Root Canal
Treatment
Root canal treatment saves teeth that would otherwise need to be removed. At Kingshurst Dental Surgery in Birmingham, our experienced team makes the procedure as comfortable and stress-free as possible — often no more uncomfortable than a regular filling.
Saving Your Tooth,
Not Losing It
Root canal treatment (also known as endodontic treatment) is needed when the pulp — the soft tissue inside your tooth containing nerves and blood vessels — becomes infected or severely inflamed. Left untreated, this can lead to a dental abscess and ultimately the loss of the tooth.
At Kingshurst Dental Surgery, our dentists remove the infected pulp, clean and shape the root canals, then seal the tooth to prevent re-infection — allowing you to keep your natural tooth for years to come. We see patients from across Birmingham, Castle Bromwich, Castle Vale, Water Orton and Chelmsley Wood.
Book a ConsultationRemoves Infection
The infected pulp tissue is carefully removed, eliminating the source of pain and preventing the spread of bacteria to surrounding teeth and bone.
Saves Your Natural Tooth
Keeping your natural tooth is always preferable to extraction. It maintains your bite, prevents adjacent teeth from shifting and avoids the cost of a dental implant or bridge.
Relieves Pain
Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatment relieves pain rather than causing it. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, keeping you comfortable throughout.
Protected with a Crown
Following treatment, a crown is often recommended to strengthen and protect the tooth, restoring full function and a natural appearance.
Root Canal Myths vs Facts
"Root canal treatment is extremely painful."
Many patients put off treatment out of fear — but the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and is typically no more uncomfortable than having a filling.
Root canal treatment relieves pain.
The pain patients experience comes from the infection itself, not the treatment. Once the infected pulp is removed, the pain goes away. Most patients feel significant relief immediately after their appointment.
"It's better to just pull the tooth out."
Extraction might seem like the easier option, but losing a tooth creates a gap that can cause adjacent teeth to shift, affect your bite, and lead to bone loss in the jaw over time.
Saving your natural tooth is almost always the better choice.
A tooth saved by root canal treatment can last a lifetime with the right care. It looks, feels and functions just like your other natural teeth — and avoids the need for bridges or implants.
6 Reasons to Have
Root Canal Treatment
Keep Your Natural Tooth
Nothing looks, feels or functions quite like your own natural tooth. Root canal treatment lets you hold on to it for years — often for life.
Eliminates Infection
Removing the infected pulp stops the spread of bacteria, prevents abscess formation, and protects surrounding teeth and the underlying jawbone.
Immediate Pain Relief
The severe toothache caused by pulp infection is relieved once the infected tissue is removed. Most patients feel dramatically better very quickly.
Prevents Further Damage
Untreated infection can spread to other teeth, the gum and even the jawbone. Treatment stops the damage before it escalates into something more serious.
Maintains Your Bite
Keeping your natural tooth prevents neighbouring teeth from drifting into the gap, which can misalign your bite and cause further dental problems.
Cost-Effective Long-Term
Saving a tooth with root canal treatment is usually more cost-effective than extraction followed by an implant or bridge to fill the resulting gap.
What to Expect
Root canal treatment at Kingshurst Dental Surgery is carried out gently and thoroughly, usually over one or two appointments.
Examination & X-Ray
Your dentist examines the tooth and takes an X-ray to assess the extent of the infection, the shape of the root canals, and the surrounding bone.
Local Anaesthetic
The tooth and surrounding area is numbed with local anaesthetic. You should feel no pain during the procedure — just occasional pressure.
Rubber Dam Placement
A small rubber sheet (dental dam) is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva during treatment, ensuring a clean working environment.
Pulp Removal & Cleaning
The infected pulp is carefully removed. The root canals are then cleaned, shaped and disinfected using fine instruments to eliminate all bacteria.
Filling the Canals
Once clean and dry, the root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed with dental cement to prevent re-infection.
Crown or Filling
A permanent filling is placed to seal the tooth. A crown is often recommended — particularly for back teeth — to restore full strength and protect the tooth long-term.
Post-Treatment Aftercare
Some tenderness after root canal treatment is completely normal. Here's what to expect and how to care for your tooth in the days following your appointment.
What to Expect
- Tenderness is normal — the tooth and surrounding area may feel sore for a few days. This is completely to be expected and will settle.
- Numbness may last several hours — avoid hot drinks and chewing on the numb side until full feeling returns, to prevent accidental injury.
- The tooth may feel different — a slight heaviness or sensitivity is normal for a short while as the area heals.
Future Treatment
A permanent filling has been placed to seal the tooth. If it remains pain-free and stable, a crown may be recommended after around 3 months to provide extra protection — particularly for back teeth. We'll review this at your next appointment.
What to Do
- Pain relief — take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen as needed. These can be taken together (if suitable for you) every 4 hours until discomfort settles.
- Be gentle on the treated tooth — avoid very hard or crunchy foods for a few days while the area heals.
- Continue normal oral hygiene — brush and floss as usual, taking extra care around the treated area.
- Eat soft foods if you're experiencing tenderness — soups, yogurt and mashed foods are ideal for the first couple of days.
Contact Us If You Notice
- Pain that worsens over time rather than improving
- Swelling or fever — this may indicate infection
- The tooth feels weak or has cracked or chipped
Root Canal FAQs
Don't Ignore Tooth Pain — We Can Help
If you're experiencing toothache or sensitivity, contact Kingshurst Dental Surgery in Birmingham today. Prompt treatment can save your tooth. We welcome patients from Castle Bromwich, Castle Vale, Water Orton, Chelmsley Wood and across the West Midlands.