If a tooth is keeping you up at night, aching when you bite, or reacting to hot coffee long after the sip is gone, a root canal may be what finally brings relief — while keeping your natural tooth in place.
105-17780 56th Ave, Surrey
At Clover Square Dental, root canal treatment is something we approach calmly and carefully. We know the words “root canal” make many people nervous, so we explain what’s going on, show you your X-rays, and walk through your options first. Our goal is simple: get you out of pain, clear the infection, and help you keep your own tooth for years to come.
Our clinic is on 56th Avenue in Cloverdale, close to Clayton Heights, Langley and the rest of Surrey. Led by Dr. Boparai, who has more than 15 years of experience, our team focuses on gentle, unhurried care.
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which holds the tooth’s nerve and blood supply. When deep decay, a crack, or an injury lets bacteria reach the pulp, it can become inflamed or infected. Root canal treatment removes that damaged tissue so the tooth can heal. Common warning signs include:
Sometimes an infected tooth causes no pain and is only found on a routine X-ray. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait for the pain to pass — an untreated infection can spread and make treatment more involved.
If you have facial swelling, a fever, or trouble swallowing or breathing, seek urgent care right away.
Knowing what to expect can make the visit much easier. Here’s how root canal treatment typically works at Clover Square Dental.
Treatment may take one visit or two, depending on the tooth and the infection. We’ll give you a realistic time estimate before we start.
This is the question we hear most, and it’s a fair one. For most patients, the honest answer is that a root canal feels much like having a filling done. The pain people associate with root canals usually comes from the infection itself — the treatment is what relieves it.
Afterward, it’s normal for the tooth to feel tender for a few days, especially when biting. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough, and we’ll give you specific guidance for your situation. If pain gets worse instead of better, or swelling appears, call our office.
We take our time numbing the area and make sure it’s working before we begin.
Raise your hand any time you need a break, and we’ll explain each step as we go.
If dental visits make you anxious, let us know when you book so we can plan extra time and talk through comfort options.
A few simple steps help your tooth heal well after treatment:
Why a crown is often recommended. A tooth that needed a root canal has usually lost a fair amount of structure to decay, a crack, or a large old filling. Once treated, it can be more brittle, particularly back teeth that handle heavy chewing. A crown covers and protects the tooth, helping prevent fractures and keeping bacteria from getting back inside. Not every tooth needs a crown — some front teeth can be restored with a filling — and we’ll recommend what makes sense for your tooth. Delaying the final restoration can put the tooth at risk, so we encourage patients to complete it promptly.
Every tooth is different, so we don’t quote a single price for root canal treatment. After examining your tooth and reviewing your X-rays, we’ll give you a clear estimate before treatment begins. Factors that affect cost include:
Insurance and payment. We offer direct billing to many insurance providers, so you may only need to pay your portion at the time of your visit. We can also help you submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurer so you know your coverage ahead of time. Flexible payment options are available — ask our front desk for details.
Most teeth heal well after a root canal, but occasionally a treated tooth doesn’t heal as expected, or new decay, a cracked crown, or a fracture lets bacteria back in — sometimes years later. When that happens, there are a few possible paths:
The tooth is reopened, the old filling material is removed, and the canals are cleaned and sealed again. This is usually considered before surgery.
If retreatment isn’t possible or doesn’t resolve the problem, a small surgical procedure can treat the tip of the root through the gum.
If the tooth can’t be predictably saved, removing it and replacing it may be the best option.
For retreatment, apicoectomy, and other complex cases, we work with trusted endodontists (root canal specialists) in the Surrey and Lower Mainland area. We’ll assess your tooth, explain why a referral may be the best option, and coordinate your care — then place your final crown or restoration here at our Cloverdale clinic once the specialist has finished.
If a tooth that was treated in the past has started to hurt again, book an assessment — earlier attention usually means more options.
When a tooth is badly infected, removing it can seem like the quicker fix. Sometimes extraction is the right choice — for example, when a tooth is severely fractured or there isn’t enough healthy structure left to restore. But when a tooth can be saved, keeping it usually has real advantages.
We’ll give you an honest recommendation and explain the pros and cons of each option so you can choose what’s right for you and your family.
Which helps you chew normally and keeps your bite stable.
A gap can allow nearby teeth to shift or tilt over time.
You may avoid the added time and cost of replacing the tooth with an implant, bridge, or partial denture.
The bone that supports the tooth stays in place.
Tooth infections rarely wait for a convenient time. If you’re in severe pain, call us at 604-575-4747 as early in the day as possible. We do our best to see patients with dental emergencies promptly, and when we can, we’ll start treatment to relieve pain during that visit. In some cases, the first step is to remove the infected tissue and settle the tooth, then complete the root canal at a follow-up appointment.
Learn more on our emergency dental appointments page.
Go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you have swelling that is spreading to your eye or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a high fever with facial swelling.
It depends on the tooth. Front teeth are often quicker; molars, with more canals, take longer. Many root canals are completed in one appointment, while some need two.
For most patients, treatment feels similar to getting a filling because the area is fully numbed. Mild tenderness for a few days afterward is common and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Often, yes — especially for back teeth. A crown protects the treated tooth from cracking and helps seal out bacteria. Some front teeth can be restored with a filling instead. We’ll recommend what’s best for your tooth.
Cost depends on which tooth is treated, how complex the canals are, whether a crown is needed, and your insurance coverage. We’ll provide a clear estimate after your exam, and we offer direct billing to many insurers.
Yes, we do our best to see patients in pain as soon as possible. Call 604-575-4747 and let us know it’s urgent. Depending on the situation, we may start treatment the same day to relieve pain.
A tooth that was treated before can sometimes become infected again. Options may include retreatment, endodontic surgery (apicoectomy), or extraction. We’ll assess the tooth and explain your options.
Yes. When a case is especially complex — such as unusual canal anatomy, retreatment, or root-end surgery — we may refer you to a trusted endodontist and coordinate your care so you can return to us for your final restoration.
Dealing with a toothache or think you may need a root canal? We’re here to help patients from Cloverdale, Clayton Heights and across Surrey and Langley feel better.
At Clover Square Dental, we are committed to providing comprehensive dental care for the whole family. Located in Surrey, BC
