Restorative Care

Root Canal Treatment

Treatment that removes infection from inside a tooth before the root canals are filled and sealed.

What to expect

After local anaesthetic, the dentist opens the tooth, removes infected pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, and seals them. A temporary filling may be used between visits and a crown may later be recommended.

NHS guidance says treatment usually takes 2 or more appointments.

Appointments may last 1 to 2 hours, and sometimes longer.

A crown may be needed when the tooth was badly infected or weakened.

Is root canal treatment available on the NHS?

Root canal treatment is available on the NHS when clinically necessary. In England it is normally included in Band 2; a necessary crown is normally Band 3.

Before agreeing to treatment

Ask which parts are NHS and which are private, what alternatives are available, and what you will pay. Your dentist should explain material risks and the expected aftercare.

Source: NHS root canal guidance. General information only; your dentist’s clinical advice takes priority.

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