Endodontic Specialist
Endodontics · Root Canal Treatment · Digital X-Rays · Endodontic Case Assessment
Practice Specialties
Endodontics in Thorold
When a tooth has not healed following conventional root canal treatment, or when anatomy prevents access through the crown, Dr. Arezu Hanson offers surgical endodontic solutions including apicoectomy — also known as root-end resection. This microsurgical procedure involves accessing the root tip through a small incision in the gum, removing the affected root end, and sealing it with a biocompatible material. Dr. Hanson performs every surgical case under the dental operating microscope, giving her the magnification and illumination needed to work with precision at the root apex, paired with ultrasonic instrumentation to prepare the root-end cavity with accuracy that hand instruments simply cannot match. For Niagara Region patients who have been told a tooth may need to be extracted after a failed root canal, surgical endodontics often provides a viable path to saving it. Dr. Hanson's University of Toronto specialty training and nearly two decades of focused endodontic practice since 2006 mean she approaches each surgical case with a deep understanding of the anatomy and the clinical judgment to determine when surgery offers the best prognosis. The goal is always the same — preserve the natural tooth, restore health to the surrounding tissues, and achieve the 95%-plus healing rates that define this practice's outcomes.
Root Canal Treatment in Thorold
Root canal treatment is the cornerstone of what Dr. Arezu Hanson, DDS, M.Sc., FRCD(C), does every day at Endodontic Specialist in Thorold. Trained at the University of Toronto and in private endodontic practice in the Niagara Region since 2006, Dr. Hanson performs every root canal procedure under a dental operating microscope — not just for complex cases, but as a non-negotiable standard of care for all patients. Digital radiography guides each step with high-resolution imaging, and the Dentapen computer-controlled anesthetic delivery system ensures a comfortable, low-anxiety freezing experience from start to finish. Patients referred to Endodontic Specialist can expect a thorough, unhurried appointment focused entirely on saving their natural tooth. Under ideal treatment conditions, Dr. Hanson achieves healing rates of 95% or higher — a reflection of the specialist-level precision, advanced instrumentation, and exclusive endodontic focus that sets this practice apart from general dental offices throughout the Niagara Region. Every case benefits from the same rigorous technique whether it involves a straightforward molar or a tooth with complex root canal anatomy.
Digital X-Rays in Thorold
Digital radiography is an integral part of the diagnostic and treatment workflow at Endodontic Specialist in Thorold. Compared to traditional film X-rays, digital sensors produce images instantly with significantly enhanced resolution and contrast, and Dr. Arezu Hanson can manipulate those images — adjusting brightness, measuring root lengths, and examining canal anatomy in detail — using specialized software directly at chairside. A major advantage for Niagara Region patients is the reduction in radiation exposure: digital radiography delivers up to 90% less radiation than conventional X-ray film, making the process safer, especially for patients who require multiple images throughout the course of their treatment. Accurate radiographic interpretation is essential to endodontic success, and Dr. Hanson's University of Toronto training has given her the expertise to extract maximum diagnostic value from every image. Digital X-rays allow her to identify the number and curvature of root canals, detect periapical pathology, monitor healing over time, and spot subtle findings that could be missed on lower-quality images. When paired with clinical examination under the dental operating microscope, digital radiography helps ensure that every patient receives a diagnosis grounded in the most complete clinical picture available — a standard that has defined Endodontic Specialist since the practice opened in 2006.
Endodontic Case Assessment in Thorold
Endodontic Specialist provides formal case assessment consultations for patients and referring general dentists across the Niagara Region who need a specialist's opinion before committing to a treatment plan. Dr. Arezu Hanson, DDS, M.Sc., FRCD(C), applies the American Association of Endodontists' case difficulty framework to evaluate anatomical complexity, root curvature, canal calcification, patient medical history, and other risk factors that could affect outcomes. Digital radiography performed in-office gives Dr. Hanson the high-resolution images she needs to make a thorough, well-informed assessment, and the dental operating microscope can be used during the clinical examination when a closer look at the tooth is warranted. This service is especially valuable for general dentists who want to determine whether a case falls within their scope before attempting treatment, as well as for patients who have received conflicting opinions and are seeking clarity. Having practiced exclusively in endodontics in Thorold since 2006, Dr. Hanson brings a specialist perspective shaped by the University of Toronto and years of complex case management. Her assessments give both dentists and patients the confidence to proceed with an informed, evidence-based treatment decision — whether that means treatment at Endodontic Specialist, a collaborative approach, or a revised plan altogether.
