Root Canal Treatment
Save your tooth. Stop the pain.
Root canals have a reputation they do not deserve. Modern treatment is far more comfortable than most people expect — and it lets you keep a tooth that would otherwise be lost. The relief from infection alone is worth the visit.
Why people put it off — and why they regret it
Most people who hear "root canal" picture something terrible. The reality is the procedure feels similar to a filling and removes the source of pain rather than causing it. The tooth is then sealed and usually crowned, giving you years more use from a tooth you would otherwise have lost.
When you might need one
- • Severe toothache that wakes you up
- • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- • A discoloured tooth (going darker than its neighbours)
- • Swelling or tenderness in the gum near a tooth
- • A pimple-like bump on the gum that comes and goes
FAQs
Questions people usually ask
Does a root canal hurt?
The procedure itself is done under local anaesthetic, so it feels similar to having a filling. Most of the discomfort people associate with root canals is actually the infection — the treatment removes that source of pain. Some tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal.
How many visits does a root canal take?
Most cases take one to two visits. Front teeth are usually quicker; molars with multiple canals can take longer. We will let you know at your assessment what to expect for your specific tooth.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Usually yes, especially for back teeth. A root canal-treated tooth becomes more brittle over time, and a crown protects it from cracking. We discuss this as part of the overall treatment plan, not as a surprise add-on.
How long does a root-canal-treated tooth last?
With a crown to protect it and good oral hygiene, a root-canal-treated tooth can last decades — often a lifetime. Skipping the crown is the most common reason these teeth fail later on.
Is it better to just extract the tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always preferable when possible. Extraction means dealing with the gap — implant, bridge, or denture — which is usually more expensive and more involved than saving the original tooth. We will talk through both paths honestly.
How much does a root canal cost?
Cost depends on which tooth is being treated and how complex the canals are. We provide a clear, itemised quote at your assessment, including the likely cost of the crown that follows.
Become Part of the Biltoft Family
Whether it has been months or years since your last visit, we are here to help you get back on track. No judgement, just gentle, attentive care.