Root canal treatment in Penarth is needed when the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected. This is usually caused by decay or an injury to the tooth. In the early stages, you may feel no pain at all. Sometimes the first sign is the tooth turning darker, which can mean the nerve has died or is dying.
Left untreated, the infection can spread, and a painful abscess may form. At that point, the tooth often has to be removed. Treating it early gives us the best chance of saving it.
Root canal treatment is designed to save the tooth rather than lose it. During the procedure, your dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then seals it to prevent further infection. The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so it is no more uncomfortable than having a routine filling. Once the tooth has settled, it is usually restored with a filling or crown to protect it and return it to full function. With good care, a treated tooth can last for many years.
Should you prefer, your treatment plan and estimate can also be discussed in Welsh.
Book a root canal consultation at Smile Studio Penarth. We will examine the tooth, talk you through your options and give you a written estimate before any treatment starts. Call us on 029 2070 8030 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about root canal treatment in Penarth, answered by our dentists.
Is root canal treatment painful?
The treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so it is no more uncomfortable than having a routine filling. Most of the pain people associate with a root canal comes from the infection itself, not the treatment. The tooth may feel tender for a few days afterwards while it settles.
How long does root canal treatment take?
It is a skilled and time-consuming procedure that usually takes two or more visits. The number of appointments depends on which tooth is being treated and how many canals it has. Your dentist will tell you how many visits to expect before treatment begins.
How much does root canal treatment cost in Penarth?
The cost depends on which tooth is affected, how many canals it has and whether the tooth needs a crown afterwards. We provide a written estimate and a treatment plan at the start of your treatment, so you know the full cost before any work starts.
Will I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Once the tooth has settled, it is usually restored with a filling or a crown to protect it and return it to full function. Back teeth take more force when you chew, so they are more likely to need a crown. Your dentist will advise which is right for your tooth.
How long does a root canal-treated tooth last?
With good care, a treated tooth can last many years. Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth and keeping up with regular checkups all help the tooth last longer. Treating the tooth is almost always better than losing it.
What happens if I do not have root canal treatment?
The infection will not clear on its own. A painful abscess may develop, and the infection can spread to the surrounding bone. At that point, the tooth usually has to be removed, and replacing it with a bridge or an implant costs more than saving it would have.
