Root canal infections cause a range of different symptoms. Some of the most common signs that you need root canal treatment include:

• Pain when eating or drinking food or drink that is hot or cold
  

• Pain when biting or chewing
  

• Swelling of the gum or face
  

• Pus oozing from near the infected tooth
  

• The tooth becoming darker in colour
  

• A loose tooth
  

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with our endodontist as soon as possible as leaving the infected tooth in your mouth may make the infection worse.

Root canal treatment usually takes place over two appointments. During the first, the tooth will be opened to expose the root canals, and special tools will be used to remove all infected materials from inside them. They will then be covered with a temporary seal and left to rest. 

Around a week later you will return to have the root canals checked for signs of infection. If the infection has returned, the process will need to be repeated. If there is no infection remaining, the root canals will be filled, and the tooth permanently sealed with a filling or crown.

This is one of the biggest worries people have about root canal treatment. Fortunately, thanks to modern anaesthetic, root canal is no more painful than getting a filling. You may find that your tooth feels a little sore and sensitive for a few days following treatment, but over the counter pain medications should be effective at keeping you comfortable. 

If you have an infection in the tooth root and you don't get root canal treatment, you will almost certainly find that the tooth will eventually die and either fall out of its own accord or require extraction. The infection can also spread to surrounding teeth, causing further issues for your oral health. 

Root canal is extremely successful when performed by a skilled and experienced endodontist. Many teeth that have been saved with root canal treatment can last a lifetime.

The cost of root canal treatment at Riverside Dental starts at £705. If you would like to, you could potentially spread the cost of your treatment using one of our flexible payment plans*. Please enquire about these with our reception team by calling 01603 920 313.

*Term and conditions apply.