Menu

Root Canal Treatment – Web Page Copy

· @Muazzam_deansgate

Root Canal Treatment in Manchester

Root canal treatment (also called endodontic treatment) removes infection from the inside of a tooth, relieves pain and saves the tooth from extraction. It is one of the most effective ways of keeping a natural tooth that would otherwise be lost.

At Deansgate Dental Studio, root canal treatment is carried out in-practice by our own experienced team, so you can be treated in a calm, comfortable environment by clinicians you already know. Our principal dentist, Dr Jabir Kazi, has built a strong reputation for his root canal work. Other dentists refer him the cases they feel are beyond their own skill set, and he runs teaching sessions for dentists wanting to improve their endodontic treatment – so you can be confident you are in good hands and receiving the highest standard of care.

We use a dental operating microscope, rubber dam isolation, modern rotary file systems and 3D CBCT imaging to make treatment as precise, predictable and comfortable as possible. For nervous patients, sedation is also available.

What is a root canal treatment?

Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp, which contains the nerve and blood supply. The pulp runs from the crown of the tooth down through narrow channels in the roots, known as root canals. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it cannot heal on its own. Left untreated, the infection spreads through the root canals and out into the bone around the root, where it can form an abscess.

Root canal treatment removes the infected or dying pulp, cleans and disinfects the canals, and seals them so that bacteria cannot get back in. The tooth stays in place, keeps its root and continues to function normally for biting and chewing. Because the nerve has been removed, the tooth will no longer feel hot and cold, but it will still feel pressure through the surrounding tissues.

Root canal treatment is the most commonly performed endodontic procedure and, for many years, had an undeserved reputation for being painful. In reality, the treatment relieves pain rather than causing it. With modern local anaesthetic, magnification, gentle rotary instruments and an experienced, unhurried team, most patients tell us the appointment was far easier than they expected – often no more uncomfortable than having a filling.

Why might I need a root canal treatment?

The pulp becomes infected when bacteria reach the inside of the tooth. The most common causes are:

  • Deep decay that has spread through the enamel and dentine and into the pulp
  • Large or repeated fillings, where the pulp has been irritated over time
  • A cracked or fractured tooth, often from grinding or biting on something hard
  • Trauma – a knock to the tooth, sometimes years earlier, that has damaged the blood supply
  • Advanced gum disease, which can allow bacteria to reach the root tip

Signs and symptoms to look out for

If you are experiencing any of the following, you may need a root canal treatment:

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers for more than a few seconds after the trigger has gone
  • Pain or difficulty when chewing or biting down
  • A dull, throbbing ache, or a sharp, shooting pain that may come on without warning
  • Pain that wakes you at night or is worse when lying down
  • Swelling or tenderness of the gum around the tooth
  • A small pimple or spot on the gum that comes and goes, sometimes with a bad taste
  • A tooth that has become darker or greyer than its neighbours
  • A tooth that feels loose or ‘high’ when you bite

No symptoms at all?

Not every infected tooth hurts. In some cases the nerve has already died and the infection is only picked up on a routine X-ray. This is one of the reasons regular examinations matter – treating a tooth early, before an abscess develops, is simpler and more predictable.

If you have pain, swelling or an abscess, please contact us on 0161 912 6200 so we can see you promptly. Dental infections do not resolve on their own and antibiotics alone will not cure them.

Why choose Deansgate Dental Studio for root canal treatment?

Experience you can trust

Root canal treatment is technically demanding. Canals are often narrow, curved and difficult to find, and the difference between success and failure usually comes down to how thoroughly they are located, cleaned and sealed. Dr Jabir Kazi has a particular interest and extensive experience in endodontics. Dentists from other practices refer complex and re-treatment cases to him, and he teaches root canal techniques to other dentists. That depth of experience means we can take on cases that others may consider too difficult, and treat routine cases with the same care.

The right equipment for precise, predictable treatment

  • Dental operating microscope – high magnification and bright, focused lighting let us see inside the tooth in fine detail, find canals that are easily missed with the naked eye, and work more precisely and more conservatively.
  • 3D CBCT imaging – where needed, a cone-beam CT scan shows the number, shape and curvature of the roots and the extent of any infection in the bone, so we can plan treatment fully before we begin.
  • Rubber dam isolation – a thin protective sheet is placed around the tooth during treatment. It keeps the tooth clean and dry, stops saliva and bacteria contaminating the canals, protects your airway, and means you do not have to taste the disinfecting solutions. It is the recognised standard of care for root canal treatment.
  • Modern rotary file systems – flexible, mechanised instruments clean and shape the canals more efficiently and more gently than hand files alone, which shortens treatment time and reduces the risk of complications.

