Root Canal Treatment

We are specialists in Root canal treatments where infected pulp is removed in order to avoid tooth extraction. Find out more details about the treatment here.

Endodontists

Root Canal Treatment; helping to maintain your beautiful smile

Mouth Dental is steady in our commitment to providing specialist dental care as our dental specialists ensure each patient receives the best treatment and care, which is why we are the trusted name for procedures such as professional root canal treatments. Backed by our resident specialists in Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Periodontics, and Orthodontics we have become the recognized name for dental and facial aesthetics treatments, hygiene services, and specialist treatments. Our cutting-edge dental clinics offer general and specialist services to those in East London and beyond.

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What is a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes infected pulp or the soft center of the tooth in order to avoid tooth extraction. In most cases, a local anesthetic is administered to the patient prior to the procedure being done.

Why would a root canal treatment need to be carried out?

If the pulp or soft inner part of a tooth is injured and becomes infected or inflamed then a root canal is performed where the infected pulp is removed to preserve the structure of the infected tooth. The dental pulp is made up of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue that help the tooth grow and stay healthy.

The most common reasons for the pulp to be damaged include:

  • A chip or crack in the tooth
  • Deep decay caused by an untreated cavity
  • Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
  • An injury to the mouth, even if the tooth does not crack can cause damage to the pulp
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Why would a root canal treatment need to be carried out?

If the pulp or soft inner part of a tooth is injured and becomes infected or inflamed then a root canal is performed where the infected pulp is removed to preserve the structure of the infected tooth. The dental pulp is made up of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue that help the tooth grow and stay healthy.

The most common reasons for the pulp to be damaged include:

  • A chip or crack in the tooth
  • Deep decay caused by an untreated cavity
  • Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
  • An injury to the mouth, even if the tooth does not crack can cause damage to the pulp
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What type of dentist carries out this treatment?

While it is possible for general dentists to carry out a root canal, owing to its complexities it is generally done by a specialist in root canal treatment, known as an endodontist. Referred to as root canal dentists, endodontists undergo additional training in dental pulp disorders and so have a higher level of expertise when it comes to endodontic treatments.

Root Canal Treatment Procedure

There are four main elements to a root canal treatment and in order to complete it entirely you may need more than one visit, depending on the difficulty of the procedure. The basic process is listed here but may vary slightly depending on what your dentist or endodontist recommends for you. A local anaesthesia will be administered before the treatment is started.

Removing the active decay and infection – The first step of the canal treatment is to remove the infected nerve tissue, old fillings, the tooth decay and debris to leave a cleaner area.

Shaping the canals – Once cleaned, the canals within the root of the tooth, need to shaped into smooth hollow tunnels in order to be filled well. There cannot be any irregularities or residual bacteria so this step that may have to be repeated several times. It sometimes takes a few weeks for the special disinfectants and medicines to take effect against stubborn bacteria within the tooth.

Filling the canals – This process is to stop bacteria from re-infecting the tooth it is permanently filled and sealed with a long-lasting barrier material.

Creating a functional tooth – To help the tooth become functional again, a seal such as a crown is put on the tooth, to keep bacteria from re-entering the oral cavity. As the tooth may have lost considerable tooth structure, further protection might be necessary in the form of porcelain or gold alloy crowns.

How long does the treatment process take?
Some rare simple root canal procedures can be sorted in one appointment lasting about 30 minutes to over an hour. However, generally it takes two appoints with more severe or complicated cases needing a longer period of time with a third appointment. If additional appointments are needed your tooth will have a temporary filling during the periods between the appointments to ensure it stays as clean as possible.
Root canal treatments at Mouth Dental

At Mouth Dental we are renowned for our specialist dental care and for staying at the cutting edge of dentistry. In sync with the global evolution of the dental industry, our services go above and beyond with the expertise of our cosmetic dental professionals backing us. Our experienced endodontists ensure a stress-free root canal treatment that will help save your tooth from extraction.

How much does a root canal treatment cost?

Root canal treatment is quite a technical procedure as it is sorting out decay that is deep inside. If you have NHS Dental work coverage it can cost £65 onwards. If you opt to get it done privately it will cost between £95 and £700 depending on the tooth needs working on.

Mouth Dental payment scheme
At Mouth Dental we offer several payment options for spreading the cost of treatments such as root canals. There is a ‘pay as you go’ option which allows you to pay for the treatment you have on the day of the appointment. Further, we have a credit system with the financing company Chrysalis Finance, with 0% interest free finance over 12 months and 9.9% interest for up to five years. You will make a monthly payment to Chrysalis Finance via standing order.

Talk to us to find out for more details regarding the root canal treatment, costs and payment methods and give yourself the gift of healthy teeth.

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Tiago Pimentel

Root Canal Specialists

LMD, MSc (Endo), MClinDent (Endo), MRD RCS (Ed)

After graduating from the University of Coimbra, Portugal (2005), Tiago worked in general dental practice and carried out further training in different areas being awarded a postgraduate certificate in Advanced Oral Surgery in 2008 and one in Implantology in 2009.

Tiago moved to the UK to further his training in Endodontics and was awarded an MSc with distinction in 2016 at King’s College London. He completed his 4-year specialist training (MClinDent) at the same institution in 2020.

The training he has received and the experience gathered over the years allows him to offer a variety of treatments and to manage the most complex endodontic problems, whilst maintaining a calm and pain-free environment.

Tiago was also involved in supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students at King’s College London.

He likes traveling, photography and reading.

Invislaign

Tiago Pimentel

Root Canal Specialists

LMD, MSc (Endo), MClinDent (Endo), MRD RCS (Ed)

After graduating from the University of Coimbra, Portugal (2005), Tiago worked in general dental practice and carried out further training in different areas being awarded a postgraduate certificate in Advanced Oral Surgery in 2008 and one in Implantology in 2009.

Tiago moved to the UK to further his training in Endodontics and was awarded an MSc with distinction in 2016 at King’s College London. He completed his 4-year specialist training (MClinDent) at the same institution in 2020.

The training he has received and the experience gathered over the years allows him to offer a variety of treatments and to manage the most complex endodontic problems, whilst maintaining a calm and pain-free environment.

Tiago was also involved in supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students at King’s College London.

He likes traveling, photography and reading.

Frequently asked questions

Am I suitable for a root canal treatment?
If you are experiencing pain in your tooth and swelling and heat in your gums near the tooth then you should check with a dentist as these are signs of a damaged pulp. After an examination and an x-ray to confirm the diagnosis you will be recommended for a root canal.
How painful are root canals?
Root canals are not painful because dentists now use a local anesthetic before starting the root canal procedure to numb the tooth and surrounding areas. You may feel slight pain and discomfort once the procedure is completed but you will be prescribed mild painkillers by your endodontist.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal treatment?
It generally only takes a few days to recover, with soreness or irritation lasting for about 24 to 48 hours. To manage the pain your dentist will prescribe over-the-counter pain medication which will see you through those few days. If pain or discomfort persists after a week then do get in touch with your endodontist.
Are the fillings permanent or temporary?
The root canal is sealed with a permanent filling to prevent bacteria or fluid from entering the tooth. A temporary filling is used between the treatments which is replaced with a permanent one once the root canal heals.
Do you need a crown after a root canal?
Most often if the tooth can be restored with the dental filing only a crown is not necessary. However, if it is a front tooth and it has discoloured by decay then for cosmetic purposed a crown should be fitted.
Will I require follow up treatments after the procedure?
With proper care your root canal will be able to last a lifetime. While you may not require follow up treatments, if you have been asked to come in for a check-up, make sure you do so to ensure that everything is in order. If you start to feel pain at some later date, then do visit your endodontist.
Aftercare - How to take care of the treated area
Right after the procedure your mouth will still feel numb owing to the anaesthetic and as a result eating will be a little difficult. Once the numbness is gone and you eat, avoid chewing or biting down on the treated tooth for a day or two to avoid damaging it. Avoid hard foods for a while just to give your tooth time to heal completely.