Regenerative Endodontics in Thorold
Regenerative endodontic procedures represent one of the most exciting frontiers in modern dentistry, and Dr. Arezu Hanson offers this service to younger patients in the Niagara Region whose teeth still have incompletely formed roots. These biologically based treatments work with the body's natural healing capacity to encourage continued root development and, where possible, preserve or restore pulp vitality in immature permanent teeth. Dr. Hanson's specialty training at the University of Toronto and her ongoing commitment to evidence-based practice keep her current with the latest regenerative protocols, ensuring that pediatric and adolescent patients at Endodontic Specialist receive care aligned with the highest clinical standards. Preserving an immature tooth through regenerative endodontics rather than resorting to extraction or a conventional root canal can dramatically improve a young patient's long-term dental health. A tooth that is allowed to finish root development gains strength, improved canal wall thickness, and better resistance to fracture over a lifetime. Dr. Hanson takes time to explain the process clearly to both patients and their families, and she works closely with referring dentists throughout the Niagara Region to coordinate care for these cases. The dental operating microscope, digital radiography, and precise Dentapen anesthetic delivery make the procedure as accurate and comfortable as possible for younger patients.
Dental Operating Microscope in Thorold
The dental operating microscope is not a tool reserved for difficult cases at Endodontic Specialist — it is used on every single patient, every time. Dr. Arezu Hanson, DDS, M.Sc., FRCD(C), considers the microscope the true standard of care in modern endodontics, and her University of Toronto specialty training reinforced that philosophy. With powerful magnification and co-axial illumination, the microscope allows her to see the full root canal system in extraordinary detail — locating extra canals, navigating calcified or curved anatomy, detecting cracks invisible to the naked eye, and confirming that the canal is fully cleaned and sealed before the procedure is complete. For patients across the Niagara Region seeking specialist endodontic care in Thorold, this commitment to microscope-guided treatment translates into measurably better outcomes and fewer surprises. The level of precision the microscope enables is a direct contributor to the 95%-plus healing rates Dr. Hanson achieves under ideal conditions. Since opening Endodontic Specialist in 2006, she has built her entire clinical protocol around the microscope — not as a marketing point, but because the evidence clearly shows it produces superior results. Patients can take comfort knowing that no matter how routine or complex their case appears, it receives the same rigorous, magnified attention.
Computer-Controlled Local Anesthetic Delivery (Dentapen) in Thorold
One of the most common fears patients bring to Endodontic Specialist is anxiety about needles and the discomfort of getting frozen — and the Dentapen computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery system directly addresses that concern. Unlike a conventional syringe, the Dentapen uses a slim, pen-like handpiece that is less visually intimidating and deposits anesthetic at a precisely controlled flow rate determined by the system's computer. It is this controlled, slow delivery that prevents the stinging and pressure patients typically associate with dental injections, making the freezing process far more comfortable right from the start of the appointment. The Dentapen also enables more targeted anesthesia compared to traditional block injections, allowing Dr. Arezu Hanson to numb specific teeth rather than an entire side of the face. This means patients experience less residual numbness after their appointment — a welcome benefit for those who need to return to work or care for their families the same day. Since 2006, Dr. Hanson has incorporated patient comfort technology into every step of the Endodontic Specialist experience, and the Dentapen is central to that philosophy. Combined with her calm chairside manner and clear communication, it helps ensure that even anxious patients in the Niagara Region feel genuinely at ease throughout their root canal treatment.
Ultrasonic Endodontics in Thorold
Ultrasonic instrumentation is woven into nearly every procedure at Endodontic Specialist, and for good reason — it brings a level of precision to root canal treatment and endodontic surgery that hand instruments and rotary files alone cannot achieve. In non-surgical cases, ultrasonics help Dr. Arezu Hanson remove calcified material, locate hidden or blocked canal orifices, and ensure thorough irrigation and debridement of the entire root canal system. In surgical procedures like apicoectomy, ultrasonic tips are used to prepare the root-end cavity with a clean, precise cut that improves the seal and healing outcomes compared to traditional micro-mirrors and hand techniques. For Niagara Region patients at Endodontic Specialist, the use of ultrasonics is part of a broader commitment to integrating the best available technology into every case. Dr. Hanson's specialty training at the University of Toronto and her nearly two decades of focused endodontic practice since 2006 give her the clinical expertise to deploy ultrasonic instrumentation effectively and safely across the full range of endodontic procedures. When combined with the dental operating microscope, digital radiography, and the Dentapen anesthetic system, ultrasonic endodontics contributes to the consistently high healing rates the practice achieves — and to the goal of giving every referred patient the best possible chance of keeping their natural tooth.
