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Root Canal Therapy
At Longton Dental Centre, our endodontic treatments are designed to save your natural teeth, relieve pain, and protect your oral health.
Endodontics, which includes procedures like root canal therapy, focuses on preserving the function and appearance of your teeth while avoiding the need for extractions and replacements.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our Treatment Coordinator to learn more about the procedure, understand your treatment options, and discuss any concerns you may have.
To book a FREE TCO Consultation, complete our online enquiry form.
What is endodontics
Endodontics is a specialised area of dentistry that addresses issues within the tooth's pulp – the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, injury, or deep cracks, endodontic treatments like root canal therapy are used to remove the infection, relieve pain, and restore the tooth.
Why might I need endodontics?
Endodontic treatments are highly effective in relieving severe dental pain caused by infections or inflammation. They not only provide quick and lasting relief but also have a high success rate, often preserving treated teeth for many years or even a lifetime.
By focusing on minimally invasive techniques, endodontic procedures target only the affected area, preserving as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. This approach helps maintain the integrity of your teeth while addressing the underlying problem.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
No, not during the procedure. Local anaesthetic numbs the tooth and the surrounding gum before we start, so you should feel pressure or vibration rather than sharp pain. Ironically, the pain people associate with "needing a root canal" is usually caused by the infection itself, not by the treatment. Afterwards, mild tenderness for a few days is common and normally settles with over-the-counter painkillers. If you find injections or dental visits particularly anxiety-inducing, tell us in advance we can talk about pacing the appointment.
What happens during root canal treatment?
The dentist will first examine the tooth and usually take an X-ray. Local anaesthetic is then used to numb the area. An opening is made in the tooth so the dentist can access the root canals. The inflamed, infected or dead tissue is removed, and the canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected before being filled and sealed. Depending on the tooth and the extent of infection, treatment may be completed in one visit or over several appointments.
How long does root canal treatment take?
The length of treatment depends on the tooth and how complex the root canal system is. A relatively straightforward tooth may take around an hour, while molar teeth with several canals can take longer. Some cases can be completed in one appointment, while others may require two or more visits. Your dentist will be able to give you a better idea after examining the tooth and reviewing your X-rays.
Is it better to have a root canal or remove the tooth?
If a tooth can be successfully treated and restored, keeping the natural tooth is often preferable. Root canal treatment allows the infected tissue to be removed while retaining the tooth for biting and chewing. Extraction may be more suitable if the tooth is severely damaged, fractured, has very little healthy structure remaining or has a poor long-term prognosis. If extraction is recommended, your dentist can also discuss whether the missing tooth should be replaced and what options may be suitable.
What happens if I do not have root canal treatment?
If the pulp inside the tooth is infected and cannot recover, the infection is unlikely to resolve permanently without treating the source of the problem. Symptoms may sometimes improve temporarily if the nerve inside the tooth dies, but bacteria can remain within the root canals. This may lead to further pain, swelling or a dental abscess. Depending on the condition of the tooth, the main options are usually root canal treatment or extraction
Will I need a crown after root canal treatment?
You may need a crown afterwards, particularly if the treated tooth is a back tooth, but not every root-treated tooth requires one. The need for a crown depends on how much healthy tooth structure remains and how much pressure the tooth receives during biting.
Back teeth often benefit from a crown or another protective restoration because root canal treatment, existing fillings, and decay can leave them more vulnerable to cracking. Front teeth may sometimes only need a filling, while an onlay may be suitable in other cases. Your dentist will assess your tooth after treatment and recommend the most appropriate option.
How long does a root canal-treated tooth last?
A successfully treated and well-restored tooth can remain functional for many years, but there is no guaranteed lifespan. How long the tooth lasts depends on factors such as how much natural tooth remains, whether the tooth is cracked, the quality of the root canal treatment and final restoration, your oral hygiene and the forces placed on the tooth when biting. Regular dental examinations can help monitor the tooth and its restoration over time.
Can a tooth still hurt after root canal treatment?
Yes. Some tenderness after root canal treatment is common, particularly when biting on the tooth. This is usually caused by inflammation in the tissues around the root and should gradually settle over the following days. If pain becomes severe, continues to worsen, or you develop swelling, contact your dentist for advice
Can root canal treatment fail?
Root canal treatment has a good overall success rate, but it cannot guarantee that every tooth will heal or remain problem-free. A tooth may develop further problems because of complex root anatomy, persistent infection, leakage around a filling or crown, new decay or a crack in the tooth. Depending
Is root canal treatment safe?
Root canal treatment is an established dental procedure that is routinely carried out in general and specialist dental practice. As with any dental treatment, there are possible risks. These can include post-treatment discomfort, persistent infection, difficulty reaching or cleaning all of the canals, instrument fracture, perforation of the tooth or fracture of the tooth later. Your dentist will explain any risks that are particularly relevant to your tooth before treatment.
What are the alternatives to root canal treatment?
If the pulp inside the tooth is irreversibly damaged or infected, the main alternative to root canal treatment is usually extraction. If the tooth is removed, you may choose to leave the space or discuss replacement options such as a bridge, denture or dental implant, depending on your dental health and circumstances. Your dentist will explain the reasonable options, including their benefits, limitations and risks, before you decide how to proceed.
Can I eat after root canal treatment?
Yes, but it is usually best to wait until the local anaesthetic has worn off before eating to reduce the chance of biting your cheek, lip or tongue. If you have a temporary filling or the tooth has not yet received its final restoration, avoid chewing very hard foods on that side. Your dentist will give you specific advice based on the treatment you have had.ly beneficial for patients who feel anxious or nervous about dental procedures.
When should I contact my dentist after root canal treatment?
Some mild tenderness is expected after treatment, but you should contact your dentist if your symptoms are becoming worse rather than gradually improving. Seek advice if you develop significant swelling, severe or persistent pain, your temporary filling comes out, the tooth fractures or your bite feels noticeably uncomfortable. If swelling is rapidly increasing or you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek urgent dental or medical help.
How much does it cost
Longton Dental Centre, root canal treatment starts from £624. The final fee depends on which tooth is being treated front teeth with a single canal are more straightforward than molars with two, three or four canals, which take longer and cost more.
Advanced technology.
At Longton Dental Centre, we use dental imaging and endodontic instruments to help us assess and treat the inside of the tooth.
Depending on the case , this may include digital x-rays, rotary instruments and magnification to help the dentist see and work within the root canals more clearly,
Technology can assist with diagnosis and treatment, but every tooth is different and it cannot guarantee that root canal treatment will be successful. For patients who feel particularly anxious about dental treatment, sedation may also be available following an appropriate assessment.
Relieve dental pain and save your natural teeth
Endodontic treatment not only addresses immediate issues but also helps prevent potential complications in the future. By saving your natural teeth, you avoid the need for more extensive restorative procedures such as dental implants or bridges, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
If you’re experiencing dental pain or have been told you need a root canal, our skilled team at Longton Dental Centre is here to help. Contact us to book a consultation and learn how endodontic treatments can preserve your natural teeth and restore your comfort.
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