Comfort first

We know that some patients are anxious about dental treatment, and root canal treatment in particular. Our team will take the time to explain everything, make sure you are completely numb before we start, and go at your pace. Sedation is available for patients who would prefer it – see Will it hurt? below.

Everything under one roof

Because we provide root canal treatment, crowns and, where needed, implant treatment in-practice, your care is planned and delivered by one team. There is no need to be referred elsewhere, and the clinician restoring the tooth is working alongside the clinician who treated it.

What happens during root canal treatment?

  1. Assessment and planning. We examine the tooth, test the nerve and take X-rays. In more complex cases we may also take a 3D CBCT scan. This tells us how many canals the tooth has, how curved they are and how far any infection has spread. We then talk you through the options, the likelihood of success, how long the tooth can be expected to last, and the cost, so you can make a fully informed decision before we touch the tooth.
  2. Local anaesthetic. The tooth and surrounding gum are numbed completely. We always check you are numb before starting, and we can top up the anaesthetic at any point if you need it.
  3. Rubber dam. A thin sheet is placed over the tooth to keep it isolated, clean and dry throughout the procedure.
  4. Accessing the canals. A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. Working under the microscope, we locate every canal – including the small extra canals that are a common cause of failure when missed.
  5. Cleaning and shaping. The infected pulp is removed and each canal is carefully cleaned and shaped using fine rotary instruments. The canals are flushed repeatedly with antibacterial solutions to disinfect them thoroughly.
  6. Medication between visits (if needed). Where the infection is more advanced, we may place an antibacterial dressing inside the tooth and a temporary filling, and complete the treatment at a second visit once the infection has settled.
  7. Filling and sealing. Once the canals are clean, dry and free of infection, they are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha together with a sealing cement. This seals the canals so bacteria cannot re-enter.
  8. Restoring the tooth. The access opening is sealed with a permanent filling. For most back teeth, we will then recommend a crown to protect the tooth from fracture – see Will I need a crown? below.

Throughout treatment you are welcome to raise a hand at any time if you need a break. Many patients listen to music or a podcast during their appointment.

How long does root canal treatment take?

Most root canal treatments are completed in one or two appointments of around 60 to 90 minutes each. Front teeth usually have a single canal and can often be finished in one visit. Molars have three or four canals (occasionally more) and typically take longer.

In more advanced cases – for example where there is a large abscess, the canals are very curved or calcified, or a previous root filling is being redone – treatment may be spread across three or more appointments to allow the infection to settle between visits.

Once the root canal treatment itself is complete, a crown (where needed) usually requires a further one or two short appointments.

Will it hurt?

Root canal treatment should not be painful. The tooth is fully numbed with local anaesthetic before we begin, and most patients feel nothing more than pressure and vibration during the procedure. If you can feel anything at all, let us know and we will top up the anaesthetic straight away.

If a tooth is acutely infected and very painful, it can occasionally be harder to numb. In these cases we may use additional anaesthetic techniques or, where appropriate, settle the infection first and complete treatment at a second visit.

sedation">Nervous patients and sedation

If you are anxious about dental treatment, you are not alone and we will never rush you. Our team is experienced in looking after nervous patients, and we will explain each step before it happens. For patients who would prefer to be more relaxed during treatment, we can offer sedation. You remain conscious and able to respond, but feel calm and drowsy, and most patients remember very little of the appointment afterwards. Please mention this when you book or at your consultation so we can plan the appropriate arrangements, including someone to accompany you home.

Will I need a crown after my root canal treatment?

In many cases, yes – particularly for back teeth. A root-treated tooth has usually lost a good deal of its natural structure to decay, previous fillings and the access cavity, and because the nerve has been removed it is also drier and more brittle than a living tooth. The most common reason a root-treated tooth is eventually lost is not the root filling failing, but the tooth fracturing under chewing forces.

A crown covers and protects the whole tooth, holding it together and spreading the biting load evenly. For molars and premolars, placing a crown significantly improves the long-term survival of the tooth. Front teeth that are largely intact can often be restored with a filling alone.

We will advise you at the planning stage whether a crown is recommended, so that the full cost and number of visits are clear from the outset. Where a crown is needed, we recommend it is placed soon after the root canal treatment is completed, while the tooth is still protected by its temporary restoration and before it has a chance to crack.

