Root canal treatment
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (endodontics) is a dental procedure used to repair or save a tooth that has been infected with a bacterial infection. The part of the tooth affected is the centre of the tooth (the root canal) which is comprised of soft tissue and the tooth’s nerve.
Why is it done?
Root canal treatment is done to treat infection in the root canal of a tooth, the part of the tooth below the crown, that extends into the jaw and anchors the tooth. This central part of the tooth consists of what’s called dental pulp which is soft tissue. The infection could be caused by tooth decay, a leaky filling or trauma. Root canal treatment is only carried out when an x-ray shows that a bacterial infection is present. An infection in the root canal cannot be cured with antibiotics alone.
What does it involve?
First, the bacteria from the root canal is removed by removing the pulp or centre of the tooth and removing the nerve. Then the tooth is filled and sealed with either a filling or a crown. Sometimes the patient may want to have the tooth extracted, however, this is not normally recommended.
How do you prepare for it?
Before treatment, the patient will be given a local anaesthetic, to ensure that they feel no pain during the treatment. The treatment may require more than one dental visit.
Aftercare
After treatment, the tooth may be sensitive for a few days and any hard or sticky foods should be avoided until the tooth fully heals. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol can be taken to reduce inflammation and to relieve any discomfort. It’s important after treatment to take care of your teeth to avoid any further infections by:
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Maintaining good oral hygiene
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Cutting back on sugary foods
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Quitting smoking
Alternatives to root canal treatment
The only alternative treatment to root canal is tooth extraction, followed by replacing the tooth with a bridge, implant or removable denture to restore chewing ability and to prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting. These procedures are more expensive and time-consuming and will require adjacent treatments.
What specialist carries out root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is carried out by an endodontist or a dentist.


What is endodontic treatment?
By Dr Michael Sultan
2022-06-26
What are endodontics and what does this area of dentistry involve? Expert endodontist Dr Michael Sultan is here to explain the ins and outs of endodontic treatment (including root canal procedures). See more


“Not as bad as having a root canal…” - demystifying root canal treatment
By Dr Anthony Druttman
2022-06-25
Expert endodontist Dr Anthony Druttman addresses the misconception that root canal treatment is painful and, if carried out correctly, it can be a painless procedure. See more


Endodontist vs. dentist: what's the difference and the latest in dental technologies?
By Dr Michael Sultan
2022-06-25
Do you need a root canal but not sure whether your dentist or a specialist should do it? Here, one of our top endodontists Dr Michael Sultan explains why the latter might be the best option and how dental technology has evolved over the last 20 years to become faster and more efficient. See more


Microscopic root canal treatment, does it always make sense?
By Professor Christian Mehl
2022-06-25
Root canal treatment has been a common procedure for many years. Since technology and techniques have advanced in dentistry, it is now possible to ensure a faster, safer, and easier treatment process for patients. Expert specialist in prosthodontics Professor Christian Mehl has explained how having a root canal treatment with a microscope is done and what the benefits are in this article. See more
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Dr Anthony Druttman
EndodonticsExpert in:
- Endodontic retreatment
- Root canal treatment
- Endodontic treatment
- Dental pain diagnosis
- Surgical endodontics
- Tooth restoration
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Dr Michael Sultan
EndodonticsExpert in:
- Endodontic treatment
- Root canal treatment
- Dental pain diagnosis
- Apicoectomy
- Surgical endodontics
- Endodontic retreatment
-
Professor Federico Foschi
EndodonticsExpert in:
- Endodontic treatment
- Root canal treatment
- Dental pain diagnosis
- Apicoectomy
- Surgical endodontics
- Endodontic retreatment
-
Dr Adi Moran
EndodonticsExpert in:
- Endodontic treatment
- Root canal treatment
- Dental pain diagnosis
- Apicoectomy
- Surgical endodontics
- Endodontic retreatment
-
Dr Satinder Matharu
EndodonticsExpert in:
- Endodontic treatment
- Root canal treatment
- Dental pain diagnosis
- Apicoectomy
- Surgical endodontics
- Endodontic retreatment
- See all

Endocare
Endocare
99 Harley Street, W1G 6AQ
No existe teléfono en el centro.
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Wimpole Street Dental Clinic
Wimpole Street Dental Clinic
55 Wimpole Street, Marylebone, W1G 8YL
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Top Doctors

St Paul's Square Dental Practice
St Paul's Square Dental Practice
Studio 1, 51 St Paul's Square, Birmingham B3 1QS
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
Endocare
99 Harley Street, W1G 6AQ, Central LondonExpert in:
- Dental pain diagnosis
- Endodontics
- Surgical endodontics
- Root canal re-treatment
- Root canal treatment
-
Wimpole Street Dental Clinic
55 Wimpole Street, Marylebone, W1G 8YL, Central LondonExpert in:
- Oral surgery
- Periodontal surgery
- Aesthetic dentistry
- Tooth restoration
- Root canal treatment
-
St Paul's Square Dental Practice
Studio 1, 51 St Paul's Square, Birmingham B3 1QS, BirminghamExpert in:
- Crowns
- Endodontics
- Dental implants
- Invisalign
- Dental check up (adults)
- Dental check up (children)
- See all