Root Canal

Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels.

If that tissue becomes inflamed or infected, the tooth can become very painful and may not recover on its own.

This can happen because of:

• Deep decay

• A crack in the tooth

• Trauma or injury

• A large filling close to the nerve

• Repeated treatment on the same tooth

• Bacteria entering the centre of the tooth

When this happens, root canal treatment may be the best way to remove the damaged tissue and keep the tooth.

Not every tooth needing root canal treatment feels the same. Some teeth are very painful, while others may only cause mild symptoms or become noticeable when chewing.

Common signs can include:

• Toothache

• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers

• Pain when biting

• A tooth that feels tender or raised

• Swelling near the tooth

• Darkening of the tooth in some cases

A proper assessment helps determine whether the nerve of the tooth is involved.

Root canal treatment removes the inflamed or infected tissue from inside the tooth. The inner canals are then carefully cleaned and sealed so the tooth can remain in place without the ongoing source of infection.

The aim is to:

• Remove the cause of pain

• Clear infection from inside the tooth

• Preserve the natural tooth

• Prevent the problem from progressing

• Allow the tooth to be restored properly afterwards

It is often a tooth-saving treatment rather than an emergency measure on its own.


Protecting the Tooth Afterwards:
A tooth that has had root canal treatment often needs further restoration afterwards, especially if it was already weakened or heavily filled. This is an important part of helping it last well.

Depending on the tooth, this may include:

• A filling

• A porcelain crown

• A same day crown where suitable

• Monitoring the tooth over time

• Checking bite forces if the tooth has been under pressure

The focus is not only on treating the inside of the tooth, but also on protecting it for the future.

Treatment is planned around the condition of the tooth and how complex the canals are. Some teeth can be treated quite simply, while others need a more involved approach.

This may involve:

• Assessing the tooth and taking X-rays

• Numbing the area carefully

• Cleaning and shaping the root canals

• Sealing the inside of the tooth

• Planning the final restoration to protect it afterwards

We will explain the process clearly so you know what is happening at each stage.

Every smile is different, which is why every treatment begins with a personalised consultation.

We'll take the time to understand your priorities and goals, assess your oral health and recommend the treatment that's right for you.

During your consultation, we'll discuss:

• Your personalised treatment options

• Your expected treatment timeline

• Upfront treatment costs

• Available payment options and finance where applicable

Our goal is to make the process clear, transparent and stress-free, so you feel informed and confident before moving forward with your treatment.