Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a common, routine procedure that saves thousands of teeth every year across the UK. At Dental Health Centre, our skilled dentists complete most treatments in just one to two appointments — restoring your tooth, eliminating infection, and ending your pain for good.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue at the centre of each tooth, containing nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria penetrate deep into the tooth through untreated decay, a crack, or a damaged filling, the pulp can become infected — causing significant pain, swelling, and in some cases, a dental abscess. If left untreated, the infection can spread beyond the tooth, affecting the surrounding bone and neighbouring teeth.

Root canal treatment eliminates the infection at its source, allowing you to keep your natural tooth and restore your smile to full health.

Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment

It is important to seek dental advice promptly if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe, persistent toothache, particularly when biting or applying pressure
  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the source is removed
  • Swelling or tenderness in the gums around a specific tooth
  • A dental abscess — a painful, pus-filled swelling near the tooth root
  • Tooth discolouration — a darkening of the tooth that can indicate pulp damage
  • A loose or broken tooth where the pulp has been exposed to infection

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

At Dental Health Centre, your comfort is our priority throughout the entire procedure. Before treatment begins, a local anaesthetic is administered to completely numb the tooth and surrounding area — meaning you should feel no pain during the process.

Once numb, your dentist will:

  1. Create a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the infected pulp
  2. Carefully remove the infected tissue and clean the root canals thoroughly using specialist instruments
  3. Disinfect and shape the canals to remove all traces of bacteria
  4. Seal the canals with a biocompatible rubber-like material called gutta-percha to prevent reinfection
  5. Place a temporary or permanent filling to close the tooth


Most root canal treatments are completed in one to two appointments, each lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes depending on the complexity of the case and the number of root canals involved.

Restoring the Tooth After Treatment

Following root canal treatment, your tooth will require a permanent restoration to protect it and restore full function. Because the tooth becomes more brittle once the pulp is removed, a dental crown is usually recommended — particularly for back teeth that endure greater chewing forces. Your dentist at Dental Health Centre will advise you on the most appropriate restoration for your individual case and ensure the tooth is fully protected for the long term.

Aftercare and Recovery

Most patients recover comfortably within a few days of treatment. Some mild soreness or sensitivity around the treated area is completely normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. To support your recovery and protect the treated tooth:

  • Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent filling or crown is in place
  • Continue brushing and flossing as normal around the area
  • Avoid hard or crunchy foods in the days immediately following treatment
  • Attend your follow-up appointment promptly to have the permanent restoration placed — delaying this increases the risk of fracture or reinfection

Root Canal Treatment vs Extraction

Some patients wonder whether extraction is a simpler alternative. Wherever possible, saving your natural tooth is always the preferred option. Natural teeth function better, feel more comfortable, and help maintain the structure of your jaw and surrounding teeth. Replacing a lost tooth with an implant or bridge involves additional treatment and cost — making root canal treatment a far more straightforward and cost-effective long-term solution for most patients.

Book Your Root Canal Treatment Appointment Today

If you are experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, do not delay seeking treatment. The sooner a dental infection is addressed, the simpler and more effective the treatment will be. Contact our friendly team at Dental Health Centre today to book an appointment — and let us relieve your pain and save your smile.

Dental Health Centre — Quality Restorations for a Healthy, Confident Smile