Root canal treatment Shepshed
Root canal treatment is used to save a tooth when the inside becomes infected or damaged. It might sound daunting, but with modern techniques and a calm, careful approach, it is often no more uncomfortable than having a filling.
The aim is to remove infection, protect the tooth, and avoid the need for extraction.
Signs you might need a root canal treatment
Sometimes there are no clear symptoms, which is why regular check-ups are important – we can spot issues before they become painful.
Toothache or throbbing pain (especially when biting or chewing)
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
Swelling near the tooth or gum
A darkened or discoloured tooth
A spot or pimple on the gum
Saving natural teeth with gentle care
Why might I need root canal treatment?
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp. If this becomes infected – due to decay, injury, or a deep crack – it can lead to pain, swelling, or sensitivity. Left untreated, the infection can spread and damage the surrounding bone.
Root canal treatment removes the infection from inside the tooth and seals it to prevent further problems, allowing you to keep the tooth in place for years to come.
Will it hurt?
This is one of the most common concerns – and the honest answer is, root canal treatment has a bad reputation it no longer deserves. With modern techniques and good anaesthetic, it is usually very manageable. Most people say it feels no worse than having a standard filling.
If the tooth was painful before treatment, you may feel relief quite soon after the infection is removed.
Healing and how to care for your tooth
After treatment, the area may feel a little tender for a day or two, but this usually settles quickly and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. We will give you clear aftercare instructions and check the tooth at your next visit.
If a crown is needed to strengthen the tooth, we will arrange this once everything has fully settled. With good care – including regular brushing, flossing and check-ups – a root canal-treated tooth can last for many years.
Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the area is completely numb and you will not feel discomfort. It usually takes one or two appointments.
Here is how it works:
A small opening is made to reach the inside of the tooth.
The pulp and any bacteria are gently removed.
The root canals are cleaned and shaped to receive a filling.
The space is filled and sealed to prevent reinfection.
In some cases, we may recommend a crown to strengthen the tooth.
The root canal treatment procedure
You might be wondering...
Can a dentist retreat a root canal?
Yes – if a previous root canal has not fully healed or becomes reinfected, it can usually be retreated. This involves removing the old filling, cleaning the root canals again, and placing a new seal. In some cases, we may refer you to a specialist for more complex retreatment.
How painful is root canal retreatment?
The procedure itself should not be painful, as it is done under local anaesthetic. You may feel a bit of tenderness afterwards, but this is usually mild and settles within a couple of days. Most people manage it easily with over-the-counter pain relief.
Can I wait 6 months for a root canal?
It is best not to wait. If a tooth needs a root canal, it is because there is an infection or inflammation inside – and this can spread or get worse over time. Leaving it too long might lead to more pain, swelling, or even the loss of the tooth. We recommend getting it treated as soon as possible.
Can antibiotics fix a failed root canal?
Antibiotics can help reduce infection or swelling in the short term, but they do not solve the underlying issue. If bacteria are still inside the tooth, they will come back once the antibiotics stop. Re-treatment or further care is usually needed to fully resolve the problem.
Do teeth become weak after a root canal?
After a root canal, the tooth is no longer “alive” and may become more brittle over time – especially if a lot of structure was lost. That is why we often recommend placing a crown on back teeth to strengthen and protect them. With the right restoration and care, the tooth can still last for many years.
