Root canal treatment — your questions answered

Does a root canal hurt?

Modern root canal treatment shouldn’t be painful. The tooth is fully numbed beforehand, and most patients find it no more uncomfortable than having a filling — if anything, it relieves the pain that brought them in. Some mild tenderness for a day or two afterwards is normal and settles with ordinary painkillers.

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What are the signs I might need a root canal?

Common signs include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain on biting, a persistent ache, a darkening tooth, or a small pimple on the gum. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all and it’s picked up on an x-ray. Only an assessment can confirm it, but these are the usual pointers.

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Root canal or extraction — which is better?

Wherever a tooth can be saved predictably, keeping your natural tooth is almost always the better long-term choice — nothing replaces it quite as well. Extraction followed by an implant or bridge is sometimes the right option, but it’s usually more costly over time. I’ll give you an honest view of the prognosis so you can decide with the full picture.

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How many appointments does it take?

Many root canals are completed in a single visit. More complex cases, re-treatments, or teeth with active infection may need two. I’ll tell you what to expect at your assessment.

How much does root canal treatment cost?

Fees depend on the tooth and the complexity of the case — a molar with several fine canals takes far longer than a single-canal front tooth. Each case is quoted individually after assessing you, so you get a clear, fixed price with no surprises.

Why do you use a microscope and a CBCT scan?

A dental operating microscope gives the magnification and light needed to find and treat canals that are invisible to the naked eye, and a CBCT (3D) scan reveals the tooth’s anatomy before treatment begins. Together they make treatment more precise and predictable — I use both as standard, not as an added extra.

What is root canal re-treatment?

If a previously treated tooth flares up or fails to heal, re-treatment involves carefully removing the old root filling, disinfecting the canals again and re-sealing them. It’s technically demanding work, which is often why these cases are referred on.

What is guided endodontics?

For canals that are calcified or hard to locate, I plan the access in three dimensions from a CBCT scan and use a custom 3D-printed guide to reach the canal precisely, through the smallest possible opening. It’s a newer, highly precise technique — there’s more on the Guided Endodontics page.

I’m anxious about treatment — what are my options?

You’re in good company, and it’s something I’m very used to. Treatment is unhurried and explained as we go, and IV sedation is available for patients who’d prefer to be deeply relaxed throughout. There’s more on the Nervous Patients page.

Do I need a referral, or can I get in touch directly?

Most patients come through their own dentist, but you’re welcome to contact me directly. Dentists can refer quickly by WhatsApp, and I’ll see you at whichever of my London or Hertfordshire locations is most convenient for you.