Unbearable toothache that doesn’t seem to go away? Is your tooth beginning to turn black? Root canals are common procedures to treat pulpitis, decay and infections that have formed at the centre of a tooth root.
In this Section:
Specialist Endodontists
Unexplained toothache can often be attributed to an infection at the centre of the tooth root. Treated very easily, the root canal clears the infection within the canals to save the tooth that would be otherwise lost to the infection.
Root canal treatments are simple and not at all painful.
During the procedure, the dentist will:
- Extract the bacteria and decay gathering at the tooth pulp, root and nerve.
- Apply antibiotics to the area to disinfect it.
- Address empty roots and fill them.
- Prevent any new decay from forming by sealing the area off.
Check your Symptoms:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Tooth discolouration (darkened tooth)
- Swollen gums
- Pain when eating or touching teeth
Whilst a root canal procedure may seem scary, with today’s technology, it’s a breeze. For the patient, it should not feel any different from having a deep filling.
Completed under local anaesthetic, patients will experience little pain as teeth and gums are numbed.
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What are the steps for root canal treatment?
- Tooth preparation: Your dentist will begin by taking a series of X-rays of the affected tooth to build an accurate assessment of the damage.
- Remove the pulp: A rubber sheet (dam) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry, preventing you from swallowing chemicals. The tooth is opened to gain access to the soft tissue at the centre and infected pulp is removed.
- Cleaning and filling: The root canal is enlarged and cleaned. Depending on which tooth, times for this can vary; for example, your biting teeth only contain one root canal, whereas premolars can contain two.
- Sealing and fixing: The temporary filling will be removed, and the root canal filling inserted during your next visit. This will then prevent any further reinfections from occurring or the need to re-root.
- Add a crown: Because root-filled teeth are more likely to break, the dentist may suggest a dental crown to protect it. Crowns can be constructed from metal, ceramic or porcelain.
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Travelling information
We have no free parking on-site; patients can park on Fore Street using the pay and display.
- Most locations in Hertfordshire are about a fifteen minutes drive from our practice, with Stevenage being a 20-26 minute drive at the peak of the day (11.3 miles via A602 and A119).
- We’re equally accessible by bus and train (all within a short three-minute walk to the practice).
Directions from:
Hertford | Hatfield | Ware | St Albans | Welwyn Garden City | Letchworth Garden City | Bishop’s Stortford | Borehamwood | Cheshunt | Hemel Hempstead | Hoddesdon | Watford | Stevenage
Root Canal Patient Testimonial:
“I had a root canal a few years ago, and it felt no different to having a filling. Local anaesthetic was used to numb the area, and the discomfort afterwards was minimal. I was a bit weary because others had warned me that it was a nasty treatment; I think this is because decades ago, it probably was. Learning about the procedure and how it cleans out the canals inside a tooth sounds painful, but in reality, it was fine, and the recovery was very quick. In my recommendation, I would not think twice about it.” – Elizabeth S, Hertford.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Root canal procedures take no longer than 60 minutes – most patients are finished within the hour.
However, the dentist may require slightly longer for more complicated cases. Therefore, the length of root canal treatment is determined by the type of tooth being treated and the number required.
See root canal myths here.
Unless you’re entitled to free treatment on the NHS, you must pay privately for your root canal. Ensure you opt for a specialist endodontist listed on the General Dental Council (GDC).
- Root Canal Consultation £160
- Treatment from £520
DO NOT avoid a root canal.
When infections are left untreated, further damage is caused by decay, which can cause the tooth to fall out.
If root canals are ineffective, the dentist may recommend removing the infected tooth to prevent the infection from spreading.
Patient Root Canal Information:
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