treatment include:

A persistent toothache, especially one that throbs or wakes you at night
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
Pain when biting or chewing on one tooth
Swelling or tenderness in the gums, or a pimple-like bump on the gum
A tooth that has darkened after an injury

Some infected teeth cause no pain at all and are found on an X-ray during a routine exam. That is one more reason regular check-ups matter.

Dental chair in treatment room - Rideau Dental

Why a root canal is worth it

Relieves Pain

Removing the inflamed or infected pulp usually relieves the pain that brought you in, and stops the infection from spreading.

Saves Your Natural Tooth

Root canal treatment lets you keep your own tooth rather than lose it, so you avoid a gap and the cost of replacing it.

Protects Your Bite

Keeping the tooth helps your neighbouring teeth stay in position, so you can keep chewing comfortably for years.

Front teeth, premolars and molars

Dr. Kan provides root canal treatment in our office for front teeth and premolars. Molars have more canals and a more complex anatomy, so molar root canals are usually referred to a root canal specialist (endodontist). If you need a referral, we will explain why, help arrange it and look after restoring the tooth here once treatment is complete.

After treatment, it is normal for the tooth to feel tender for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough. Avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth until it is fully restored, and keep brushing and flossing as usual. A well-restored root canal tooth can last for many years.

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How It Works

1. Diagnosis and Freezing

Dr. Kan examines the tooth and takes an X-ray to confirm the problem. The area is then fully numbed, so most patients feel pressure, not pain.

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2. Cleaning and Sealing

The infected or inflamed pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed to keep bacteria out.

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3. Restoring the Tooth

A filling closes the tooth. Depending on how much tooth structure remains, a dental crown may be recommended to protect it.

Frequently asked questions about root canal treatment in Calgary

Does a root canal hurt?

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The treatment is done with the tooth fully frozen, and many patients say it feels similar to having a filling. In most cases a root canal relieves the pain that brought you in.

How many visits will I need?

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Many root canals are completed in one or two visits, followed by the final filling or crown. Dr. Kan will give you a clear plan before you start.

Is it better to just pull the tooth?

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Keeping your natural tooth is usually the better long-term option. An extraction leaves a gap that can affect your bite and neighbouring teeth, and replacing a missing tooth often costs more than saving it.

Will I need a crown after a root canal?

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Often, especially for back teeth or teeth with large fillings, because a crown protects the tooth from fracture. Dr. Kan will let you know what your tooth needs.

Do you treat molars?

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Dr. Kan treats front teeth and premolars in our office. Molar root canals are usually referred to an endodontist, and we restore the tooth here afterwards.

What if I have tooth pain right now?

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Call us. We offer same-day emergency appointments when available and will focus on relieving your pain first.

140+ 5-Star Google Reviews

Kind words, real smiles

Testimonials reflect individual experiences and may not represent all patients.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 174 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Dave Hanson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great team
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel Wong 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 5 Stars Service !!!
Very professional and yet friendly.
Great location and knowledgeable staff.
Thanks.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ryan Jarymy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I drive all the way from Royal Oak because we both have had excellent care from everyone at Rideau Dental!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brian Burland 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always friendly and professional. All questions were answered. Easily made appointments.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Patti LaPorte 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always enjoy getting my teeth cleaned and looked after by the team at Janet Kan's office.
They are so friendly and professional :)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Isabella Lupi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Been coming here since I was a child. Always a great experience and such a lovely team.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kim Jamieson-Hirst 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional and friendly and always on time.

Our Office

We’re located in Mission in southwest Calgary, on 4th Street. We're proud to care for patients from across the surrounding communities, including Mission, Cliff Bungalow, Rideau Park, Elbow Park, Lower Mount Royal, and Upper Mount Royal.

Just a short walk or drive away on 4th Street SW, we'd love to welcome you in!

Our Hours:

Monday

8:00AM - 4:00PM

Tuesday

8:00AM - 4:00PM

Wednesday

7:15AM - 4:00PM

Thursday

7:00AM - 4:00PM

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Calgary Root Canal Treatment

Relieve the pain, save your tooth

When is a root canal needed?