Does root canal treatment hurt?

Modern root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than having a filling. The tooth is fully numbed and most patients are surprised how easy it feels.

How long does it take?

Most teeth can be treated in one or two appointments of around 60–90 minutes, depending on which tooth is involved and the complexity of the canals.

Will I need a crown afterwards?

Back teeth that have had root canal treatment are usually weakened and benefit greatly from a crown to protect them from cracking.

Is extraction a better option?

Where a tooth is restorable, saving it with root canal treatment is almost always the best long-term choice. We'll be honest with you about the prognosis.

General Dentistry

Root Canal Treatment in Surrey Quays

Root canal treatment has a fearsome reputation it doesn't deserve. At Surrey Quays Dental Practice we use modern techniques and proper anaesthesia to take you out of pain comfortably — and save a tooth that would otherwise need extraction.

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Root canal treatment at Surrey Quays Dental Practice

01 — Overview

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected — usually after deep decay, a crack or trauma — it can cause severe pain, swelling and abscesses.

Root canal (endodontic) treatment removes the infected pulp, gently cleans and shapes the tiny canals inside the root, and seals them with a biocompatible material. The tooth is then usually protected with a crown so it can serve you well for many years to come.

02 — Benefits

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

What patients tell us they value most about this treatment.

01Saves your natural tooth — always the best long-term option
02Relieves persistent toothache, sensitivity and infection
03Performed under local anaesthetic for full comfort
04Predictable, well-evidenced treatment with excellent success rates
05Avoids the cost and gap of extraction plus replacement

03 — Your appointment

What happens during treatment

A calm, step-by-step approach so you always know what to expect.

Step 01

Diagnosis

Careful examination and X-rays to confirm the tooth is treatable and plan the best approach.

Step 02

Numbing & isolation

Local anaesthetic and a small rubber dam keep the tooth clean, dry and comfortable.

Step 03

Clean & shape

Infected pulp is removed and the canals are gently shaped and disinfected with fine instruments.

Step 04

Seal & restore

Canals are sealed, the tooth is filled, and a crown is usually placed at a follow-up visit.

04 — Suitability

Who is Root Canal Treatment suitable for?

Most adults are suitable, but a friendly assessment is the safest place to start. Speak to our team if any of the following apply:

—Persistent toothache that lingers after hot or cold
—Swelling, an abscess or a small spot on the gum near a tooth
—Pain on biting, or a tooth that's gone dark in colour
—Deep decay or trauma that has reached the nerve

020 7231 7912

05 — Local to you

Root Canal Treatment near Canada Water and Rotherhithe

We see patients from Surrey Quays, Canada Water, Rotherhithe, Bermondsey and the wider SE16 and SE8 area for both routine and emergency root canal treatment. If you're in pain we will always do our best to see you the same day.

06 — What's next

What happens next

If you've been told you need root canal treatment, or you're worried about persistent pain, book a consultation. We'll examine the tooth, explain your options clearly and give you a fixed-fee plan before starting any work.

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