Who it is for
A tooth that aches at night, hurts when biting, or has a swelling nearby — where the nerve has become infected but the root is still sound enough to save.
What happens
- 01
Diagnose
Percussion, cold test and a radiograph to confirm the pulp is the source, and to count the canals.
- 02
Clean the canals
Under local anaesthetic, the pulp is removed and each canal is shaped and disinfected. Frequently two visits, sometimes three.
- 03
Seal
The canals are filled and the access is closed. Where the tooth has lost a lot of structure, a crown is planned next.
Afterwards
The tooth is not brittle for the first few days, but it is weak until the crown is placed. Chewing on that side is avoided meanwhile.
Questions we are asked
Is it painful?
The appointment is done under local anaesthetic. Most people report the pain of the infection before treatment being worse than anything during it.
Could an extraction be the better option?
Sometimes, particularly if the root is cracked or too little tooth remains. We will show you the radiograph and give both options with their costs.
This treatment may not suit every patient, and depends on an examination first. A published range is not a quotation; the fee for your case is given in writing before anything starts. Fees are also available at reception.