Root Canal

A root canal is a procedure to treat an infected or damaged tooth. The dentist removes the damaged nerve inside the tooth, cleans it, and then seals it to prevent more problems. This helps relieve pain and saves the tooth, often followed by a crown to protect it.

 
Book Free Consultation Now

Google rating score of 4.8 of 5, based on 350+ reviews

0%

Finance Options

Evening and Weekend

Appointments

Free

Consultations

What is Root Canal Treatment?

What is a root canal? – The Process

All teeth have a nerve supply which enables us to sense pain, pressure, hot and cold. The nerve is contained in the core of the tooth extending into canals which are based in the roots of the teeth.  If this nerve supply is affected through tooth decay, trauma or gum disease it can result in the nerve becoming exposed and infected which can result in a pain. This is the tooth’s way of telling us something is wrong. However, this can also make it difficult to eat, drink and sleep.

If the nerve has become involved for any of the reasons mentioned above, a root canal treatment may be required. This is also known as endodontic treatment and involves using

delicate instruments to gently clean out the root canals, remove any exposed or infected nerve tissues and wash them all out to ensure the root canal is clean. Once they have been adequately cleansed, a rubber type filling material is placed within the canal system to ensure that bacteria cannot re-enter the tooth and that it can then be restored to normal function. The success rates are generally very high.

Without root canal treatment the only other alternative is to remove the tooth and leave the space, or replace it with either an implant, bridge or removable denture. Whilst these alternatives can be very successful, they do not compare to a natural tooth.

dental crown after root canal treatment

After a root canal procedure, a dental crown is often recommended to restore and protect the tooth. The root canal removes infected or damaged pulp, leaving the tooth structure hollow and fragile. A dental crown, which is a custom-made cap, covers the tooth entirely, providing strength, durability, and functionality. This helps to prevent fractures and ensures the tooth can withstand the forces of biting and chewing. By placing a dental crown after a root canal, the longevity and health of the treated tooth are significantly improved.

what is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tailored cap designed to cover and restore a tooth’s shape, size, and function. It is frequently suggested following a root canal to protect the treated tooth, which can become fragile or weakened. The crown encases the tooth, offering strength and resilience, and preventing additional damage or breakage. Dental crowns are crucial for preserving oral health and ensuring the treated tooth remains functional and durable, especially after root canal procedures

Root Canal Treatment

Enter your title

Enter your description
  • 1-2 appointments
  • Removal of nerve and infection
  • Cleaning and sealing of nerve chamber (root canal)
0% finance available
From £450

Concerns about 
root
canal treatment

You may have concerns about root canal treatments, we have listed below some of the things you may be worried about alongside the solutions for them

Composite Bonding
Porcelain Veneers
MaterialComposite resin (plastic and resin)
Porcelain (ceramic)
Appearance
Natural - but may stain over time

Natural and stain-resistant
ToughnessLess durable - may chip and stain

Highly durable - resistant to chipping or staining
Treatment required
No enamel removal, thus no injections required


Removal of enamel - will require some anaesthetic
Cost£400 per tooth

From £850 per tooth
Lifespan
5-10 years with maintenance

15-20+ years with maintenance
Repairability
Easily repairable

More complex to repair
Personalisation
Can be completely customised during the procedure


Custom-made in a dental lab for a precise fit
Staining
Regular maintenance polishing required

Minimal maintenance with routine dental hygiene
Maintenance
Single Visit - average 4 hours Yearly maintainence polish required


Minimal maintenance with routine dental hygiene
Treatment Time
Single Visit - average 4 hours


Longer, will require at least 2 visits
Color Matching
Easy to adjust or match color to teeth

Precise color matching is possible along with enhancing whiteness
Who is it for?
Suitable for subtle cosmetic improvements and smile makeovers

For major cosmetic transformations
Strength
Weaker, more prone to chipping

Stronger, resists chipping and cracking
Aesthetics
Natural appearance

Highest level of aesthetics, matching the tooth textures and colour more closely
Reversibility
Reversible - as it can be removed without damaging underlying tooth

Not reversible as enamel is removed, and cant be replaced
Long-term Investment
Will require more frequent replacements

Longer-lasting solution with less replacements and maintainence
Suitablity
Small chips, gappy teeth, or discolorations

Severely stained, misshapen, or misaligned teeth
Book Free Consultation Now

Can You Have It After a Root Canal?

