Root Canal Treatment Leicester
If tooth decay has reached the nerve of the tooth, which can cause tooth pain, then a root canal treatment would be recommended to save the tooth. This can usually take multiple appointments to ensure the tooth is free of infection and filled correctly from the root to the crown of the tooth.

Root canal treatment is a crucial dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is severely decayed or infected. This comprehensive guide will explore the root canal process, its necessity, and the symptoms that indicate you may need this treatment.
Many individuals experience anxiety when faced with dental issues, particularly when it comes to the possibility of losing a tooth. Understanding the root canal procedure can alleviate fears and provide clarity on how it can preserve your natural teeth.
we will cover the common symptoms indicating the need for a root canal, the step-by-step procedures involved, comparisons with tooth extraction, cost considerations, and when to seek emergency treatment.
What Are the Common Symptoms and Signs Indicating You Need a Root Canal?
Common symptoms and signs indicating you may need a root canal include:
-
Persistent discomfort or pain in the tooth
-
Chipped or cracked teeth
-
Dental abscess, which may present as swelling, infection, or pus around a tooth
-
Increased pain that escalates from minor discomfort
-
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the stimulus is removed
If you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to seek dental care promptly.
How to Recognise Tooth Pain, Sensitivity, and Swelling as Warning Signs
To recognise tooth pain, sensitivity, and swelling as warning signs, consider the following:
-
Tooth Pain: Persistent discomfort can indicate underlying issues that may worsen if untreated.
-
Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the stimulus is removed can signal dental problems, such as pulp inflammation or infection.
-
Swelling: Swelling around a tooth may suggest an infection or dental abscess, which requires immediate attention.
These symptoms should prompt you to seek dental care to prevent further damage, increased pain, and potential tooth loss.
What Does a Dental Abscess Look Like and Why Is It Serious?
A dental abscess typically appears as swelling, infection, or pus around a tooth. It is serious because it can lead to more extensive damage, higher treatment costs, increased pain, tooth loss, and health complications if not treated promptly.
What Are the Step-by-Step Procedures Involved in Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment involves several critical steps to ensure the tooth is saved and restored effectively. The process typically includes the following:
-
Diagnosis: The dentist will take X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and determine the best course of action.
-
Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected area, ensuring the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure.
-
Access Opening: The dentist creates an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
-
Cleaning and Shaping: The infected dental pulp is removed, and the canals are cleaned and shaped to prepare for filling.
-
Filling: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal them and prevent future infection.
-
Restoration: Finally, a crown or filling is placed on the tooth to restore its function and appearance.
How Do Dentists Clean and Seal the Infected Dental Pulp?
During the cleaning process, dentists use specialized instruments to remove the infected pulp and debris from the root canals. This step is crucial to eliminate bacteria and prevent reinfection. After cleaning, the canals are shaped to ensure a proper fit for the filling material, which is then placed to seal the canals effectively.
Understanding the meticulous cleaning process, it's also worth noting the current trends in endodontic irrigation practices among dental professionals in the UK.
What Role Do Crowns and Fillings Play After Root Canal Therapy?
Crowns and fillings are essential components of the restoration process following root canal therapy. A crown is typically placed over the treated tooth to provide strength and protection, especially if the tooth was significantly damaged. Fillings may be used to close the access opening created during the procedure. These restorations help restore the tooth's function and appearance, allowing patients to chew and speak normally.
How Does Root Canal Treatment Compare to Tooth Extraction?
Root canal treatment involves cleaning, shaping, and filling the root of a tooth to save it when the nerve is compromised, while tooth extraction is necessary when a tooth cannot be saved due to extensive decay or damage. Root canal treatment aims to preserve the natural tooth, whereas extraction removes the tooth to alleviate pain and prevent infection spread. Root canal treatments are generally more expensive than extractions.
What Are the Benefits of Saving Your Natural Tooth?
Saving your natural tooth through root canal treatment offers several benefits:
-
Preservation of Natural Function: Retaining your tooth allows for normal chewing and speaking.
-
Jawbone Health: Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain the jawbone structure, preventing deterioration.
-
Cost-Effectiveness: Although root canal treatment may be more expensive initially, it can save money in the long run by avoiding the need for implants, bridges, or dentures.
When Is Extraction a Better Option Than Root Canal?
Extraction is a better option than root canal when a tooth cannot be saved due to extensive decay, severe structural damage, or if the tooth has a vertical root fracture. An extraction is necessary to stop toothache, prevent the spread of infection, and allow the area to heal. In some cases, if the tooth is severely damaged or if there are underlying health issues, extraction may be the most viable solution.
How Much Does Private Root Canal Treatment Typically Cost?
Private root canal treatment costs can range significantly based on the complexity of the case and the specific tooth involved. Generally, patients can expect to pay more for molars due to the additional time and resources required for treatment. At Smile Serenity Dental Care, incisors cost £660, premolars cost £770 and molars cost £825.
Are 0% Interest Finance Plans Available for Root Canal Procedures?
Yes, 0% interest finance plans are available for selected dental treatments, which include root canal procedures, over a period of 12 months. A finance application is required, making it easier for patients to manage the costs associated with their dental care.
When Should You Seek Emergency Root Canal Treatment in Leicester?
You should seek emergency root canal treatment in Leicester if you are experiencing severe toothache, have a dental abscess (swelling, infection, or pus around a tooth), or have lost a filling that exposes the tooth and causes discomfort. Immediate care is also necessary for knocked-out teeth, as time is critical for saving the tooth.
Research further emphasises the critical nature of these symptoms and the high success rates associated with timely emergency root canal treatments.
What Are the Signs of a Dental Emergency Requiring Immediate Care?
Signs of a dental emergency requiring immediate care include:
-
Severe, persistent toothache that impacts daily life.
-
Chipped or cracked teeth from accidents or hard foods.
-
Dental abscess with swelling, infection, or pus around a tooth.
-
Knocked-out tooth, where immediate care can save it.
-
Loose or dislodged crowns causing pain or sensitivity.
-
Soft tissue injuries, such as cuts or trauma to gums, lips, or cheeks.
-
Broken or lost dentures that make eating and speaking difficult.
How Does Smile Serenity Dental Care Provide Emergency Root Canal Services?
Smile Serenity Dental Care provides emergency root canal services by offering same-day emergency appointments for urgent dental issues, including severe toothaches and dental abscesses. Patients can call the emergency line early in the day to describe their symptoms, allowing the team to assess urgency and confirm an appointment, usually within a few hours. The on-call dentist will then provide immediate treatment to alleviate discomfort and restore oral health.







