Matthew Bell
Best dental practice we’ve ever had. Had a string of disappointments over the years and Pearly Whites is so well organised and professional.
Root Canal Treatment in Fulham
Relieve the pain of an infected or inflamed tooth and save it from being taken out, with honest advice on the best way to treat it.
- Toothache seen the same or next working day
- Straightforward root canal treatment here at the practice
- Complex cases referred to a specialist for the best chance of success
- Sometimes avoidable with Biodentine, if the nerve can be saved
- 0% finance available, with PearlyPlan savings
4.6 from 300+ Google reviewsFamily-run practice on Munster Road, SW6
At a glance
Root canal treatment at Pearly Whites
- Where
- Straightforward cases here; complex cases with a specialist
- Could it be avoided?
- Sometimes, with Biodentine, if the nerve is still healthy enough to keep
- Biodentine →
What is root canal treatment?
Saving a tooth from the inside
Inside every tooth is the pulp, the soft tissue containing its nerve and blood supply, which runs down through narrow channels in the roots called root canals. Deep decay, a crack or a knock can let bacteria reach the pulp, making it inflamed or infected.
Root canal treatment removes the infected or inflamed pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, and seals them to stop the infection coming back. It relieves the pain and lets you keep your own tooth, rather than having it taken out.
Signs to look out for
When you might need a root canal
Lingering toothache
Pain that keeps coming back, lasts a long time, or wakes you at night.
Sensitivity that doesn’t fade
Pain with hot or cold that lingers after the food or drink has gone.
Pain when biting
A tooth that’s tender to bite on or touch.
Swelling
Swelling in your gum or face, or a small spot on the gum near the tooth.
A darkening tooth
A tooth that has turned grey or darker, often after an old knock.
No symptoms at all
Sometimes an infection shows up only on an X-ray, which is one reason regular check-ups matter.
The right care for your tooth
Here at the practice, or with a specialist
Straightforward root canal treatment is carried out here at Pearly Whites. Some teeth are more complex, for example with curved, narrow or blocked canals, or a previous root canal that needs redoing.
For those, we refer you to a specialist in root canal treatment (an endodontist), because it gives your tooth the best chance of success. We’ll always explain which applies to your tooth, and why, before any treatment begins.
Can it be avoided?
Keeping your tooth alive
Biodentine
If deep decay has reached close to the nerve but the nerve is still healthy enough to keep, Biodentine can help the tooth heal itself, so you may not need a root canal at all.
Biodentine →Catching decay early
Regular check-ups catch decay long before it reaches the nerve, when it can be treated simply.
Check-ups →Your treatment
Root canal treatment, step by step
Assessment
We examine the tooth, take X-rays and explain what we’ve found, whether it can be treated here or needs a specialist, and the cost.
Numbing
We numb the tooth thoroughly, so the treatment feels much like having a filling.
Cleaning the canals
We remove the infected or inflamed pulp, then clean, shape and disinfect the canals.
Sealing
We fill and seal the canals, and place a filling to close the tooth. Sometimes this is done over two visits.
Protecting the tooth
Back teeth usually need an onlay or crown afterwards, as root-treated teeth become more brittle.
Your options
Saving the tooth or taking it out
| Feature | Root canal treatment | Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Your tooth | Kept | Removed |
| Afterwards | Usually an onlay or crown on back teeth | A gap, which can be replaced with an implant, bridge or denture |
| Cost | Quoted at consultation, plus an onlay or crown from £1,050 on back teeth | From £249, plus the cost of replacing the tooth (implants from £3,295) |
Keeping your own tooth is usually best. If a tooth can’t be saved, see tooth extractions and dental implants.
Afterwards
After your root canal treatment
Tenderness
The tooth may feel tender for a few days. Everyday painkillers, as advised, usually help.
Take care chewing
Until your onlay or crown is fitted, avoid chewing hard food on the tooth, as it can break.
Protect it
An onlay or crown, handcrafted by Corus Tusk in Marylebone, protects a root-treated back tooth for the long term.
Crowns and onlays →Call us if
Pain gets worse after a few days, or you notice swelling. We’ll see you quickly.
Costs
Root canal treatment prices
- Root canal treatmentDepending on the toothPearlyPlan members save 10%Quoted at consultation
- Post and coreExtra support for a root-treated toothPearlyPlan members save 10%Quoted at consultation
- Porcelain inlay or onlayFrom £87.50 a month with 0% financePearlyPlan members save 10%From £1,050
- e.max or zirconia crownFrom £87.50 a month with 0% financePearlyPlan members save 10%From £1,050
Root canal treatment is often covered in part by dental insurance: see using your dental insurance.
Reviews
What our patients say
jay
Best dental practive in area..✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Nicola Gerhard
Always made to feel valued as a patient, Dr Lia is a wonderful dentist.
john hill
Dr Lia and Nurse Shukri
Practice manager Zahra were all wonderful- I actually look forward to coming to the dentist. All so kind & competent & happy.
Justin Thomas
What a wonderful team! I can’t recommend the Invisalign treatment highly enough in the hands of this capable team. Thank you for all you’ve done over the last few months. A very happy client!
Questions
Root canal FAQs
How much does root canal treatment cost?
It depends on the tooth, so we quote at your consultation once we know what it needs. Back teeth usually also need an onlay or crown, from £1,050. PearlyPlan members save 10%, or you can spread the cost with 0% finance.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
The tooth is numbed thoroughly, so it feels much like having a filling. In fact, it relieves the pain of an infected tooth. It may be tender for a few days afterwards.
Do you do root canals at the practice?
Yes, we carry out straightforward root canal treatment here. For complex cases, we refer you to a specialist, to give your tooth the best chance of success.
Why would I be referred to a specialist?
Some teeth have curved, narrow or blocked canals, or need a previous root canal redone. A specialist in root canal treatment (an endodontist) gives these the best chance of success.
Can I avoid a root canal?
Sometimes. If the nerve is still healthy enough to keep, Biodentine can help a deeply decayed tooth heal itself instead. If the nerve is badly inflamed or infected, root canal treatment is usually needed to save the tooth.
Will I need a crown afterwards?
On back teeth, usually, yes. Root-treated teeth become more brittle, so an onlay or crown protects them from breaking.
How many appointments will I need?
Often one or two, plus a further visit for an onlay or crown on a back tooth.
Can antibiotics fix it instead?
No. Antibiotics can help with swelling that’s spreading, but they can’t remove the infection inside the tooth. That needs root canal treatment or an extraction.
Is it better to take the tooth out?
Keeping your own tooth is usually best. Taking it out leaves a gap, which can cause the teeth around it to move and costs more to replace well.
I’m in pain now. What should I do?
Call us, and we’ll see you the same or next working day.
Toothache that won’t go away?
Call us or book online, and we’ll see you the same or next working day.
