“Root canal treatment”, these words can cause anxiety even in people who are not normally afraid of the dentist. Somewhere along the way, it became known as one of the most painful dental procedures. The reality is quite different, and it is worth saying clearly, because it is precisely the fear of root canal treatment that leads many patients to put off an appointment until the tooth can only be removed.
What is root canal treatment?
Inside every tooth is the pulp, tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. As long as the tooth is healthy, the pulp causes no problems. Trouble begins when bacteria get inside and cause inflammation or necrosis. This most commonly results from advanced decay, a cracked tooth, or an injury.
Infected pulp does not heal on its own. If it is not removed, the infection spreads to the bone around the tooth root, forming an abscess that causes severe pain, swelling, and in more serious cases even systemic infection.
Root canal treatment involves removing the diseased pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and then sealing them. The tooth remains in the jaw and continues to function, though it is now a non-vital tooth.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
This is the most important question, and the answer is: no, if it is carried out correctly and with appropriate anaesthesia.
So where did its bad reputation come from? Largely from the fact that in the past, root canal treatment was performed with weaker anaesthesia or even without it. Today, that is an anachronism. Modern endodontics is performed under full local anaesthesia and the patient does not feel pain during the procedure.
Some discomfort may appear in the days following the procedure, as the tissues around the treated tooth respond to the procedure. However, this is pain that is easy to manage with standard over-the-counter pain relief and usually subsides after 2 to 3 days. The vast majority of PerfectSmile patients, when asked afterwards, admit that they were more worried than they needed to be.
When is root canal treatment necessary?
Root canal treatment is necessary when the tooth’s pulp is infected or dead. Warning signs that should prompt a dental visit as soon as possible include: severe throbbing toothache, especially at night; pain that intensifies when biting or applying pressure; prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold; swelling or redness of the gum around the tooth; a tooth that has darkened in colour; or a visible sinus tract on the gum near the root.
It can also happen that infected pulp causes no pain at all and the tooth simply “dies” silently. This is why regular X-rays during preventive appointments are so important, they allow problems to be detected before they become serious.
How does root canal treatment work at PerfectSmile?
At our practice, root canal treatment begins with an X-ray and assessment of the root condition. We then administer anaesthesia, always free of charge, and proceed to open the tooth and remove the pulp using specialised endodontic files. The canals are mechanically prepared, irrigated with disinfecting solutions and dried.
Depending on the degree of infection, the procedure may be completed in a single visit or may require placement of an intracanal dressing for one to two weeks before the final filling. The dentist always informs the patient in advance how many visits will be needed in their specific case.
After root canal treatment, the tooth usually requires restoration with a crown, as it becomes more brittle without its nerve and blood supply. The dentist will discuss with you the best restoration option suited to your situation.
The price list for root canal treatment at PerfectSmile is as follows: single-canal tooth £380, two-canal tooth £440, three-canal tooth £480. Each price includes anaesthesia and the intracanal dressing. Re-treatment of a previously root-filled tooth starts from £440.
Is a tooth after root canal treatment durable?
With correct treatment and a good restoration, yes. Endodontically treated teeth can last for many years, even a lifetime. The key is thorough sealing of the canals to prevent re-infection, and an appropriate crown or post-and-core that protects the tooth from fracture.
Regular check-ups and X-rays allow the condition of the treated tooth to be monitored and any issues addressed before they become a problem.
Is there an alternative to root canal treatment?
When the pulp is irreversibly infected, the only alternative is tooth extraction. This is a decision best avoided, because the absence of a tooth creates further problems. Neighbouring teeth begin to drift, bite overload develops, and there is gradual bone loss at the site of the extracted root. After extraction, you still face the need to replace the gap with an implant or bridge, which typically costs more than the root canal treatment itself.
In other words: root canal treatment, though it sounds serious, is usually the least expensive and least invasive option for saving a tooth. It is worth proceeding with it before the problem forces more radical steps.
Polish endodontist in London
Endodontics requires precision, patience and good communication with the patient. At PerfectSmile, root canal treatment is carried out by experienced dentists who will explain every step of the procedure in Polish and answer all your questions before, during and after treatment. If you feel anxious, we tell you the same thing we tell all our patients: you were more scared than necessary. And we are usually right.
PerfectSmile: 36 Crown St, London W3 8SB. Tel: 07490 565656. We see patients Monday to Friday 9:00 to 20:00 and Saturdays 9:00 to 18:00.
