Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment in Crewe
Root canal treatment removes infected or irreversibly inflamed pulp from inside a tooth. The root canals are then cleaned, shaped and sealed to treat the problem and help preserve your natural tooth.
In pain now? Call the practice rather than using the form. Severe pain affecting your sleep or swelling needs urgent dental advice. If you cannot reach a dentist, contact NHS 111. Call 999 or go to A&E if swelling makes it difficult to breathe, speak or swallow, or affects your eye.
Why it is needed
What root canal treatment is for
Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp. Deep decay, cracks or injury can cause it to become infected or inflamed beyond healing. Root canal treatment removes the affected tissue, cleans and disinfects the canals inside the root, and seals them to help preserve the tooth.
Why the pulp can become damaged
- Deep decay reaching the pulp
- Repeated treatment on the same tooth
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- Injury or a knock to the tooth
Signs worth getting checked
- Toothache, particularly when biting or lying down
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling of the gum or face
- A tooth that has darkened in colour
These symptoms do not always mean root canal treatment is needed, and an affected tooth may not always cause pain. An examination and X-rays help your dentist establish the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment.
The appointment
What happens during root canal treatment
The tooth is numbed first. Some cases can be completed in one visit, while others require two or more appointments. The number and length of visits depend on the tooth, its root canals and what the examination and X-rays show.
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Examination and X-raysYour dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to confirm what is happening inside it and to see the shape of the roots before starting.
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Numbing the areaLocal anaesthetic is given so the tooth and the area around it are numb. Tell your dentist if you can still feel anything, as more can be given.
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Removing the pulpThe inflamed or infected tissue is removed from inside the tooth using fine instruments.
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Cleaning and shaping the canalsThe canals inside the root are cleaned, disinfected and shaped so they can be sealed properly. This is the part that takes the time.
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Sealing and restoringOnce the canals are ready, they are sealed with a filling material. A temporary filling may be used between appointments. The tooth is then restored, and your dentist will explain whether a crown is recommended to protect the remaining tooth structure.
Treatment options
Root canal treatment or removing the tooth
When the pulp inside a tooth is infected or inflamed beyond healing, root canal treatment or extraction may be considered. Your dentist will explain the appropriate options after examining the tooth and reviewing the X-rays.
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Keeping the tooth
Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment cleans and seals the inside of the tooth with the aim of keeping your natural tooth in place. A crown may be recommended afterwards to protect the remaining tooth structure.
from £525front tooth, starting fee
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Removing the tooth
Extraction
Extraction removes the affected tooth and leaves a gap. Depending on its position and your needs, the options may include leaving the gap or replacing the tooth with a bridge, denture or implant. Each approach involves different costs and maintenance.
from £195starting fee
The examination and X-rays help your dentist assess whether root canal treatment offers a reasonable prospect of preserving the tooth. Treatment outcomes cannot be guaranteed. If extraction is recommended, your dentist will explain why and provide the relevant costs in writing before you decide how to proceed.
What it costs
How much does root canal treatment cost in Crewe?
Back teeth often have more canals and can take longer to treat, which is why their starting fee is higher. Your individual cost is confirmed after an examination and X-rays.
Private fees
| Root canal treatment, front tooth | from £525 |
|---|---|
| Root canal treatment, back tooth | from £595 |
| Dental crown, often recommended afterwards | from £650 |
| Tooth extraction, where clinically appropriate | from £195 |
Worth knowing
The crown is a separate cost
Teeth requiring root canal treatment have often already lost tooth structure through decay, damage or previous treatment. A crown may therefore be recommended to protect the remaining tooth. Crowns are charged separately, from £650, and your dentist will explain whether one is recommended.
See the fee guideSpreading the cost
Finance options
Treatment costing £350 or more may be eligible for finance arranged with Chrysalis Finance, subject to status and affordability.
How finance worksClear costs before treatment. Private patients receive a written estimate covering the root canal treatment and any recommended crown before treatment begins. NHS root canal treatment may be available when clinically necessary, subject to eligibility and current availability.
Common questions
Root canal treatment questions
Answers to what people most often ask about pain, cost, timing and whether the tooth can be kept.
Is root canal treatment painful?
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anaesthetic before treatment. Tell your dentist if you feel discomfort so they can check the anaesthetic. Some tenderness afterwards is common and should gradually settle; contact the practice if it is severe, worsening or does not improve.
How much does root canal treatment cost?
Private root canal treatment starts from £525 for a front tooth and from £595 for a back tooth. A crown may be recommended afterwards and is charged separately, from £650. See our private fee guide.
How many appointments will I need?
The number of appointments depends on the tooth and the complexity of its root canals. Some treatments can be completed in one visit, while others require two or more. Your dentist will explain the expected stages before starting.
Will I need a crown afterwards?
Teeth requiring root canal treatment have often already lost tooth structure through decay, damage or previous treatment. A crown may therefore be recommended to protect the remaining tooth, particularly for a back tooth. Your dentist will explain whether one is recommended in your case.
How successful is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is intended to preserve your natural tooth. The outlook depends on the remaining tooth structure, the condition and shape of the roots, the surrounding bone and how the tooth is restored afterwards. Your dentist will explain the expected outlook and relevant alternatives before treatment.
Could I just have the tooth taken out instead?
Extraction can be an alternative and starts from £195. It leaves a gap, so your dentist will explain whether replacing the tooth is recommended and discuss the relevant options, which may include a bridge, denture or implant.
Book an assessment for tooth pain
Pain, lingering sensitivity or swelling should be assessed by a dentist. Request an appointment and your dentist will examine the tooth, take X-rays where appropriate and explain the cause, the available treatment options and the expected cost. If you are in pain now, please call us rather than waiting for a form response.