First, to reply to bitten's comment, going to see your doctor for regular care is covered in Canada, dental care is paid for through insurance plans or out of your pocket, if you don't have an insurance plan.

Most dentists understand that money situations are different for everyone and you can ask your care giver if you can pay through installments, whether it be monthly, quartly or possibly even yearly. Your dentist may even offer a discount if you get all the work done in and around the same time frame.

If payment plans are not an option, credit cards or loans are the next best thing (other than loaning from a family member, if they can spare the money).

ONE root canal therapy can cost upwards of $1000.
Crowns can run anywhere from $350 - $1300. (Depends on the lab that makes the crown and the quality of the finished product.)
Fillings can be between $50 - $300.

Not to scare you, because I believe everyone should have the smile and functioning teeth they deserve, but dental work can be very costly, as you can see from the prices above. May aunt just had 18 crowns and one veneer made and is ran her about $20,000.

Please, don't be discouraged. Talk to your dentist about alternate treatment plans that can do what you want for a fraction of the cost. It never hurts to ask. Hope everything works out.