Gentle root canal treatment in North London

A root canal treatment is required if the dental pulp (or central layer) of your tooth has become infected or inflamed and cannot be saved. This normally arises as a result of advanced decay, a deep filling or a severe crack or fracture to the tooth due to a trauma. Occasionally it can be a result of gum disease. At Winchmore Hill Dental Practice, we provide specialist root canal treatment, along with tooth removal and gum surgery. No matter how complex your case, our in-house service means you won’t need to be referred elsewhere.

Modern, pain-free root canal treatment

Dr Mahesh Patel, our Principal Dentist, is a qualified specialist in oral surgery, and Dr Claudia Ramirez-Bommer is also highly experienced in performing gentle and effective root canal treatments on a regular basis. While the root canal procedure might have been something to fear many decades ago, today’s modern technology – including our cutting-edge dental microscope – means that root canal treatment is as routine as getting a filling. At Winchmore Hill Dental Practice, you can be confident your root canal experience will be positive and pain-free.

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Root Canal FAQs

Why would I need a root canal?

Root canal treatment is necessary when the inner tooth becomes infected. Left untreated, this infection can spread around the tooth, causing a gum abscess. Root canal treatment provides instant relief from the pain of infection and saves a tooth that would otherwise require extraction.

What symptoms might indicate root canal treatment?

If you experience sudden toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, and sore, swollen gums, you may have an infected tooth and should see the dentist immediately. Don’t be tempted to put off visiting the dentist if the symptoms subside – this could be an indication that the dental pulp has died off. When that happens, symptoms usually return even more aggressively, often accompanied by a gum abscess, as the infection spreads beyond the tooth.

What does a root canal procedure involve?

After isolating your infected tooth with a rubber dam (this keeps the tooth dry and prevents any chemicals running into your mouth), the dentist will then open up your tooth using a very precise dental drill. The dental pulp is removed with suction, and the root canal thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and then filled with gutta percha. Once you have recovered from your root canal treatment, it is likely you’ll need to return to the dentist to have a permanent restoration fitted, as root canal treatment generally leaves the tooth weaker.

Does it hurt to get a root canal treatment?

No. A root canal procedure is carried out under a local anaesthetic and you will be able to signal to the dentist at any point if you feel uncomfortable. A root canal treatment actually provides instant relief from the toothache caused by the infection.

How long will my treated tooth survive?

Root canal treatment has an extremely high success rate and you can expect your treated tooth to last up to a decade with good oral hygiene.