Root canal treatment might take a couple of appointments, or even more if things are a bit tricky. Sometimes, you might be referred to a specialist, an endodontist, or a dentist with extra training in root canals. First, your dentist will give your tooth a thorough check and take some X-rays to see the full picture. The actual treatment usually involves local anaesthetic to keep things comfortable. Then, it’s all about carefully cleaning out the infected part inside the tooth and filling it with a material that prevents future infections. After the root canal, we often recommend a crown to strengthen the tooth and improve its appearance, especially if it’s discoloured.

If a root canal isn’t the right fit, the alternative might be to take out the infected tooth and replace it with an implant, denture, or bridge. But we always try to save your tooth first – it’s always our last resort to remove it. For complex cases, there might be other specialist treatments available. We’ll chat through all the options with you, tailored to your tooth’s specific needs.

Post-treatment, you’ll get a set of clear aftercare instructions from us. It’s normal to have a bit of discomfort, so over-the-counter painkillers can help. Stick to softer foods for a bit, and avoid extreme temperatures in your drinks and meals. Looking after the tooth long-term means brushing regularly, eating healthily, keeping up with dentist and hygienist visits, and if you’re a smoker, thinking about quitting.

For more information on what to do after a root canal, read our root canal aftercare guide

Most of the time, root canals go off without a hitch. But in rare cases, you might have issues like the tooth breaking if you don’t get a crown soon enough, a hidden crack causing problems, or an infection during the treatment. We do our best to avoid these, but it’s good to know what can happen.

With a specialist’s touch, a tooth treated with a root canal can last up to 10 years. Of course, following the aftercare instructions and regular dental check-ups play a big part in keeping your tooth in good shape.

In the UK, root canal costs vary, usually between £270 and £850. The price tag depends on how complex your case is. We’ll give you a clear idea of the costs during your consultation.