A root canal procedure is designed to save your natural tooth from an extraction. It serves to –
Relieve severe pain – A root canal removes infected or inflamed pulp, providing relief from persistent toothache.
Save the natural tooth – It preserves your natural tooth, maintaining your bite and preventing the need for extraction.
Prevent infection spreading – Root canal treatment stops bacteria from spreading to surrounding teeth and gums.
Restore function and appearance – The treated tooth can be restored with a crown or filling, regaining full function and a natural look.
A root canal treatment (RCT) is a major procedure. If you think you may need one or have been advised by your dentist to have one, we recommend booking an appointment with one of our private dentists in London as quickly as you can. We have two clinics in Central London – our dentists in Waterloo SE1 (near London Bridge) and dentists near Paddington in W2 are very experienced with root canal procedures.
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At Whites Dental, our private prices for a root canal treatment are surprisingly affordable. To find out how much root canal treatment costs in more detail, visit our cost page.
|
Root Canal Treatment (RCT) - Anterior |
typically £400-£455 |
|
Root Canal Treatment (RCT)- Pre-Molar |
typically £500-£565 |
|
Root Canal Treatment (RCT) - Molar |
typically £600-£695 |
|
Crowns |
from £750 |
Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is often covered by dental insurance, but the extent of coverage depends on your specific plan and provider. Most private dental insurance plans cover root canal treatment either partially or fully, especially if it’s deemed medically necessary.
We offer a range of finance options to fund your root canal treatment (RCT) – these include 0% finance plans over 12 months and also finance plans from 12-60 months. If you are looking to fund your root canal treatment on finance, please speak to our reception team on how to apply. The application process is very quick and you can have the plan approved in minutes.
An endodontist is a specialist who focuses solely on diagnosing and treating infections within the tooth and performing complex root canal procedures. A dentist with experience in root canal treatment can successfully manage most standard and difficult cases, with the exception of severely complex or high-risk teeth.
An experienced dentist can complete most root canal cases effectively. Endodontists are typically recommended for severely complex cases, such as intricate root structures, retreatments or advanced infections.
Treatment with a dentist is usually more cost-effective, making it a common first choice for straightforward and also advanced cases. Endodontists tend to charge higher fees due to their specialist training and advanced equipment and are generally reserved for very complex cases.
| Factor | Endodontist | Experienced Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Case Type | Specialist handling of severely complex root canal cases and retreatments | Manages most standard and moderately complex root canal cases |
| Treatment Focus | Focused exclusively on root canal procedures and internal tooth infections | Performs root canal treatment regularly with broad clinical experience |
| Cost | Higher due to specialist expertise and advanced equipment | Generally more affordable than an endodontist |
Once you are ready to book your RCT, please book an appointment with our reception team.
What Our Dental Patients Say
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to save a tooth that has become infected or severely decayed. Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When this pulp becomes infected, it can cause pain, swelling and even lead to tooth loss if not treated. During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and fills it with a biocompatible material. The tooth is then sealed, usually followed by a crown to strengthen and protect it. This treatment relieves pain and preserves your natural tooth.
If you experience ongoing or severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or biting, it could indicate pulp damage. This is often a primary sign that a root canal may be necessary.
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, even after removing the stimulus, can signal nerve inflammation. A root canal helps remove the damaged pulp causing this sensitivity.
Swelling in the gums, a pimple-like bump, or pus around the tooth indicates an infection in the pulp or root. Immediate treatment, often with a root canal, is needed to prevent the infection from spreading.
A tooth that becomes darker or discoloured may have dead or dying pulp inside. Root canal treatment can remove the damaged tissue and restore the tooth’s health.
An untreated infected tooth allows bacteria to spread to surrounding teeth, gums, and jawbone. This can lead to more complex dental problems and severe oral pain.
Bacteria can form a pocket of pus known as an abscess, causing swelling, throbbing pain, and sensitivity. Abscesses may also lead to systemic infections if not treated promptly.
Infection weakens the tooth structure and supporting bone, increasing the risk of the tooth becoming loose or needing extraction. Losing a tooth can affect chewing, speech, and alignment of surrounding teeth.
Severe dental infections can enter the bloodstream, potentially impacting heart, kidney, or other organ health. Early treatment helps prevent these rare but serious complications.
After a root canal, it is normal to experience mild discomfort or tenderness around the treated tooth for a few days. This is usually due to temporary inflammation in the surrounding tissues rather than ongoing infection. Most patients find that any soreness gradually improves within a short period.
Over-the-counter pain relief is often enough to manage any post-treatment sensitivity. Your dentist may also recommend avoiding chewing on the treated side until the tooth feels more comfortable. If pain worsens or does not improve, you should contact your dentist for review.
You can usually return to eating once the numbness wears off, but it is best to start with softer foods. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, including brushing twice daily and cleaning between teeth to support healing and prevent further issues. Avoiding very hard or sticky foods can help protect the treated tooth.
In many cases, a permanent filling or crown is needed after treatment to strengthen and protect the tooth. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor healing and ensure the tooth remains healthy. With proper care, a treated tooth can last for many years.
At Whites Dental, our dentists provide root canal treatment (RCT) to patients at our two clinics in London.
Whites Dental Waterloo
172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER
020 8616 0590
Our Waterloo dentist clinic in SE1 is located adjacent to Southwark Tube station. We are an under 10mins walk from Waterloo, London Bridge, Southwark, Borough, Elephant and Castle and Southbank.
Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)
52B Kendal St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BP
020 3576 2325
Our Marble Arch dentist clinic in W2 is walking distance from Paddington Station, Maida Vale, Bayswater, Notting Hill, Marylebone, Oxford Circus & the West End. We are a 5-10 minutes walk from London Paddington, Marble Arch, Bond Street and Edgware Road stations.