Root Canal Treatment

Within every tooth is a nerve chamber and a blood supply in the root canal. In a healthy tooth, these nerves will be alive. Front teeth will normally have one root holding them in the jaw bone, but back teeth can have two, three or four.

If a large cavity in a tooth reaches the nerve chamber, or if a tooth breaks, bacteria can cause the nerves to die. The root canals can become infected and an abscess may form beneath the root(s) of the tooth, in the jawbone. Pain (occasionally severe) may occur at any time during this process, and the infection can spread.

Treatment is usually carried out over one or two visits. The purpose of the treatment is to remove the bacteria or dying tissue from inside the tooth and to clean and disinfect the root canals. This is achieved by making a small hole through the tooth into the nerve chamber, locating and measuring the root canals, then cleaning and widening them using fine instruments. Local anaesthetic is used throughout the procedure to avoid any discomfort.

To aid the instrumentation of these intricate channels to the tooth, magnification may be used and, if possible, the tooth will usually be isolated to keep the area dry and clear.

Once clean, the canals are filled to seal them off from re-infection. In most cases, infections will start to heal at this point.

Most patients only experience mild discomfort following treatment, but it is common to experience none at all.

Q: Is treatment painful?

A: No. Local anaesthetic is used throughout the procedure, and every possible step is taken to ensure that you are comfortable while the work is carried out. Following treatment, you will be informed of the possibility of discomfort from the area. This is usually minor, and does not last long.

Q: How long does the treatment take?

A: This can vary according to the complexity of the root canals, the presence of infection, or if re-treatment is being carried out. Sometimes treatment can be carried out in one session lasting between one to two hours. Although further treatment may be required if the canals are infected, or are being retreated.

Contact us to arrange a free smile assessment today*

* £50 refundable booking holding fee applicable.

Patient Testimonials

Erika has been wonderful with my young daughter who accidentally chipped a piece off her front adult tooth. Erika was patient and caring, she took the extra time to explain the procedure and allowed for any questions and took it at a pace that suited my daughter.....the result is amazing, we are all pleased and most of all my daughter is now excited about going to the dentist!

Joanne Storey

I saw an advert for a free smile evaluation and having been so unhappy with my teeth for years, decided to go and have it done (not really thinking I would actually go through with any treatment) but as soon as I met Erika and she showed me what she could do with my smile I was instantly on board! You need to be committed to the regular check ups and make sure you wear the aligners but once you get going it becomes a habit and my treatment time flew by. All the staff are friendly and helpful and Erika was always on hand for any advice I needed.The results are amazing and so worth the money...I wish I'd had it done years ago!

Jenny Lucking

Erika as always fantastic. I had a very nervous son who could be difficult to reason with. This has changed totally. My son will now happily go and see Erika and tell her the problem. A small filling today and wow Erika was fab, her nurse was great and my son has totally changed and sat on the chair and let her do all the treatment with no worries. Big thumbs up from us!! Thank you 😁😁

Mary White

Went in for my normal 6 month check up today,Erica thoroughly cleaned and checked as usual and to my joy and surprise she asked if I would like to have my chip filled in on my front tooth. Without hesitating off she went. Thank you so much Erica, I honestly can't thank you enough. My wedding photos will look great now.....well at least my teeth will be!

Sarah-Jane Jackson

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