Understanding the options for your tooth
Root canal treatment
If the inside of a tooth is infected, root canal treatment may help you keep it. We will assess the tooth, explain its outlook and discuss your options.
For pain or swelling, please telephone. Routine emails are not an urgent-care service.
Understanding treatment
Can the tooth be saved?
Inside a tooth is soft tissue called the pulp. Root canal treatment removes infected tissue, cleans the spaces within the roots and seals them. We also assess how the tooth can be repaired afterwards. The aim is to retain a tooth that can still be restored, while being clear about the treatment’s limitations.
A tooth with infection
An examination and X-rays help establish the cause of symptoms and whether the tooth can be restored.
A previously treated tooth
Some teeth need further assessment after earlier root canal treatment. The available options depend on the reason for the problem.
Protecting the tooth afterwards
A filling, crown or other restoration may be recommended according to the remaining tooth structure and bite.
Before deciding
A plan that considers the whole picture.
Finding the cause
Pain is not always a reliable guide to what is happening inside a tooth. Examination and X-rays help us assess the pulp, roots and surrounding tissues and discuss the likely diagnosis.
Whether the tooth can be restored
Cleaning the canals is only part of retaining a tooth. We also assess cracks, remaining tooth structure and gum support. Occasionally a problem becomes clear only once treatment has started.
First treatment or retreatment
A previously treated tooth may need further investigation if symptoms or infection persist. Depending on the cause, options may include retreatment, specialist assessment or extraction.
What to expect
Treating the infection and protecting the tooth.
Find the cause
We examine the tooth and explain our findings, the prospects for keeping it and the treatment options and costs.
Clean and seal the canals
Local anaesthetic helps keep you comfortable while the canals are treated. More than one appointment may be needed.
Repair the tooth and review
We plan the filling, crown or other restoration needed afterwards and arrange follow-up to check healing.
Looking ahead
Care continues after treatment.
The final filling, crown or other restoration is an important part of protecting the tooth. Follow the advice given about eating and cleaning between visits and return for the planned repair and reviews. Contact us if a temporary filling comes out, symptoms worsen or swelling develops.
Your questions
Useful things to know.
Can every tooth be saved?
No. A fracture or insufficient remaining tooth structure may make a tooth unsuitable. Sometimes this becomes clear only during treatment.
Will treatment be uncomfortable?
Local anaesthetic is used to help keep you comfortable. Some tenderness afterwards is possible; your clinician will explain what to expect.
What if treatment does not work?
Further treatment, referral or extraction may be considered depending on the findings. No treatment can guarantee that a tooth will be retained.
What if I am in pain now?
Call reception on 01253 739109 for advice about an urgent appointment rather than waiting for a routine enquiry response.
How many appointments will I need?
This depends on the tooth, the number and shape of its canals and whether previous treatment needs to be removed. Visits can be longer than a routine appointment, and a temporary filling may be used between stages.
Will I definitely need a crown afterwards?
Not always. The recommendation depends on how much sound tooth remains and the forces on it. Many back teeth benefit from a restoration that covers and protects their biting surfaces. We explain the proposed final repair and its cost.
Why might I need a referral?
Some teeth have complex anatomy or problems that need additional expertise. If referral is appropriate, we explain why, what further assessment may involve and how your ongoing care will be coordinated.
What risks should I understand?
Root canal treatment can be technically difficult. Persistent infection, damage to the tooth or a small instrument separating inside a canal can affect the outcome. Your clinician will discuss relevant risks and what would happen if the plan needs to change.
How will you know whether the tooth is healing?
We review symptoms and examine the tooth, with follow-up X-rays when appropriate. Healing may take time, and a tooth that feels comfortable still needs its planned reviews.
Fees and planning
An estimate for your treatment.
The fee depends on the tooth, the complexity of treatment and whether earlier root canal work needs to be repeated. Your estimate will explain the costs, including whether a crown or other final repair is charged separately.
Ask us about the full course of care, including any temporary work, final restorations and future maintenance. We will explain these costs before you agree to treatment.
Next step
Arrange an assessment of your tooth.
If you have been advised to consider root canal treatment, contact reception to arrange an assessment. If you are in pain or have swelling now, please telephone so we can advise on urgent care.
Reception will confirm your appointment after you get in touch.
For dental pain or swelling, please telephone reception. If you cannot access urgent dental care, contact NHS 111.