Root Canal Treatments

The sensation you’ll feel is similar to having a deep filling. But your tooth will be completely numbed, so you won’t feel any pain.

Root canal treatment is usually successful at saving teeth and clearing the infection for more than 10 years, with a success rate of around 90%. The survival rate for teeth treated by a specialist endodontist is very high.

 The success rate is lower for re-treatment, which is why endodontists prefer to do the initial root filling rather than remove an old infected one. If the infection returns, treatment can be repeated or the root tip removed.  

 Retreatment works up to 8 times out of 10, depending on the initial cause of the problem. 

In some cases, your immune system may not be able to get rid of the infection on the root service – despite how well the treatment has been provided. This is more likely in long-standing (chronic) infection, when the root tips have been damaged or the immune system is severely compromised. Thankfully, in the hands of a specialist such as Dr Gahan, the risk of this is low. However, if root canal treatment isn’t successful, the root tip can be surgically removed or occasionally a tooth will need to be removed and an implant or bridge fitted.

No, unfortunately nothing lasts forever. But keeping a natural tooth is generally best and there are two further options to save a tooth should a root filling not work, such as endodontic surgery. Dr Gahan will be able to advise you on this.

• One study found that 93% of root-treated teeth survived for more than 10 years
• People with untreated tooth infections are 2.7 times more likely to have cardiovascular problems than people who have had their infections treated
• 9 out of 10 dental educators would seek root canal treatment from an endodontist

Provided you look after your tooth, you can expect it to last for a reasonable amount of time. Root canal aftercare is no different to your usual oral hygiene routine — brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth with floss or an interdental brush once a day. The main risks to root-filled teeth are still decay, gum disease and breakages rather than re-infection.

Not normally. If you do experience prolonged sensitivity, then speak to your dentist.

In some circumstances, root canal treatment may be offered at a hospital, but this is mainly for certain situations like trauma, mouth cancer and congenital abnormalities. Your dentist can advise you if you meet the criteria. But in the vast majority of cases root canal treatment is not offered on the NHS - even if it’s difficult and beyond what a general dentist is comfortable doing.

Yes, very. Dr Gahan is an experienced root canal specialist and has been saving teeth through root canal treatment for over 21 years. He'll be happy to talk through any concerns or questions you may have about the procedure.