What to expect after treatment

It is normal for the tooth and surrounding gum to feel tender for a few days once the anaesthetic wears off, especially when biting. This is the tissues around the root settling down and usually eases within two to five days. Over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol (taken as directed on the packet, and provided they are suitable for you) are normally all that is needed. Taking the first dose before the anaesthetic wears off can help.

Looking after the tooth in the first few days

  • Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has been permanently restored, particularly if a temporary filling or crown is in place.
  • Keep brushing and flossing as normal, including around the treated tooth.
  • Avoid very hard or sticky foods on that side until the final restoration is complete.

When to contact us

Please call us on 0161 912 6200 if you experience any of the following:

  • Pain or swelling that is getting worse rather than better after two or three days
  • Severe pain that is not controlled by over-the-counter painkillers
  • Swelling of the face, or difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth
  • A temporary filling that has come out or feels loose
  • The bite feeling ‘high’ on the treated tooth

These are uncommon, but we would always rather see you and check than have you wait.

Aftercare and long-term success

Root canal treatment has a high success rate, and a well-treated, well-restored tooth can last for many years – often a lifetime. The outcome depends on a combination of how thoroughly the canals were cleaned and sealed, how well the tooth was restored afterwards, and how the tooth is looked after from then on.

What affects success

  • A complete seal. Finding and fully treating every canal is the single biggest factor, which is why magnification and careful planning matter so much.
  • A timely, well-fitting restoration. A crown or filling that leaks allows bacteria back into the canals. Delaying the final restoration is one of the most common reasons treated teeth fail.
  • How much natural tooth remains. Teeth that have lost a lot of structure are more vulnerable to fracture.
  • Your general dental health. Good oral hygiene, controlling decay and gum disease, and managing tooth grinding all help protect the tooth.

Looking after a root-treated tooth

A root-treated tooth needs the same care as any other: brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth daily, and keep up with your routine examinations and hygiene appointments. If you grind or clench your teeth, a night guard can help protect the tooth and its crown.

We will review the tooth at your routine examinations and may take a follow-up X-ray after around a year to confirm that the bone around the root has healed.

Re-treatment of a failed root canal

Occasionally a tooth that has had root canal treatment in the past becomes painful or infected again, sometimes many years later. This does not necessarily mean the tooth has to be removed. In many cases the tooth can be re-treated and saved.

Why root canal treatments fail

  • A canal that was missed or not fully cleaned the first time
  • Complex canal anatomy – curved, narrow or branching canals that are difficult to treat without magnification
  • A crown or filling that was delayed, or that has since leaked, letting bacteria back in
  • New decay around the restoration
  • A crack or fracture in the tooth

Your options

Root canal re-treatment. The old root filling is removed, the canals are re-cleaned, disinfected and resealed, and the tooth is restored again. Re-treatment is more involved than first-time treatment and is a particular area of Dr Kazi’s expertise – it is the type of case other dentists most often refer to him. We will use a CBCT scan where appropriate to identify the cause of the problem before deciding on the best approach.

Apical surgery (apicectomy). In a small number of cases, where the problem cannot be reached from inside the tooth – for example where a post and crown would be difficult to remove – the tip of the root and the surrounding infected tissue can be removed through a small opening in the gum, and the root end sealed.

Extraction and replacement. If the tooth is cracked through the root, or too little sound tooth remains to restore it, extraction may be the more predictable option. We will discuss replacement options with you, including dental implants.

We will give you an honest assessment of how likely re-treatment is to succeed for your particular tooth, so you can weigh this against the alternatives.

Root canal treatment or extraction?

When a tooth is infected, the alternative to root canal treatment is to remove it. Patients sometimes ask whether it would be simpler to take the tooth out, so it is worth setting out why we usually recommend saving it.

Why saving the tooth is usually the better choice

  • Nothing replaces a natural tooth as well as the tooth itself. A root-treated tooth keeps its natural root, its position in the jaw and its natural feel when biting.
  • It prevents a chain of further problems. Losing a tooth allows the neighbouring teeth to drift and the opposing tooth to over-erupt, and the bone that supported the tooth gradually shrinks away.
  • It is usually the less costly route. Root canal treatment and a crown generally cost less than extraction followed by an implant or bridge, and involve fewer appointments.
  • It avoids a gap. A missing tooth – even at the back – affects chewing and can affect the appearance of the smile.

