Root Canal

Root canal treatment, also called endodontic therapy, saves infected or damaged teeth by removing the infected pulp, cleaning the interior, and sealing the tooth. Modern techniques make the procedure comfortable and highly successful, dispelling the outdated reputation as painful.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the tooth pulp (containing nerves and blood vessels) becomes infected or inflamed due to:

• Deep decay reaching the pulp chamber
• Cracked or chipped teeth exposing the pulp
• Trauma to the tooth
• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
• Large fillings compromising tooth structure

Symptoms Indicating Need

• Severe toothache, especially when chewing
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
• Tooth discoloration (darkening)
• Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums
• Persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
• Spontaneous pain waking you at night

Note: Some infected teeth show no symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular dental check-ups.

The Procedure

First Appointment: Cleaning and Shaping

After administering local anesthesia to numb the area completely, your dentist places a rubber dam to keep the tooth dry and isolated. An access opening is created in the crown, and specialized instruments remove the infected pulp, clean the root canals thoroughly, and shape them for filling. The canals are filled with gutta-percha and sealed with cement. A temporary filling closes the access opening.

Duration: 60-90 minutes

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia ensures comfort throughout

Second Appointment: Permanent Restoration

After 1-2 weeks healing time, the temporary filling is removed and the tooth is prepared for a crown. Because teeth requiring root canals often have significant damage and become brittle, a crown protects the tooth and restores full function.

Does It Hurt?

Modern root canal treatment is relatively painless. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during treatment. Any discomfort comes from the infection itself, not the treatment. Most people report root canals are no more uncomfortable than having a filling.

Recovery and Aftercare

Post-treatment, you may experience:

• Mild soreness for a few days
• Slight discomfort when biting
• Gum tenderness around the treated tooth

Manage with over-the-counter pain relievers and follow these tips:

• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene
• Attend follow-up appointments
• Contact your dentist if you experience severe pain, visible swelling, or allergic reactions

Success Rates and Longevity

Root canal treatment has over 95% success rate. With proper care and crown placement, treated teeth can last many years or even a lifetime. In some cases, retreatment may be necessary if new decay develops, the crown becomes loose, or the tooth fractures.

Cost in the UK

• Front tooth: £400-£600
• Premolar: £500-£800
• Molar: £600-£1,000
• Crown (additional): £500-£1,200

NHS treatment available as Band 2 (£73.50), though availability is limited. While costly, root canal treatment is less expensive than extraction followed by tooth replacement.

Alternative: Tooth Extraction

The only alternative to root canal treatment is extraction. However, losing a natural tooth leads to:

• Difficulty chewing
• Adjacent teeth shifting
• Bone loss in the jaw
• Need for expensive replacement options (implants, bridges)

Saving your natural tooth through root canal treatment is almost always the best option. Natural teeth function better than artificial replacements and maintain jaw structure.