Our ethos for saving problematic teeth
Root canal treatment, otherwise known as endodontics, is treatment aimed at saving a damaged tooth. It should be painless and feel no more uncomfortable than having a normal filling. Poor techniques and treatment have unfortunately meant that some people feel worried about having the procedure, but there is no need to when you are in the hands of a registered root canal specialist (endodontist), such as Dr Gahan.
Our aim is always about saving teeth. While there are good tooth replacements, nothing will feel, look or functions better than your own natural tooth.
Consultation with Dr Gahan: £100
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Why do I need root canal?
If you have a damaged tooth - perhaps due to tooth decay, infection or an injury - bacteria that live naturally in the mouth can enter the pulp, causing it to become infected. If this infection spreads through the root canal system, the nerve of the tooth can die and lose its blood supply. The infection and dead nerve tissue need to be removed or you may lose the tooth. It is often more expensive to replace a tooth than save it.
You may also have root canal treatment recommended before crowns or bridges are fitted, if your dentist deems there’s a risk the nerve could die afterwards.
Root canal work is a specialist treatment. Registered specialists called endodontists (of which there are less than 300 in the UK) have had years of additional training to undertake complex cases and perform the treatment to the highest standard. While most general dentists do provide root fillings, many prefer this treatment to be carried out by an endodontist. Years of research have shown that it is more difficult to remove an established infection at an old root filling, so it is better to have it done by a root canal specialist in the first place.
Treatment types and fees
Re-Root Canal Treatment £750-895
- Incisor – From £750
- Pre-molar – From £795
- Molar – From £895
Root canal treatment £685-860
- Incisor – From £685
- Pre-molar – From £750
- Molar – From £860
Treatment journey
What will happen at my root canal treatment appointment?
Initial assessment
A thorough assessment will be carried out before treatment. Dr Gahan will take X-rays to identify if the pulp has become infected and to get a clear picture of the root canal. In some cases a special 3D scan (CBCT) to reveal the internal anatomy of the tooth is required, especially if there is an old filling. Detailed information to allow you to make an informed decision about your treatment will be provided both verbally and in writing.
Treatment
If we have good information before you attend the appointment (x-rays, detailed referring information from a dentist), treatment can often commence on the same day as the assessment. Alternatively, the appointment may be divided into assessment and treatment.
- If infection is found, the tooth will be thoroughly numbed and a small entry point made into the inside of the infected tooth.
- Dr Gahan will then remove the infected pulp tissue and clean and shape the canals to make them bigger and easier to disinfect.
- Finally, the canals are filled to stop bacteria regrowing or re-infecting the root canal.
Sealing the canal
If there is an old filling or swelling, a second appointment may be needed to complete the treatment. A filling is then placed on top of the root canal treatment to seal it. Some teeth need crowns (most back teeth for instance) to make them stronger and last longer. Your own dentist may provide this or they may ask Dr Gahan to do it.
Root canal treatments FAQs
Your questions about root canal treatments answered.
We also have leaflets that provide further information and they include part of Dr Gahan's thorough consent process.
No. Dr Gahan uses advanced techniques to make sure the tooth is numb. After treatment, about 20% of teeth can be a little sore but this can be managed with normal painkillers.
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