Root Canal

Root Canal

What is root canal treatment?

Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and hard dentine is soft tissue containing blood vessels, connective tissue and nerve fibres called the pulp, (people often referred to as “the nerve”), which is contained in the root canal system. This extends from the crown (top of the tooth) to the end of the root
(bottom of the tooth).

If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected it can cause severe dental pain, although some infections are asymptomatic.

Root canal treatment is a treatment sequence where the pulp is carefully removed, and the canal system cleaned, disinfected, shaped and sealed. This is usually completed in one or two visits, depending on the condition of the tooth and personal circumstances.

This means you can save a tooth that would otherwise have to be removed. Due to infection and complexity, success rates of such treatments vary, and will be discussed with you by the treating dentist.

When is root canal treatment needed?

The need for root canal treatment can be identified by a dentist.

The following signs and symptoms may indicate the need for treatment.

• Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food or drink
• Pain when biting or chewing
• A loose tooth
• Swelling of the gum near the infected tooth
• Pus oozing from around the infected tooth
• Facial swelling
• The tooth getting darker in colour.

X-rays are generally appropriate to aid diagnosis, however changes from the “norm” can be minute and difficult to detect. Not all painful teeth need root canal treatment.

What happens if treatment is not carried out?

The infections caused by a diseased tooth may result in loss of the supporting bone and can have broader implications for your general health.

Without treatment, the infection can become severe enough to warrant removal of the tooth.

All of our dentists are trained in the provision of root canal treatment but some cases are more complex than others.

Mr Kevin Burford has studied root canal treatment at post graduate level and holds a pgDip in endodontics

Our dentists will discuss all of your treatment options including the benefits of referral.

Treatment costs with Kevin Burford

Root canal treatments:
Incisor/canines/lower premolars: £260
Upper premolars: £280
Molars: £380

Re-root canal treatments:
Incisors/canines/lower premolars: £325
Upper premolars: £350
Molars: £475