Toothache in Guelph? Let’s Get You Out of Pain and Save the Tooth
Today a root canal is done under good local anaesthetic and usually feels much like getting a filling. We would always rather keep your natural tooth than remove it.
- Same day appointments when the schedule allows
- Dr. Phil focuses on root canals, crowns and bridges
- We go at your pace, and laughing gas is available
- Direct billing to most plans, CDCP accepted
Request an appointment
Tell us what you need and when suits you. We’ll get back to you to confirm a time.
In pain or swollen? Please call us at 519-837-1870 so we can see you as soon as possible.
Does this sound like your tooth?
- A throbbing toothache that wakes you at night
- Hot or cold sensitivity that lingers
- Pain when you bite down
- A tooth turning darker than its neighbours
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum
- A small pimple on the gum that comes back
Pain that suddenly stops is not always good news. Sometimes it means the nerve has died while the infection carries on. If you have had any of these signs, get the tooth checked sooner rather than later.
Care that fits your life
Six reasons Guelph families stay with us.
Same day appointments
We hold slots each day for short notice visits. Call in the morning for the best chance of being seen today.
Direct billing and CDCP
We bill most insurance plans directly, so you usually only pay the part your plan doesn’t cover. CDCP patients welcome.
Evening hours
Open until 7 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays, so you don’t have to miss work or school.
Gentle with nervous patients
Tell us when you book. We slow down, explain each step and agree on a signal for breaks. Nitrous oxide is available.
Care under one roof
Most procedures are done right here, so you’re not sent elsewhere and left waiting for an appointment.
See what we see
Digital X-rays and an intraoral camera show you your own teeth on screen, so your options make sense.
Dr. Phillip Pham-Ho
Patients call him Dr. Phil. He focuses on restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges and root canal therapy, and takes a personalized approach to every treatment.
He is known for his precision, attention to detail and commitment to patient comfort. Dr. Phil is also fluent in Vietnamese.
Google review
Your root canal, step by step
Usually one or two appointments, depending on the tooth.
Find the cause
An X-ray and a few simple tests tell us whether the nerve is healthy, inflamed or infected, and whether a root canal is the right treatment.
Freeze and clean
We numb the tooth thoroughly, remove the damaged pulp, and clean and disinfect the canals. You feel pressure, not sharp pain. If you do, we stop and give more anaesthetic.
Seal and protect
The canals are filled and sealed. Back teeth usually need a crown afterwards so the tooth does not crack. Dr. Phil focuses on exactly this kind of restorative work.
Most of the pain is from the infection, not the treatment
Few dental words make people as nervous as root canal. Most of that reputation comes from old stories. For most people the treatment itself is no more uncomfortable than a large filling, and they feel relieved afterwards because the pain that brought them in goes away.
Tell us you are anxious when you book. We will talk you through each step, take breaks and go at a pace that is comfortable for you. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can take the edge off.
Root canal or extraction? Pulling the tooth can seem simpler, but the gap usually needs a bridge, implant or partial later. Not every tooth can be saved, and we will give you an honest assessment of the pros and cons of each choice.
Rated 4.9 by 122 patients on Google
“Very pleased with the service and professionalism at Guelph Royal Dental. They point out areas of concern and other items that may be purely cosmetic before I am asked to make an informed decision.”
“I just moved to Guelph and fractured a tooth. I called Dr. Phil’s Office as a first time patient and they had me come in right away.”
“My family had the best experience at Guelph Royal Dental!! The staff is amazing and so welcoming!! … my 4 year old keeps asking and wanting to go back and visit!!”
In pain right now?
Severe pain, swelling, a broken or knocked out tooth, or bleeding that won’t stop: call us right away. We offer same day appointments when the schedule allows, and urgent cases come first.
If swelling is spreading quickly or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to a hospital emergency department.
Before you call
Does a root canal hurt?
For most people the treatment is no more uncomfortable than a large filling. You will feel pressure and hear the usual dental sounds, but you should not feel sharp pain. If you do, let us know and we will stop and give more anaesthetic.
How long does a root canal treated tooth last?
With a good seal and a proper crown or filling on top, a root canal treated tooth can last for many years, often for life.
Will I need antibiotics?
Not always. Antibiotics can help if there is spreading infection or swelling, but the main treatment is cleaning out the infected pulp. We will let you know if you need them.
Is root canal therapy covered by insurance?
Many dental plans cover root canals, often under basic or major services depending on the plan. We can send a pre determination to your insurer first. Root canal care is also among the categories the Canadian Dental Care Plan covers, with some procedures needing approval in advance.
Will I be referred to a specialist?
Some complex teeth, such as those with curved or hidden canals, may be referred to a root canal specialist. If so, we will explain why and help arrange it.
When we’re open
| Monday | 9:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am to 6:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Thursday | 9:00 am to 6:00 pm |
| Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
18 Douglas St, downtown Guelph
Guelph Royal Dental Centre, 18 Douglas St, Guelph, ON N1H 2S9. Our parking lot entrance is from Douglas St, and the Market Parkade offers up to 3 hours of free parking.
Don’t wait for it to get worse
A toothache that will not settle, swelling or a tooth that hurts when you bite? Call us and we will find out what is going on.