Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is when the pulpal tissue (nerve and blood vessels) inside the tooth is removed and the remaining space is disinfected and filled with a rubber material called gutta percha.
Root canal treatment can prevent pain and infection spreading through the pulp and possibly causing an abscess. Root filling may be required for several reasons:
Alternatively, the affected tooth can be extracted and if necessary, replaced with an implant, bridge or a denture.
Root canal treatment is a complex and time-consuming procedure, and most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits.
At New Park House we have an in-house endodontist who is able to treat the most complex cases. Referrals are accepted for root canal treatment, retreatments, post removal and apicetomy. Click here to make a referral.
Q1. Will the treatment be painful?
A1. Local anesthetic will be administered to ensure no discomfort is felt during treatment. The goal of root canal treatment is to prevent painful episodes and infection in the long term. Where a tooth is acutely painful then local anesthetic can be less effective. In which case the tooth can be dressed to relieve the pain and treatment can be commenced at a later date when it can be pain free
Q2. How long does treatment take
A2. To effectively clean, shape and fill the root canal can take several long appointments. Rubber Dam is placed over the tooth to isolate it from the rest of the mouth. In between appointments the tooth will effectively dressed and temporised to ensure that in remains comfortable.
Q3. How much does treatment cost
A3. Fees range from £395 for the most simple cases, up to £975 for the most complex cases. All our fees are listed here.
A4. We often recommend that teeth that have been root filled should be restored with a crown or onlay to improve the outcome and prevent fracture.
Root filling is a technically demanding and time consuming procedure but can be very effective at preventing compromised teeth being extracted. Root filled teeth should often be crowned. Complex cases can be treated by the specialist endodontist in the practice