Basic dentistry covers the routine and essential care that keeps teeth and gums healthy, including checkups, professional cleanings, fillings, extractions, and root canals. Almost everyone needs some level of basic dental care, since regular exams and cleanings are the main way small problems like early decay or gum inflammation get caught before they become bigger issues. People with a cavity, a cracked tooth, persistent tooth pain, or gum bleeding typically need a specific treatment such as a filling, extraction, or root canal rather than just a checkup. Because needs vary so much from person to person, the right combination of care depends on an individual exam with a dentist, who can outline what is needed and roughly how much it will cost.

A routine visit usually starts with an exam, where the dentist checks your teeth, gums, and bite for signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues, sometimes with the help of X-rays. A hygienist then cleans your teeth, removing plaque and tartar buildup with hand instruments or an ultrasonic tool, and polishes them afterward. The full appointment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, and it is not usually painful, though sensitive gums may feel some mild discomfort during cleaning. If the dentist finds a cavity or other problem, they will discuss next steps, which might mean scheduling a filling or another treatment at a separate visit.

Confirm the dentist is licensed with your provincial dental regulatory college, which you can usually verify through the college's public registry. Look for a clinic that clearly explains treatment options, costs, and expected timelines before any work begins, and that answers your questions in plain language. Reading patient reviews and asking friends or family for recommendations can help you gauge comfort and communication style, which matters for routine care you will return to regularly. For anything beyond simple checkups and cleanings, such as a root canal on a complex tooth, ask whether the dentist refers to a specialist or handles it in house, and choose whichever approach makes you most comfortable.

Many Canadian dental clinics offer payment plans that let patients spread the cost of fillings, extractions, root canals, and other basic treatments into monthly payments instead of paying the full amount upfront. Beautifi works with participating clinics to help patients explore qualified providers and payment plan options for the portion of care not covered by insurance or the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Availability and terms depend on the clinic you visit and your individual approval. Ask your dental office directly whether they offer a payment plan and what it would cover for your specific treatment.

Cost depends on which treatment you need, the tooth involved, your province's dental fee guide, and whether your dentist bills at, above, or below that suggested guide. A simple filling or extraction is on the lower end, while a molar root canal or one requiring a specialist costs more due to the added time and materials. Location and clinic overhead also play a role, since fees can vary between provinces and even between clinics in the same city. Dental insurance or coverage through the Canadian Dental Care Plan can reduce out of pocket costs for many routine services. Your dentist's office can give you a specific quote once they know exactly what treatment is needed.

Persistent tooth pain, sensitivity that lingers after eating hot or cold food, and visible cracks or dark spots on a tooth are all reasons to book an appointment. Swollen or bleeding gums, especially when brushing, can be an early sign of gum disease that responds well to prompt treatment. A bad taste or odor that will not go away, a loose adult tooth, or swelling in the face or jaw can point to an infection that needs urgent attention. Waiting on these signs often lets a small, simple problem grow into one that needs a root canal or extraction instead of a filling, so earlier is generally better.

Most people feel noticeably better within two to three days after a simple extraction, with full gum healing taking a few weeks. Swelling and mild discomfort are common in the first 24 to 48 hours and typically respond well to ice and over the counter pain relief. Wisdom tooth or surgical extractions tend to need a bit more downtime, often three to five days before returning to normal activity. Avoiding smoking, straws, and vigorous rinsing in the first few days helps protect the healing socket. Contact your dentist if bleeding, swelling, or pain increases instead of improving.

A tooth extraction starts with local anesthetic to numb the area, so you should feel pressure but not sharp pain. The dentist loosens the tooth from its socket and removes it, which for a simple extraction usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. Wisdom teeth or teeth that have not fully come in may need a surgical extraction, which involves a small incision and can take longer. After the tooth is out, you will bite down on gauze to help a blood clot form, which is an important part of healing. Your dentist will give you specific aftercare instructions based on which tooth was removed.

A root canal typically takes 60 to 90 minutes for a single tooth, though molars with multiple canals can take longer, and some cases need a second visit. The dentist or endodontist numbs the area, removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the canal, then seals it. Many patients need a permanent crown placed at a follow-up appointment to protect the tooth long term. Appointment length depends on the tooth's location, how complex its root canal system is, and whether the infection is severe enough to need extra cleaning time.

Getting a filling is not typically painful because the area is numbed with local anesthetic before the dentist removes the decayed portion of the tooth. You may feel some pressure or vibration from the dental instruments, and mild numbness can linger for an hour or two afterward. Once the anesthetic wears off, the tooth may feel slightly sensitive to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days, which is normal and usually settles on its own. If pain is sharp, lasts more than a week, or gets worse rather than better, contact your dentist, since it could mean the filling needs adjustment.

Most dentists recommend a professional cleaning and checkup every six months for adults with average oral health. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that a toothbrush cannot reach, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease before they start. Some patients with a history of gum disease, dry mouth, or higher cavity risk may be advised to come in every three to four months instead. Children and people with braces sometimes follow a different schedule set by their dentist. Sticking to the recommended interval makes small problems easier and less costly to treat, since issues caught early usually need less extensive work than ones left to progress.

A dentist chooses between the two based on how much healthy tooth structure remains and whether the infection can be fully cleared. A root canal removes infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, then seals and often caps it, which lets you keep your natural tooth. An extraction removes the tooth entirely and is usually recommended when the tooth is too broken, decayed, or loose to be saved. Keeping a natural tooth generally supports better long-term chewing function and jaw bone health, so most dentists try a root canal first when the tooth can realistically be restored. Your dentist will confirm which option fits your specific tooth and overall oral health.