Root Canal Treatments

Root canal treatments delivered by GDC registered specialist Dr Matthew Gahan

Consultation £125

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.

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

Incisor – From £950
Pre-molar – From £1050
Molar – From £1200

Root canal treatment

Incisor – From £850
Pre-molar – From £950
Molar – From £1100

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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.

Is root canal treatment painful?

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.

What does root canal treatment feel like?

Will root canal treatment save my tooth?

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.

What happens if root canal treatment doesn't work?

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.

Will root canal treatment last forever?

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

How do I care for my tooth after root canal treatment?

Are root canal treated teeth more sensitive?

Can I see an endodontist on the NHS?

Is root canal treatment safe?

Verified Reviews

370+ 5* Reviews

Janet Hynes

14:14 26 Mar 25

I am a new.patient and Claire and her team were lovely and welcoming and very thorough.

Laurence Mullikin

14:48 24 Mar 25

Tony Dawkins

11:46 13 Mar 25

Fantastic service as always from Finkle Hill team especially Liam and Serena. The care and respect they show to my partner who has Parkinson's and dementia is second to none. Keep up the fantastic work you all do.

Paul Whitehead

19:04 12 Mar 25

Same friendly, professional attention as usual.

Steve Sadler

20:11 10 Mar 25

Irene Breckon

14:24 07 Mar 25

Excellent treatment and advice. Staff very welcoming and friendly. Would definitely recommend.

Mike Cooke

12:59 05 Mar 25

As a nervous patient requiring three extractions today I was not looking forward to my appointment with Liam O’Hara. He was excellent having followed up my assessment last month and developed a well planned and communicated programme of treatment. He is ably assisted in this by Laura who negotiated the five appointments to suit. Today was a good day - it couldn’t have gone better.