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Frequently Asked Questions
An endodontist is a dental specialist who focuses exclusively on diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries of the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. Dr. Arezu Hanson completed a two-year university-based specialty program in Endodontics at the University of Toronto after practicing general dentistry, earning a Master of Science degree and fellowship status with the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (FRCD(C)). This advanced training means she performs root canal procedures and endodontic surgery with a level of expertise and technology that goes beyond what most general dental offices can offer.
Endodontic Specialist primarily accepts patients through referral from their general dentist. Your dentist can submit a referral form through the clinic's online portal, including details about the teeth requiring evaluation, the reason for referral, and any supporting X-rays. Once received, all referrals are screened for suitability based on the patient's medical history and case complexity. Importantly, there are currently no wait times to be seen, so patients can access specialist care promptly.
Modern root canal treatment at Endodontic Specialist is designed to be a comfortable experience. Dr. Hanson uses the Dentapen computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery system, which controls the flow rate of the freezing agent to prevent the discomfort associated with rapid injection. The pen-like device also reduces needle anxiety. Most patients report that the procedure itself is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. The goal is to relieve the pain caused by an infected or inflamed tooth pulp, not to create it.
Dr. Hanson considers the dental operating microscope the standard of care in endodontics — not a premium add-on reserved for difficult cases. The microscope provides powerful magnification and illumination of the root canal system, allowing her to locate all canals, detect cracks, navigate complex anatomy, and work with a level of precision impossible with the naked eye. Using the microscope on every case, regardless of perceived difficulty, reflects Endodontic Specialist's commitment to delivering consistently excellent clinical outcomes.
Modern endodontic treatment, when performed under ideal conditions, achieves healing rates of 95% or higher. Endodontic Specialist's commitment to advanced technology — including the dental operating microscope, digital radiography, ultrasonic instrumentation, and precise anesthetic delivery — maximizes the conditions for successful outcomes. Dr. Hanson's exclusive focus on endodontics, combined with her specialty training and years of experience, further supports high success rates in preserving natural teeth.
An apicoectomy, also called root-end resection or surgical endodontics, is a minor surgical procedure to remove the tip of a tooth root and seal the root end when conventional root canal treatment has not resolved an infection or is not possible. Dr. Hanson performs this microsurgical procedure using the dental operating microscope and ultrasonic instruments for maximum precision. It is typically recommended when a root tip harbors persistent infection, there is a cyst or lesion that has not healed, or anatomical features prevent access through the crown of the tooth.
Yes. Endodontic Specialist offers regenerative endodontic procedures particularly suited to children and adolescents whose teeth may still have developing roots. These conservative, biologically-based treatments aim to preserve the pulp and encourage continued root development. Treating young patients as early as possible with regenerative techniques can significantly improve long-term tooth survival and avoid the need for more invasive procedures in adulthood.
Endodontic Specialist currently has no wait times for patients to be seen by Dr. Arezu Hanson. This means that once your general dentist submits a referral, you can typically be scheduled promptly. To book or confirm an appointment, you can contact the clinic directly at (905) 984-3222 or through the contact form on the website. The clinic encourages patients to bring any existing X-rays or dental records to their appointment.
Endodontic Specialist is located at Suite 00, 3350 Merritville Highway, Thorold, Ontario, L2V 4Y6. Thorold is situated in the Niagara Region, conveniently accessible from St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, and surrounding communities. The clinic can be reached by phone at (905) 984-3222 or by fax at (905) 984-3340. A Google Maps link is available on the clinic's contact page for directions.
About the Practice
The practice is led exclusively by Dr. Arezu Hanson, DDS, M.Sc., FRCD(C), a fellowship-trained endodontist who has been in private endodontic practice in Thorold since 2006. Dr. Hanson completed her dental training at the University of Toronto and subsequently pursued a Master of Science degree in Endodontics at the same institution, graduating in 2006. Her commitment to excellence is reflected by her fellowship status with the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and a distinguished academic record that included awards for outstanding achievement in endodontics.
The clinic's clinical philosophy centres on compassionate, evidence-based care in a calm and relaxed environment. Dr. Hanson believes in clear communication with patients, thoroughly explaining their condition and the recommended treatment before proceeding. This patient-centred approach distinguishes the practice from high-volume dental offices, ensuring each patient receives individualized attention and unhurried care.
Endodontic Specialist focuses exclusively on endodontic procedures — root canal treatment, root canal surgery (apicoectomy/root-end resection), endodontic case assessment, and regenerative endodontic procedures for younger patients. The office employs state-of-the-art technology including a dental operating microscope used on every case, digital radiography with up to 90% reduced radiation, computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (Dentapen system), and ultrasonics — positioning it as a true specialist referral destination for complex or routine endodontic needs.
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