Root Canal Treatment Brighton - RCT Therapy Hove

Why have root canal treatment?

At SmileWorks, we believe in preventive dentistry, and always try to save a natural tooth where we can. Root canal treatment can prevent the need for extraction and help you avoid further issues and the costs involved with replacing a lost tooth.

A significant benefit of root canal treatment is the instant relief you feel once the source of infection is removed and you are no longer in severe tooth pain. We use the latest digital techniques and technology to provide precise treatment with long-lasting results.

Book an appointment

What does root canal treatment involve?

To begin your treatment, we examine your mouth and take digital X-rays to accurately check the root canals of your tooth. We discuss the procedure with you and plan your treatment. We try to complete root canal treatments in a single visit where possible for your convenience. However, some cases will require two or more appointments.

We place a rubber sheet around your tooth to keep it dry during treatment. We carefully remove the infected pulp, using local anaesthetic to minimise your discomfort. We then flush the root canals with an antibacterial solution to thoroughly clean them before shaping them using tiny instruments.

We fill the shaped root canals with a rubber material to seal them and prevent bacteria from entering and causing further infection. We restore the biting surface of your tooth, often using a crown to ensure your tooth looks, feels and functions as it should.

When is root canal treatment needed?

The dental pulp within your tooth is made up of soft tissue, including nerves and blood vessels, and extends from the crown to the tips of the root. If the pulp becomes infected, due to decay, trauma, or a deep filling, it needs to be removed to avoid the issue spreading and to save your natural tooth.

You may experience symptoms including pain, sensitivity, discolouration, swelling, a metallic taste or gum tenderness. However, some people have no symptoms at all, and the issue may only be detected at your regular dental check-ups.

Book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

: The best way to look after your tooth following a root canal is to maintain a regular oral hygiene routine at home. Root-filled teeth are still prone to decay, so brushing twice a day and flossing daily will ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong.
: If looked after properly, your root canal treated tooth should stay trouble-free and provide a long lasting repair. Although the living pulp has been removed, the tooth remains functional because the canals have been meticulously cleaned and sealed to prevent re-infection. Routine examinations allow us to monitor the tooth and catch any potential issues early on.
: Although it has a reputation for being painful, you should find that root canal treatment is relatively comfortable and nowhere near as bad as you expected! We use local anaesthetic to ensure the affected area is completely numb, and the experience should be similar to having a standard filling. Most patients actually feel a sense of great relief once the source of the painful infection is removed.
: If it is properly cared for, your root treated tooth should function well for many years and cause no issues. In some cases, the treatment may need to be repeated, but this is rare.
: The only alternative to endodontic treatment is to have the affected tooth removed, thus eliminating the pain and infection. We try to avoid this, as it is much better for you to keep your natural tooth. An extraction also incurs additional costs relating to filling the gap left in your smile. Occasionally, removing the tooth is inevitable, but we will talk to you about your options in full.

What do our patients say?

Don’t just take our word for it! Read the reviews from our real and valued patients and get an insight into the high-quality care and experience you can expect in our practice.

Call us to get started!