Root canal treatment in Larkfield, Kent
Root canal treatment has an unfair reputation. In reality, it's a tooth-saving procedure that relieves pain — it doesn't cause it. With modern anaesthetics and techniques, most patients are surprised by how straightforward and comfortable the experience actually is.
Saving your natural tooth
what is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (also called endodontic treatment) is a procedure that treats infection or inflammation inside a tooth. Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains the tooth's nerves and blood supply. When this becomes infected — usually because of deep decay, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth — it can cause significant pain and, if left untreated, develop into an abscess.
Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, thoroughly cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent reinfection. The result is a tooth that no longer hurts, no longer has an active infection, and can function normally — often for many years, or for the rest of your life with a crown placed on top.
At Larkfield Dental Aesthetics we have an established referral pathway to specialist endodontists in Kent for particularly complex cases.
When would you need root canal treatment? →
Signs to look out for
when would you need root canal treatment?
You may need root canal treatment if:
Persistent toothache
You have a severe, persistent toothache that doesn't go away on its own.
Lingering heat sensitivity
A tooth is acutely sensitive to heat, and the sensitivity lingers after the hot stimulus is removed.
A darkening tooth
A tooth looks darker or more grey than the surrounding teeth.
Swollen or tender gum
Your gum near a tooth is swollen, tender, or has a small pimple-like spot (a dental abscess).
Infection on an X-ray
An X-ray reveals an infection at the tip of the root (a periapical abscess).
A damaged or dying nerve
Your dentist has found that the nerve of a tooth is damaged or dying.
Sometimes there are no symptoms at all — which is why routine X-rays are so important. An infection at the root can develop silently for months before causing pain.
How it works
what happens during root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment typically takes one to three appointments depending on the complexity of the tooth. Each appointment lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. Here's how the process works.
Local anaesthetic
The tooth and surrounding area is fully numbed before we start. You should feel no pain throughout the procedure.
Access
Your dentist creates a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
Pulp removal
The infected or dead pulp tissue is carefully removed from the root canals using fine instruments.
Shaping & cleaning
The canals are shaped, measured, and thoroughly cleaned with antibacterial solutions to remove all traces of infection.
Filling the canals
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible rubber material called gutta-percha and sealed.
Temporary filling
A temporary filling seals the tooth between appointments if more than one visit is needed.
Crown
Once the treatment is complete, a crown is usually placed over the tooth to protect and strengthen it for the long term.
We know that a 90-minute appointment sounds daunting. But because you're numb throughout, many patients find they can relax, listen to music, or even doze during the procedure. We'll keep you fully informed at every stage.
Aftercare
looking after a tooth after root canal treatment
A tooth that has had root canal treatment is more brittle than a living tooth, which is why a crown is almost always recommended to protect it. Here's how to care for your treated tooth:
- ✓ Avoid chewing hard foods on the tooth until the crown is placed.
- ✓ Take over-the-counter pain relief for any post-treatment tenderness — some mild soreness for a few days is completely normal.
- ✓ Brush and floss normally once any soreness has settled.
- ✓ Attend your follow-up appointment to have the crown fitted — this is essential for the long-term success of the treatment.
- ✓ Continue attending regular check-ups so your dentist can monitor the treated tooth.
Root canal treated teeth can last for decades with proper care and a well-fitting crown.
Fees & finance
How much does root canal treatment cost?
The cost of root canal treatment depends on which tooth is being treated (front teeth have one root canal; back molars can have three or four), the complexity of the case, and how many appointments are needed. A crown placed afterwards is charged separately.
We will provide a full written treatment plan including costs before any work begins. For complex cases referred to a specialist, costs will be confirmed directly with the referring practice. Please see our Fees & Finance page or call us on 01732 521123 for current pricing.
General dentistry
Related treatments
Questions
frequently asked
Is root canal treatment painful? +
No — not during the procedure. The tooth and surrounding area are fully anaesthetised before we start, so you will not feel pain. Some patients experience mild tenderness in the days following treatment, which is easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Is it better to extract a tooth than have root canal treatment? +
We almost always recommend root canal treatment over extraction where it is possible to save the tooth. Keeping your natural teeth is better for your bite, your bone health, and your long-term oral health. Extracted teeth usually need to be replaced (with an implant, bridge, or denture) to avoid problems down the line — and these replacements add to the overall cost and complexity.
How successful is root canal treatment? +
Root canal treatment has a success rate of over 90% in most studies. With a good crown placed afterwards and regular dental care, a root-canal-treated tooth can last for years.
What is an endodontist? +
An endodontist is a dentist who has completed specialist postgraduate training in root canal treatment. They have advanced equipment (including dental microscopes) and expertise for the most complex cases. We refer to specialist endodontists for multi-rooted teeth, curved, calcified and blocked canals, re-treatment of previously failed root canals, and other challenging situations.
Ready to book?
we'd love to help
Call us on 01732 521123 or email hello@larkfielddentalcare.co.uk — we'd love to help.