Root Canal Treatment in Mill Hill, Burnt Oak, Colindale and Totteridge: What to Expect

Root canal treatment has a reputation it doesn't really deserve. Much of the discomfort people associate with it comes from the infection or inflammation that leads to treatment, not from the procedure itself. Here is a clear guide from the team at Dental Wellness Mill Hill.

Why a tooth might need root canal treatment

Inside every tooth is a soft core called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack, a large or leaking filling, or a knock to the tooth can let bacteria reach the pulp. The result can be lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, throbbing pain, tenderness when biting, swelling, or sometimes no symptoms at all until an X-ray shows a problem at the root tip.

Without treatment, an infected tooth will usually need to be extracted. Root canal treatment removes the infection and allows you to keep the tooth.

What happens during treatment

1. Assessment: the dentist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to see the shape and number of the root canals.
2. Numbing: local anaesthetic is used so the tooth is numb. A thin rubber sheet called a dam is placed around it to keep it clean and dry.
3. Cleaning and shaping: the infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned, disinfected and shaped with fine instruments.
4. Filling: the canals are sealed with a rubber-like material, and the tooth is closed with a temporary or permanent filling.

Treatment is often completed in one or two visits, depending on the tooth and how much infection is present. Back teeth, which have more canals, usually take longer.

After treatment

It is normal for the tooth to feel tender for a few days, and over-the-counter painkillers usually help. Back teeth that have had root canal treatment are often weaker, so a crown or onlay may be recommended to protect them from cracking. Your dentist will review the tooth with X-rays at later check-ups.

Who will treat you?

At our Mill Hill practice, root canal treatment is carried out by dentists including Dr Rima Doshi, one of our principal dentists, Dr Ani Ohanyan and Dr Daniel Rabinowitz. If your case is particularly complex, we will talk to you about referral to a specialist endodontist on the GDC specialist list.

Can every tooth be saved?

Not always. If a tooth is cracked deep below the gum, has very little structure left or has advanced gum disease, extraction may be more sensible, followed by a discussion about replacing the tooth with an implant, bridge or denture. We will explain the choices and their likely outcomes so you can decide.

Get in touch

If you have toothache or a tooth that is sensitive to biting, don't wait for it to settle on its own. Dental Wellness Mill Hill is at 46 The Broadway, NW7 3LH, and we see patients from Mill Hill, Burnt Oak, Colindale, Totteridge and the surrounding area. Call 020 3930 4900, email smile@dentalwellnessmillhill.co.uk or book online.

You can read more on our root canal treatment page.