Root canal therapy is a procedure to remove infected tissue from within a tooth, relieving pain and saving the tooth from extraction.
The treatment focuses on the inner parts of the tooth — the pulp chamber and root canals, which contain nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. These can become infected or inflamed through deep decay, repeated dental procedures or injury. We remove the damaged pulp, clean and shape the canals, then fill and seal them to prevent further infection.
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- Pain relief
- the treatment removes the source of the toothache
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- Your own tooth
- kept, rather than extracted and replaced
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- Local anesthesia
- used throughout; sedation is available if you are anxious
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- Crowned after
- a custom crown protects the treated tooth
Why it is worth doing
What root canal therapy achieves
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Relief from the pain
Many patients who have been suffering from severe toothache due to infection or damage experience significant comfort after the procedure, because the source of the pain is removed.
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Keeping your natural tooth
Keeping the tooth maintains proper bite function and prevents adjacent teeth from shifting. It also helps preserve the jawbone and facial structure, which tooth loss can affect.
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Stopping the infection spreading
An infected tooth can pose risks beyond oral health. Treating it contains and eliminates the infection before it reaches surrounding tissues.
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Keeping your smile intact
The treated tooth is restored with a crown that matches your natural teeth, so there is no visible gap and no need for a replacement tooth.
What to expect
How the treatment goes
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Comprehensive evaluation
We assess the tooth using advanced diagnostic tools, discuss your symptoms, and confirm whether this is the right treatment. We explain the procedure in detail before anything begins.
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A personalised plan
We determine the extent of the infection, plan the steps, and select the materials for restoring the tooth — taking into account where the tooth sits and your overall oral health.
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The procedure
Under local anesthesia, we access the tooth’s interior, remove the infected or damaged pulp, clean and shape the root canals, then fill and seal them with a biocompatible material, preserving as much natural tooth as possible.
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Restoration and protection
A temporary filling protects the tooth, and at a later visit we fit a custom-made crown matched to your natural teeth, restoring function and protecting against further damage.
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Aftercare and recovery
We provide aftercare instructions covering discomfort, oral hygiene and any temporary dietary restrictions, and schedule a follow-up to monitor your healing.
Related care
Where to go next
Common questions
Questions about root canal treatment
Contrary to popular belief, modern root canal procedures are not typically painful — the treatment is designed to relieve pain caused by infected or damaged pulp. We use local anesthesia throughout, and many patients report it is no more uncomfortable than a standard filling.
Usually between 60 and 90 minutes for a single tooth. More complex cases might require multiple appointments. We will give you a more accurate estimate at your consultation.
Wait until the local anesthesia wears off before eating, so you do not accidentally bite your cheek or tongue. Stick to soft foods for the first few days and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored with a permanent crown.
With proper care, the results can last a lifetime. The treated tooth no longer has a nerve, but it can still be affected by decay or gum disease — so good oral hygiene, regular check-ups and a well-fitting crown matter.
New patients
New patients are welcome
Your first visit begins with a thorough examination to assess your dental health and discuss your concerns and goals.