Root canal treatment (endodontics) is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth. A root canal is done to save the tooth, which otherwise might have to be removed.

When is a root canal needed?

• Tooth decay
• Leaky fillings
• Damage to teeth as a result of trauma, such as a fall

Root canal treatment is only required when dental X-rays show that the pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection or there is a crack in the tooth or the tooth has devitalized due to trauma or gum disease.

The pulp will begin to die if it’s infected by bacteria, allowing the bacteria to multiply and spread.

The symptoms of a pulp infection include:

• Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food/drinks
• Pain when biting or chewing
• A loose tooth
• Pain when biting or chewing returns
• Swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
• Pus oozing from the affected tooth
• Facial swelling
• The tooth becoming a darker colour

It’s important to see your dentist if the tooth starts to hurt. If your tooth is infected, the pulp cannot heal by itself.

Leaving the infected tooth in your mouth may make it worse.

There may also be less chance of the root canal treatment working if the infection within your tooth becomes established.

Antibiotics, a medicine to treat bacterial infections, are not effective in treating root canal infections.

How is a root canal treatment done:

A root canal is done over two stages but can be done in one stage depending on the infection and the dentist treating it:

1. Extirpation – Initial cleaning of the tooth to relieve pain
2. Instrumentation and Obturation – Thorough cleaning of the tooth to the apex and filling with root canal material, followed by a filling on top.

A root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia and is a pain-free treatment. It should not hurt during the procedure. Afterward, it may be a bit sore for a few days depending on the infection in the tooth and the body’s immune response to the infection.

Here at The Dentist, we perform many root canals and re-root canals (for failed root canals done elsewhere). Our treatments are pain-free and help save your tooth. Our dentist has a special interest in endodontics and has been performing this procedure for over 15 years.

Some of our cases:

Get in Touch for Your Root Canal Consultation

Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of an infected tooth, don’t delay your treatment. Our dental experts are ready to help.

Call Us: 01922 624900 or Book an Appointment Online

Location and Availability

We are located at 341 Birmingham Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B43 7AP. Our clinic is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and we offer emergency services by appointment.

What People Say About Us

Gurpreet Bola

14. June, 2024.

Very good experience—I have waited approximately 6 months before reviewing their service. I called the dentist at the practice on Boxing Day in December 2023. I was extremely nervous about attending their practice due to poor service I received at a different dentist. I was asked to attend their surgery as they suspected I needed a root canal procedure. The dentist put my mind at ease and agreed to inform me fully of the procedure. He had full faith in his ability to deliver a service with no pain to be experienced whatsoever. He proved me wrong, and I had the best experience at a dentist surgery ever. I experienced no pain and no discomfort at all. This was a massive relief for me.

Rosemary Bruce

11. January, 2021.

I was suffering awful pain in a tooth just before Christmas, tried locally to get an appointment to no avail.... Rang The Dentist, seen same day, was an abscess, root canal done, pain gone, am so grateful. Have now had two root canals and two new crowns and a third to be completed shortly. I had some terrible experiences with other dentists last year. Dr. Rikki, assisted by Ana, have restored my faith in the profession with their extremely kind, efficient treatment, in their beautiful new surgery! Thanks so much!!!

Vik

18. March, 2019.

This review is on behalf of my mum, who has been using this dentist for the past six months. However I myself have had a filling and hygienist appointment here, and couldn't recommend them enough. I'm usually an anxious patient, but Dr Rikki and his staff have made me feel at ease! "I started looking for a new dentist when I realised that my previous one was careless, as I got a root infection and a broken tooth shortly after visiting her. I asked around my friends for a good dentist, and they recommended The Dentist. I was told that this place charges more, but is very much worth it because they save teeth other dentists would rather pull. The doctor did a thorough check up on my teeth and started the treatment. I've received a root canal and a tooth extraction of my broken tooth. I have decided to go ahead and get two tooth implants put in- one to replace the newly removed tooth, and the second to fill a gap from a tooth I had pulled 21 years ago. So far I've had a bone graft and one of the implants fully carried out. I've also had a crown put in, and I'm currently due to have the second one put in soon. I would highly recommend this dentist because they work to a high professional standard, carry out their work fast and thoroughly, with jewellery-like precision. Most importantly I feel like I have their complete attention and care, which is something I found my past dentists to be lacking, as they often seemed to be distracted. Even if you have a poor understanding of English, they do a great job of explaining everything. I've not had any complications during my treatment, and I am very happy. The doctor and the nurse are brilliant. I would highly recommend using this practice." "

Darmesh Valambhia

14. November, 2018.

Excellent treatment! Managed to get an appointment really fast; had a decayed tooth that was able to be saved with a root canal. I had been suffering for a month beforehand and was dreading visiting a dentist; however, I was made to feel very relaxed about the procedure. He gave me the full range of options with prices. I initially felt my only option was extraction and was worried in case the root canal did not work; however, due to his excellent skills, everything went great. I hardly felt any pain after the process, which was a first for me! Highly recommended; I will be visiting again to get the rest of my teeth done.

Our patients love what we do because we provide high-quality, pain-free dental treatments. We Specialise in treating nervous and anxious patients. Book your consultation today and experience the best dental care in Walsall, Great Barr, Perry Barr, Aldridge, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham.