Endodontics / Root Canal Treatment City Road & Enfield
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Endodontics / Root Canal Treatment City Road & Enfield
Saving Infected or Damaged Teeth with Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, is needed when the nerve and blood supply inside a tooth (the pulp) becomes infected or inflamed, usually as a result of deep decay, injury, or a cracked tooth. The treatment aims to remove the infected tissue and save the natural tooth, rather than needing to remove it.
At Dental Arts Studio in City Road and Enfield, London, our dentists assess your tooth carefully to confirm whether root canal treatment is needed, and explain the process and costs involved so you can make an informed decision.
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed — often due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma — it can cause pain and, if left untreated, may lead to an abscess. Root canal treatment removes the infected or damaged pulp, cleans and shapes the canal inside the tooth root, and seals it to prevent further infection.
Root canal treatment may be needed where:
Decay has reached the inner pulp of the tooth
A tooth has been significantly cracked, chipped, or injured
Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth have irritated the pulp
An infection or abscess has developed at the root of a tooth
Whether root canal treatment is the right option, or whether the tooth cannot be saved and needs to be removed instead, depends on the extent of the damage or infection. Your dentist will assess this and discuss the alternatives with you.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
You may want to book an appointment with our team if you are experiencing:
Persistent or severe toothache, including pain that wakes you at night
Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the stimulus is removed
Pain when biting or chewing
Swelling or tenderness in the gum near a tooth
A tooth that has darkened in colour
A small bump or spot on the gum, sometimes with discharge
If you have facial or neck swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high temperature, or symptoms that are getting rapidly worse, this may indicate a spreading dental infection and needs urgent attention. Please contact us immediately or attend A&E if these symptoms are severe.
An examination, including X-rays where needed, will help confirm whether root canal treatment, or another course of action, is appropriate for your tooth.
The Root Canal Treatment Process
Step 1: Assessment
Your dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to assess the extent of the infection or damage and confirm root canal treatment is appropriate.
Step 2: Local anaesthetic
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
Step 3: Removing the infected pulp
A small opening is made in the tooth to access and remove the infected or damaged pulp from the root canals.
Step 4: Cleaning and shaping the canals
The canals are carefully cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to prepare them for filling.
Step 5: Filling and sealing
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent reinfection.
Step 6: Restoring the tooth
A tooth that has had root canal treatment can be more brittle, so a filling or, more often, a crown is usually recommended afterwards to protect and restore it. You can read more on our dental crowns page.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
For suitable patients, root canal treatment may help:
Save a natural tooth that would otherwise need to be removed
Relieve pain caused by an infected or inflamed pulp
Treat the source of infection and help prevent it from spreading
Restore normal biting and chewing function once the tooth is restored
As with any dental treatment, outcomes vary between individuals depending on the condition of the tooth, and your dentist can discuss what to realistically expect in your case.
Cost of Root Canal Treatment
The cost of root canal treatment depends on which tooth is affected (front teeth generally have simpler canals than back teeth), the complexity of the case, and whether a crown or other restoration is needed afterwards.
If you’re looking for toothache relief in Enfield, or comparing the cost of root canal treatment near Old Street, please get in touch — we’ll aim to assess you promptly and explain the likely treatment and cost before proceeding.
Treatment fees
We provide a written treatment plan with clear costs before any treatment begins, so you can make an informed decision without pressure.
Payment and finance
Finance options may be available to help spread the cost of treatment — please ask our team for details.
Looking after your treated tooth properly can help support its long-term function, although, as with any dental treatment, this cannot be guaranteed.
Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored — A temporary filling or an unrestored tooth can be more vulnerable to fracture.
Maintain good oral hygiene — Brush twice daily and clean between your teeth to protect the treated tooth and surrounding gums.
Attend your follow-up appointment for a permanent restoration — A crown or filling is usually needed to protect the tooth long-term.
Attend regular check-ups — Routine reviews allow your dentist to monitor the treated tooth.
Contact us if pain or swelling persists or returns — This should be assessed promptly, as it can occasionally indicate the treatment needs review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does root canal treatment hurt?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so most patients find it no more uncomfortable than having a filling. Some mild soreness afterwards is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
How many appointments does root canal treatment take?
This depends on the tooth and the complexity of the case; some root canal treatments are completed in one visit, while others need two or more appointments. Your dentist can confirm what to expect after assessing your tooth.
Will I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Often, yes, particularly for back teeth. A tooth can become more brittle after root canal treatment, so a crown is usually recommended to protect it from fracturing.
How much does root canal treatment cost?
Costs vary depending on which tooth is affected, the complexity of the case, and whether a crown is needed afterwards. We provide a detailed, written quote after your consultation so you know the costs involved.
What happens if I don’t have root canal treatment?
Without treatment, an infected tooth will not heal on its own and the infection can spread, potentially leading to an abscess or more significant pain. In some cases, the tooth may eventually need to be removed.
Is root canal treatment better than having the tooth removed?
Where possible, saving a natural tooth is often preferable to extraction, as it avoids the need to replace the tooth with a bridge, implant, or denture. However, this depends on the condition of the tooth, and your dentist can discuss which option is more suitable for you.
How long does a tooth last after root canal treatment?
Many teeth function well for many years following root canal treatment and a good restoration, though this varies between patients and cannot be guaranteed. Regular check-ups help monitor the tooth over time.
Experiencing Tooth Pain? Book an Appointment Today
Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity shouldn’t be ignored. Book an appointment with our team so we can assess your tooth and discuss whether root canal treatment or another option is right for you.
For patients in Enfield, we offer private dentist appointments at weekends, on Saturdays, and in the evenings where possible, along with same-day dentist availability. Patients from City Road and Old Street can also book corporate dental care or a lunchtime dental checkup to fit around the working day.
