Root Canal Treatment Explained
Treat root canals at your local YDS clinic - contact us for options, prices and pay monthly finance.
When the pulp (the centre of the tooth) is inflamed or infected, a root canal is carried out. Dentists commonly use this treatment when they think that the tooth can be saved, rather than extracted. What leads to a tooth needing a root canal? From gum disease and tooth decay to deep cavities and injuries, the versatile procedure addresses a variety of dental issues.
What are the symptoms of needing a root canal?
Knowing when you need a root canal can be difficult to determine. The common symptoms to look out for are pain when consuming hot or cold food and drinks, as well as sensitivity when chewing and biting. Other indicators include swollen gums and a loose tooth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your dentist. The earlier the infection is caught, the more likely the root canal process will be a success.
What does the root canal procedure involve?
In the initial consultation with your dentist, an x-ray will be carried out to confirm that there is damage caused by a bacterial infection and a root canal is needed. A follow-up appointment is then organised for the procedure. Let’s go through what to expect on the day of your root canal:
- You are given sedation to make the process pain free.
- A piece of thin, flexible rubber is placed inside the mouth, covering everything but the infected tooth. This helps to keep it clean and dry.
- A small hole is made with a drill in the tooth.
- Your dentist then cleans everything out of the hole using tiny instruments, including the nerves, blood vessels and tissues.
- The inside of the tooth is now disinfected with a liquid.
- The clean tooth is sealed with a temporary filling, signalling the end of the first appointment.
- Your final appointment includes returning to the clinic to have the tooth either permanently filled or topped with a crown.
How much does a root canal cost in the UK?
Root canals are available both on the NHS and privately. Classed as a Band 2 treatment, the procedure costs £75.30 when carried out by an NHS doctor. However, appointment availability and long waiting lists, as well as limited tools to perform the treatment itself, leads to many getting a root canal at a private clinic. Yorkshire Dental Suite charges £895 for this procedure. Please note that prices will vary from practice to practice. We do offer finance options to patients wishing to spread the cost of the treatment over time – get an idea of your monthly payments with our on-site calculator.
Root canal advantages
There are many advantages of a root canal:
- There is a chance that the natural tooth can be saved.
- The ongoing pain you have been experiencing in your day-to-day life is stopped.
- Your strong, confident bite is restored.
- It stops the infection from spreading to other areas of the body.
- The treatment is more cost-effective in the long-term versus removing the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant or bridge.
Root canal disadvantages
There are also disadvantages to consider prior to getting a root canal:
- The procedure might not work and causes the tooth to weaken further, leading to further dental work such as extraction.
- Some patients need multiple appointments if the nerves inside the tooth are tricky to work with.
- As the sinuses are located so closely to the mouth, there is a risk of your sinuses becoming inflamed.
- Teeth can become very brittle after the root canal and even crack.
- Many report feeling discomfort once the treatment is complete, as well as visible discolouration. If you choose to have teeth whitening to fix the discolouration, this will add to your overall costs.
How long does a root canal last?
On average, teeth successfully treated with a root canal can survive up to 10 years. However, if the procedure fails or the tooth becomes infected again, your dentist may need to repeat the procedure. There are ways in which you are able to maximise the longevity of your root canal, including maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and avoiding hard and sticky foods that risk damaging the restored tooth. If you grind your teeth at night (a habit known as bruxism), we recommend wearing a mouth guard to protect your mouth against this excessive pressure.
Alternatives to root canal treatment
A root canal isn’t suitable for everyone. There are various restoration procedures that will help fix your broken, damaged tooth.
Alternative | How It Works |
|---|---|
Fillings | Your dentist removes the decay from the tooth. The hole is then sealed with your chosen filling material. |
Direct pulp capping | This is carried out when the decay has not yet reached the pulp. The process includes removing the decay from the tooth and applying a medicated material to protect it from bacteria until the dentin repairs itself. A filling then follows. |
Pulpotomy | Typically performed on children, the pulp in the crown of a tooth is removed to help save it from decay or infection. |
Apicoectomy | An apicoectomy removes inflamed gum tissue at the tip of the tooth’s root. It is sometimes used by a dentist when the first attempt of a root canal has failed. |
Tooth extraction | When the tooth cannot be saved, an extraction may be suggested. This is a dentist’s last resort. |
Watchful waiting | This is a strategy used by healthcare professionals that includes monitoring the condition of the tooth with regular x-rays and check-ups. Only when the condition worsens will treatment be suggested to the patient. |
Root canal VS dental implant – which do I need?
Root canal and dental implant treatment fixes painful toothache, cracking, severe decay and infection, amongst an array of many other dental issues. So, which is the best option? If the tooth has any chance of being saved, a root canal will be suggested. On the other hand, if the tooth is beyond repair, and you are looking for a long-term solution to your pain and embarrassment, an implant is the better option. Rest assured, your dentist will thoroughly assess the condition of your teeth and advise you on the recommended procedure. We have created the below to illustrate the key differences between the treatments:
Consideration | Root canal or dental implant? |
|---|---|
Low cost | Root canal |
Longevity | Dental implants |
Success rate | Dental implants |
Chance of saving the tooth | Root canal |
Faster treatment time | Root canal |
Faster recovery time | Root canal |
Future proof | Dental implants |
Whiteness | Dental implants |
Root canal FAQs
Below we have answered some common questions we receive about root canal treatment. If your query is not answered here, do not hesitate to get in touch. We will do everything we can to help.
Is a root canal painful?
The procedure itself is painless, thanks to sedation. However, while your mouth heals, discomfort is quite common. This can be managed with your usual over-the-counter pain medication.
Do you need time off work for a root canal?
The answer to this depends on the severity of your root canal. Many are able to return to work the next day, whereas those experiencing pain and swelling may need to take a few days off to recover. The full healing period is usually less than a week.
How long after a root canal can I eat?
You will need to wait a few hours for the anaesthetic to fully wear off. Then, you can try eating something. We recommend sticking to a soft food diet for the first few days after the procedure to minimise discomfort.
Who is eligible for root canal treatment?
You are eligible for root canal treatment if your tooth is:
- Infected
- Cracked
- Chipped
- Injured
- Suffering from a deep cavity
- Discoloured
There are other signs that suggest you are eligible for a root canal:
- Gums are swollen, tender or discoloured
- You are in pain when chewing or biting
- You are in pain when consuming hot or cold food and drinks
- Spots on your gums
Who is not eligible for root canal treatment?
You are not eligible for root canal treatment if:
- The tooth is completely fractured or disintegrated
- The decay is so advanced that the roots are rotten
- Your tooth roots are too short
- Previous root canal treatments have failed
- The canals inside the tooth are too narrow or curved
- Your tooth is severely injured
Conclusion: If you have a damaged or infected tooth that has a chance of being saved, then a root canal is ideal. Book your consultation with Yorkshire Dental Suite to stop pain and regain a strong, healthy smile.