Invisalign

Ensure your dentist is aware of your root canal so they can monitor the treated tooth during the alignment process. We normally wait around 12 weeks before moving a tooth that has had a root canal. If the tooth is straight we might not even need to move it at all

Composite bonding

Composite bonding can be applied to a tooth that has had a root canal. This procedure can help improve the appearance and colour of the treated tooth alongside fixing any other minor imperfections.

 

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers can be placed on teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. The treated tooth should be healthy enough to support the veneer. It can mask any discolouration of the tooth affected by a root canal

 

Dental Implants

If the the root canal-treated tooth fails or needs to be extracted, a dental implants can be a suitable replacement option.

 
 

Dental Implant vs Root Canal treatment

Composite Bonding
Porcelain Veneers
MaterialComposite resin (plastic and resin)
Porcelain (ceramic)
Appearance
Natural - but may stain over time

Natural and stain-resistant
ToughnessLess durable - may chip and stain

Highly durable - resistant to chipping or staining
Treatment required
No enamel removal, thus no injections required


Removal of enamel - will require some anaesthetic
Cost£400 per tooth

From £850 per tooth
Lifespan
5-10 years with maintenance

15-20+ years with maintenance
Repairability
Easily repairable

More complex to repair
Personalisation
Can be completely customised during the procedure


Custom-made in a dental lab for a precise fit
Staining
Regular maintenance polishing required

Minimal maintenance with routine dental hygiene
Maintenance
Single Visit - average 4 hours Yearly maintainence polish required


Minimal maintenance with routine dental hygiene
Treatment Time
Single Visit - average 4 hours


Longer, will require at least 2 visits
Color Matching
Easy to adjust or match color to teeth

Precise color matching is possible along with enhancing whiteness
Who is it for?
Suitable for subtle cosmetic improvements and smile makeovers

For major cosmetic transformations
Strength
Weaker, more prone to chipping

Stronger, resists chipping and cracking
Aesthetics
Natural appearance

Highest level of aesthetics, matching the tooth textures and colour more closely
Reversibility
Reversible - as it can be removed without damaging underlying tooth

Not reversible as enamel is removed, and cant be replaced
Long-term Investment
Will require more frequent replacements

Longer-lasting solution with less replacements and maintainence
Suitablity
Small chips, gappy teeth, or discolorations

Severely stained, misshapen, or misaligned teeth
Book Free Consultation Now

frequently asked questions

What are implants made from?

Implant are predominantly made of titanium, but can also be made from other materials such as zirconia.

There will be minor adjustments to the teeth, but this is minimal, especially if the teeth have been straightened previously How will I know if I like the look of veneers? The dentist providing the veneers will look at the current shape of the teeth, their colour, your facial and gum contours as well as things like lip position and tooth symmetry to make a decision on the character and profile of the veneers. However, the dental lab can perform a waxed version attached to a study model of your teeth so you can see and even trial the smile before any treatment begins.

Regular maintenance with a hygienist and treating them like you would for any of your natural teeth is best practice, as this allows for them to stay healthy for as long as possible

Regular maintenance with a hygienist and treating them like you would for any of your natural teeth is best practice, as this allows for them to stay healthy for as long as possible

Regular maintenance with a hygienist and treating them like you would for any of your natural teeth is best practice, as this allows for them to stay healthy for as long as possible

Regular maintenance with a hygienist and treating them like you would for any of your natural teeth is best practice, as this allows for them to stay healthy for as long as possible