Root Canal London - Pain-Free Treatment to Save Your Tooth
Modern root canal treatment is virtually pain-free and saves your natural tooth. Find experienced dentists across London with same-day appointments. 95%+ success rate. NHS from £75.30 or private options available.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment saves teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to infection or decay.
When the soft tissue inside your tooth (the pulp) becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment removes the damaged tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection.
Modern root canal treatment is virtually pain-free thanks to advanced anaesthetics and techniques. The procedure relieves the pain caused by the infection rather than causing it, allowing you to keep your natural tooth for years to come.
Key Benefits
- Saves your natural tooth from extraction
- Relieves pain caused by infection
- Modern techniques make it virtually pain-free
- Usually completed in 1-2 visits
- 95%+ success rate with proper aftercare
- Tooth can last a lifetime with crown protection
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, see a dentist promptly for assessment.
Severe Toothache
Persistent, throbbing pain that doesn't go away
Sensitivity to Hot/Cold
Pain that lingers after temperature change
Swollen Gums
Tenderness or swelling near the affected tooth
Darkened Tooth
Tooth appears grey or darker than others
Abscess or Pimple
Bump on gums near the tooth
Pain When Chewing
Discomfort when biting down
The Root Canal Procedure: Step-by-Step
Understanding what to expect during your root canal treatment.
Initial Examination
X-rays and diagnosis, treatment plan discussion, local anaesthetic options, cost estimate provided.
Anaesthesia & Preparation
Local anaesthetic injection, tooth numbed completely, rubber dam placed for isolation. You won't feel any pain.
Access & Pulp Removal
Small opening in tooth crown, infected pulp removed, root canals located and measured, infection thoroughly cleaned.
Canal Shaping & Cleaning
Canals shaped with precision instruments, disinfectant solution used, all bacteria eliminated, canals dried.
Filling & Sealing
Root canals filled with gutta-percha, canals permanently sealed, temporary filling placed, tooth protected.
Crown Placement
Permanent crown fitted, tooth fully restored, natural appearance, full function restored.
Types of Root Canal Treatment
Different treatment options depending on your specific situation.
Standard Root Canal
First-time root canal treatment for infected teeth.
Retreatment (Revision)
Repeat treatment when previous root canal fails.
Apicoectomy
Surgical removal of root tip when standard treatment fails.
Root Canal Costs in London
Transparent pricing guide with both NHS and private options.
| Treatment | NHS Price | Private Price |
|---|---|---|
| Root Canal (Front Tooth - 1 canal) | £75.30 | £400-£600 |
| Root Canal (Premolar - 2 canals) | £75.30 | £500-£800 |
| Root Canal (Molar - 3-4 canals) | £75.30 | £600-£1,000 |
| Retreatment (Any tooth) | N/A | £600-£1,200 |
| Crown (After root canal) | £326.70 | £500-£1,200 |
| Emergency Appointment | £75.30 | £100-£250 |
NHS vs Private: NHS root canal costs £75.30 (Band 2) regardless of tooth complexity. Private treatment offers faster appointments and specialist care. Many practices offer 0% finance. A crown is usually recommended after root canal (additional cost).
Root Canal vs. Extraction
Understanding your options when facing a damaged tooth.
Save with Root Canal
- Preserves natural tooth
- Maintains natural appearance
- Normal chewing and biting
- Protects surrounding teeth
- No gap or replacement needed
- Tooth can last lifetime
- 95%+ success rate
- Cost: £75.30-£1,000
Extract the Tooth
- Removes tooth entirely
- Creates gap in smile
- May affect chewing
- Adjacent teeth may shift
- Requires replacement (implant/bridge)
- Replacement costs: £300-£3,500
- Bone loss at extraction site
- Multiple appointments for replacement
Is Root Canal Painful? Modern Treatment is Virtually Pain-Free
Understanding pain management options to help you feel confident about treatment.
Local Anaesthetic
Standard option
- • Completely numbs the tooth and surrounding area
- • You feel pressure but no pain
- • Most patients choose this option
- • Included in treatment cost
Sedation (IV or Oral)
For anxious patients
- • Relaxed, drowsy state during treatment
- • Time passes quickly
- • Ideal for dental anxiety
- • Additional cost: £150-£400
General Anaesthetic
Rare cases only
- • Completely asleep during treatment
- • Reserved for special cases
- • Hospital or specialist setting
- • Requires medical assessment
Root Canal Success Rates
Evidence-based outcomes backed by clinical research.
Factors That Increase Success
- Early treatment (before severe infection)
- Complete canal cleaning
- Quality crown placement
- Good oral hygiene
- Regular dental check-ups
- Non-smoker
Factors That Decrease Success
- Delayed treatment
- Complex tooth anatomy
- Cracked tooth root
- Poor oral hygiene
- Grinding teeth without guard
- No crown placed
Find Root Canal Dentists Near You
Browse CQC-registered practices offering root canal treatment across London.
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Root Canal Treatment by London Borough
Find experienced root canal dentists in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about root canal treatment in London.