When extraction may be the better option

There are situations where removing the tooth is the more predictable choice, and we will always tell you if that is the case:

  • The tooth has a vertical crack running through the root
  • Too little natural tooth remains to restore it properly after treatment
  • Severe gum disease has caused extensive bone loss around the tooth
  • Previous treatment and re-treatment have not resolved the infection

If a tooth does need to be removed, we can replace it with a dental implant, bridge or denture, and we will plan the replacement with you at the same time so you are not left with a gap for longer than necessary.

How much does root canal treatment cost?

The cost depends on which tooth is being treated, as back teeth have more canals and take longer, and on whether it is a first-time treatment or a re-treatment. The guide prices below are for the root canal treatment itself; where a crown is recommended, this is quoted separately. You will receive a full written treatment plan with the exact cost before any treatment begins.

Treatment Guide price
Endodontic consultation (including X-rays) £35
3D CBCT scan (where required) From £195
Root canal treatment – front tooth (incisor or canine) from £650
Root canal treatment – premolar from £750
Root canal treatment – molar from £850
Root canal re-treatment from £850
Crown following root canal treatment from £850

Finance options are available to spread the cost of treatment – please ask our reception team for details.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive home after root canal treatment? Yes, if you have had local anaesthetic only. If you have had sedation, you will need someone to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.

Can I eat after the appointment? Wait until the numbness has fully worn off so you do not bite your cheek or tongue. Then eat on the other side until the tooth has its permanent restoration.

Will I need antibiotics? Usually not. Antibiotics cannot reach the inside of the tooth, so they do not cure the infection on their own. We prescribe them only where there is spreading swelling or you are unwell.

Can I go back to work the same day? Most patients do. You may feel some tenderness, but there is no need to take time off unless you have had sedation.

Will the tooth look different afterwards? Sometimes a root-treated tooth can darken slightly over time. If this happens to a front tooth, it can usually be improved with internal whitening or a veneer or crown.

I have had a root canal elsewhere and it is still painful. Can you help? Yes. We regularly see patients referred for re-treatment or a second opinion. Book a consultation and we will assess the tooth, usually with a CBCT scan, and explain your options.

Is it better to have treatment now or wait until it hurts? Now. Treating a tooth before an abscess develops is simpler, more comfortable and more likely to succeed. Infections do not go away on their own.

Can my own dentist refer me to Dr Kazi? Yes. We accept referrals from other practices for complex root canal treatment and re-treatment. Your dentist can contact us on 0161 912 6200 or at hello@deansgatedentalstudio.co.uk, and you will return to your own dentist once treatment is complete.

Book a root canal consultation

If you have toothache, sensitivity or swelling, or you have been told you need a root canal treatment, we would be happy to see you. We will assess the tooth, explain your options clearly and give you a written treatment plan with no obligation.

Deansgate Dental Studio South Tower, 13 Owen Street, Manchester M15 4YB Telephone: 0161 912 6200 Email: hello@deansgatedentalstudio.co.uk

We are a fully private practice, and new patients are always welcome. For patients in pain, we will do our best to see you the same day.

For more information on this treatment, or to simply book an appointment get in touch with us.
Call 0161 912 6200 Contact or Book Online

Get in Touch

Root Canal Treatment Animation

Back to General Dentistry

General Dentistry

Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio

Giving you the bite and smile you desire.

right black plain arrow right grey plain arrow Learn More

Cosmetic Dentistry

Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio

Renew your smile. Refresh your appearance.

right black plain arrow right grey plain arrow Learn More

Teeth Straightening

Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio

Real cases. Real results.

right black plain arrow right grey plain arrow Learn More

Dental Implants

Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio

Reinvent your smile with dental implants.

right black plain arrow right grey plain arrow Learn More

Advanced Dentistry

Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio

Dedicated to advanced digital dentistry.

right black plain arrow right grey plain arrow Learn More
Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio

Giving you the bite and smile you desire.

right black plain arrow right grey plain arrow Learn More
Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio

Renew your smile. Refresh your appearance.

right black plain arrow right grey plain arrow Learn More
Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio

Real cases. Real results.

right black plain arrow right grey plain arrow Learn More
Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio

Reinvent your smile with dental implants.

right black plain arrow right grey plain arrow Learn More
Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio Treatment -  Deansgate Dental Studio

Dedicated to advanced digital dentistry.

right black plain arrow right grey plain arrow Learn More
Explore all Treatments
Google Rating
4.9
Google Rating