Root canal treatment in Cobham
Treatment focused on relieving infection and preserving your natural tooth.
Root canal treatment aims to remove infection from inside a tooth and keep your own tooth in place where that is possible. We assess the tooth first and explain what we find, what treatment involves and what the realistic outlook is.
Suitability
Who this may suit
- You have been told a tooth is infected, or an examination has found changes inside the tooth or in the bone around it.
- You have symptoms such as persistent toothache, pain on biting, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, tenderness or a discoloured tooth. We do not diagnose from symptoms described online — an examination is needed.
- A previously root-treated tooth is causing problems and re-treatment is being considered.
- The tooth can be restored afterwards. Your clinician will confirm this at the assessment.
Why it may be recommended
Keeping your own tooth
Where a tooth can be treated and restored, root canal treatment is aimed at keeping it rather than removing it.
Addressing infection inside the tooth
Treatment cleans and disinfects the root canal system, which is where infection inside a tooth develops.
Assessed and explained first
We examine the tooth, take x-rays where clinically required and talk through the findings and the options before any treatment starts.
Risks & considerations
Risks and important considerations
- Discomfort or tenderness for a few days after treatment, and occasionally a flare-up of pain or swelling requiring further attention.
- Instruments used inside narrow canals can separate, and canals can be blocked, curved or calcified so that they cannot be fully cleaned.
- Perforation of the tooth or root, and cracks in an already weakened tooth.
- Persisting or recurring infection, which may require re-treatment, surgery or removal of the tooth.
- The tooth may darken over time.
- A root-treated tooth can fracture, especially if it is not restored as advised.
- Numbness or altered sensation is uncommon but possible with local anaesthetic.
- Prognosis varies from tooth to tooth. Your clinician will give you their assessment of the outlook for your specific tooth rather than a general success figure.
Frequently asked questions
It is treatment of the inside of a tooth. The root canal system is cleaned, disinfected, then filled and sealed, with the aim of removing infection and keeping your natural tooth in place.
It is usually recommended when the tissue inside a tooth has become inflamed or infected — often following decay, a deep filling, a crack or an injury. Only an examination, with x-rays where clinically required, can establish whether it applies to your tooth.
Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic so the tooth and surrounding area are numbed. Most patients find it comparable to having a filling, but we cannot promise completely painless treatment, and the tooth is often tender for a few days afterwards. Tell your clinician at any point if you are uncomfortable.
That depends on the tooth, the number and shape of its canals and how it responds, so we cannot commit to a fixed number. Some teeth are completed in one visit, others need more, and restoring the tooth afterwards is a further appointment. Your clinician will give you an expectation for your tooth at the assessment.
What treatment usually involves
- 1
Assessment
We listen to your symptoms, examine the tooth and surrounding gum, and test the tooth. X-rays are taken where clinically required so we can see the roots and the bone around them.
- 2
Explaining the findings and options
We talk through what we have found, whether root canal treatment is appropriate, what the alternatives are and the likely outlook for that tooth. You receive a written estimate before treatment starts.
- 3
Local anaesthetic and access
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anaesthetic. The dentist then makes an opening in the tooth to reach the root canal system.
Your options
Treatment choices we may discuss
Root canal treatment
Cleaning, disinfecting and sealing the root canal system of a tooth that has not been root-treated before.
Root canal re-treatment
Where a previously root-treated tooth has ongoing problems, the existing filling material can sometimes be removed and the canals re-cleaned. Re-treatment is more complex and the outlook differs from first-time treatment.
Treatment with a dentist with a special interest in endodontics
More complex cases can be carried out in-house by Dr Ali Al-Ausi. This is charged at the fee shown on our Plan & Fees page for treatment with a special-interest dentist.
Referral
Where a case is better managed elsewhere, we will explain that and arrange an onward referral.
Important limitations
What this treatment cannot do
- The number of appointments needed varies with the tooth, the anatomy of its root canals and how it responds. We cannot state a fixed number in advance.
- We cannot guarantee that a tooth will survive. Outcomes vary and some teeth are lost despite well-performed treatment.
- Local anaesthetic is used to keep you comfortable, but we cannot promise that treatment or recovery will be completely painless.
- Some teeth are too broken down, cracked or heavily infected to be treated predictably. In those cases removal or referral may be the better option.
- The tooth almost always needs a permanent restoration afterwards, often a crown, which is separate treatment with its own fee.
Alternatives
Other options we may discuss
No treatment, with monitoring
Choosing not to treat is an option, but untreated infection inside a tooth does not usually resolve on its own and can worsen. We will explain what that means in your case.
Removing the tooth
Extraction removes the source of infection. It leaves a gap, which may then be discussed alongside replacement options.
Replacing the tooth after removal
If a tooth is removed, options such as a dental implant, a bridge or a denture can be discussed. These are separate treatments with their own assessment and fees.
Referral for specialist opinion
For complex or previously treated teeth, an onward referral may be the most appropriate option.
Technology
What we use at the practice
Digital x-rays
Digital radiographs taken in the surgery and displayed on screen so your clinician can talk you through the findings.
Frequently asked questions
The tooth may feel tender for a few days and ordinary pain relief usually helps. Chew carefully until the tooth is permanently restored, keep up your cleaning and hygiene appointments, and contact us if you develop increasing pain or swelling, or if a temporary filling comes away.
Often, yes — particularly for back teeth, because a root-treated tooth is more brittle and at greater risk of fracture. Your clinician will advise what your tooth needs and confirm the fee before anything is agreed.
No. Some teeth are too broken down, cracked or heavily infected to be treated predictably, and we cannot guarantee that any root-treated tooth will survive. Where a tooth cannot be saved we will explain why and go through the alternatives with you.
The main alternatives are monitoring without treatment, removing the tooth, or removing it and then discussing replacement with an implant, bridge or denture. Referral for a further opinion is also an option for complex cases.
Root canal fees, including treatment with a dentist with a special interest, are published on our Plan & Fees page. Restoring the tooth afterwards — for example with a crown — is charged separately. You always receive a written estimate before treatment begins.
Yes. We accept referrals from other practices. Please use our referral page and our team will be in touch to arrange an appointment.
Concerns this may help with
What patients come to us about
Related treatments
You may also want to read
- Dental crownsRestoring and protecting heavily damaged, fractured or root-filled teeth.
- Dental examinationThorough check-ups including x-rays and screening.
- ExtractionsCareful removal, including wisdom teeth, with clinicians experienced in oral surgery.
- Emergency dentistUrgent assessment for dental pain, swelling, broken teeth and lost restorations.
- Composite bondingRepairing chips, closing small gaps and reshaping teeth.
- ImplantsReplacing missing teeth with fixed, natural-looking restorations.
For referring practices
Referring a patient to us
We welcome referrals from colleagues. Send your referral details and we will keep you updated on your patient's care.
Refer a patient →Not ready to book?
Our treatment coordinators can talk you through the options and costs with no obligation, or arrange a callback at a time that suits you.
Concerned about a painful or infected tooth?
Book directly into our diaries online, or ask us a question first — we're happy to help.