Root canal treatment
Thames Street Dental can assess tooth pain or infection and advise whether root canal treatment may help save the tooth.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (also known as endodontic treatment) is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth. If a tooth is infected there are two options available: remove the tooth completely or undergo a root canal and try and save the tooth.
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so it should feel similar to a filling. The inside of the infected tooth is cleaned and disinfected using special dental instruments. Once cleaned, the root canal system is then filled.
Who is it for?
- Severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
- A tooth that has become discoloured (darkened)
- Swollen and tender gums, or a gum abscess
What to expect
- 01
Examination and X-ray
Usually, patients will first undergo a dental examination. Your Dentist may take an X-Ray to help assess for problems such as infected teeth.
- 02
Local anaesthetic
Before beginning the root canal treatment, the Dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to help reduce pain that you may feel.
- 03
Cleaning the canal
The Dentist will remove the infection from the infected tooth, clean the canal using specialist instruments, then fill it with a material named gutta percha.
- 04
Sealing the tooth
Finally, the Dentist will seal the tooth, either with a temporary or permanent filling. We usually recommend that a dental crown is fitted to help seal the root canal and reduce the risk of future damage or infection of the tooth.
What happens after a root canal?
It is completely normal to feel tenderness for a few days after root canal treatment. You may need to take pain killers to help ease any immediate discomfort. Don’t forget to attend regular dentist checkups to help monitor your root canal.
Common questions
You may need a root canal due to decay reaching and infecting the nerve or due to previous trauma. A detailed consultation with one of our dentists will provide more information specifically for your case.
Related treatments
- 01 Dental implants Small metal screws placed in the jaw in place of a missing tooth, to hold crowns, bridges or dentures. £3,500
- 02 Crowns and bridges Custom-made crowns that restore a damaged tooth, and bridges that replace missing teeth. £800
- 03 Dentures Removable acrylic or cobalt chrome dentures to replace a few or all missing teeth. £650
Book root canal treatment
Book online, or call the friendly Thames Street Dental team on 020 8546 6546.
- Opening hours
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- Monday09:00-17:00
- Tuesday09:00-17:30
- Wednesday to Friday09:00-17:00
- SaturdayBy appointment only
Book an appointment
Choose a treatment and a time that suits you, and our team will be in touch to confirm. For dental pain, please call 020 8546 6546.