A gentle, modern way to relieve pain and save a tooth that would otherwise be lost. Root canal treatment at Clearstone is carried out by Dr Pankaj Varma, our dentist with a special interest in endodontics.
Inside every tooth is a soft centre called the pulp, which contains the nerve and blood supply. When this becomes infected or inflamed, through deep decay, a crack or injury, it can cause pain and, if left untreated, lead to an abscess and the loss of the tooth.
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontics, carefully removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection. It relieves pain and allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is almost always the best outcome for your long-term dental health.
Some teeth give clear warning signs, while others cause little pain and are found at a check-up. Common symptoms include:
Ongoing or throbbing pain in a tooth, which may be worse at night or keep you awake.
Discomfort when you chew or press on a particular tooth.
Sensitivity to hot or cold that continues long after the food or drink has gone.
Swelling or tenderness of the gum near the tooth, or on the face.
A tooth that has become noticeably darker than those around it.
A recurring pimple or abscess on the gum, sometimes with an unpleasant taste.
If you are in pain or have swelling, please contact us promptly. You can also read about our emergency dental care.
Treatment removes the source of infection, settling the pain and letting the tooth feel comfortable again.
Nothing works quite like your own tooth. Saving it avoids the need for an extraction and a replacement.
Keeping the tooth maintains your bite and stops neighbouring teeth drifting into the gap.
Cleaning and sealing the tooth prevents the infection progressing to an abscess.
With a good restoration and care, a root-treated tooth can last for many years.
Saving a tooth is frequently more straightforward and cost-effective than extracting and replacing it.
Dr Varma examines the tooth and takes any X-rays needed to confirm the diagnosis and plan your treatment.
The tooth and surrounding area are fully numbed with local anaesthetic, so you stay comfortable throughout. Modern root canal treatment feels much like having a filling.
The infected or inflamed pulp is carefully removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped.
The canals are disinfected and then filled and sealed to prevent any further infection. Some teeth are treated in a single visit, others over two.
A filling or, for back teeth, a crown is placed to protect the tooth and restore its strength and appearance.
We check that the tooth has settled and healed well, and advise on keeping it healthy for the long term.
Dr Varma has a great passion for dentistry, with particular interests in endodontics and periodontics, and holds postgraduate diplomas in both. Known for his calm and reassuring approach, he takes pride in helping nervous patients feel comfortable and at ease throughout their treatment.
Passionate about saving natural teeth and maintaining healthy gums, Dr Varma combines advanced clinical skills with a patient-focused, empathetic approach and a strong focus on long-term oral health.
It is normal for the tooth to feel a little tender for a few days as it settles, and this is usually well managed with ordinary pain relief. The relief from the original pain is often felt straight away.
Try to avoid chewing hard on the tooth until it has been permanently restored.
| Treatment | Fee |
|---|---|
| Root Canal Treatment (incisor, canine or premolar) | £750 |
| Root Canal Treatment (molar) | £950 |
| Re-root canal treatment (retreatment) | Additional fee by complexity |
The fee depends on which tooth is treated, as molars have more canals and are more complex than front teeth. Retreating a tooth that has had root canal treatment before incurs an additional fee depending on complexity. Any crown needed to protect the tooth afterwards is charged separately. You’ll receive a clear written quote before treatment begins. See our full fees page for more.
Modern root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so it should feel much like having a filling. For many patients it actually relieves the pain they arrived with. Dr Varma is known for his calm, gentle approach, especially with nervous patients.
Many root canals are completed in one or two visits, depending on the tooth and the infection. Dr Varma will explain what your treatment involves after assessing the tooth.
Often, yes, particularly for back teeth. A root-treated tooth can become more brittle, and a crown protects it and restores its strength. Your dentist will advise whether a filling or a crown is best for your tooth.
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the best option where possible. It maintains your bite and avoids the need to replace the tooth with an implant, bridge or denture. Dr Varma will talk you through your options honestly.
With a good restoration and regular care, a root-treated tooth can last for many years, often for life. Keeping up your check-ups and hygienist visits helps it last.
Occasionally a tooth that has had root canal treatment before can become re-infected. Retreatment involves reopening the tooth, removing the old filling material and cleaning the canals again. It is more complex than a first-time treatment, so an additional fee applies depending on the case.
Book an appointment with Dr Pankaj Varma, or call us and we will help.
