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PREVENTATIVE, PERSONALISED CARE IN THE HEART OF BARROWFORD
Root Canal Treatment
Relieve pain. Save your natural tooth.
Root canal treatment (endodontics) is designed to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed due to infection or irreversible damage. At Barrowford Dental Practice, we offer this advanced treatment to preserve your natural smile, relieve discomfort, and avoid the need for extraction or replacement options like implants or bridges.
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Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the nerve inside the tooth (the pulp) has become infected or inflamed, often due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. With the right care, a root-treated tooth can function just like any other, helping you avoid the long-term impact of losing a natural tooth.
What to expect
Your root canal treatment will usually be completed over one or two appointments. You’ll be fully numbed with local anaesthetic, and we take every step to ensure you’re comfortable throughout. A small rubber sheet (called a dental dam) is placed over the tooth to isolate it and keep the area dry and bacteria-free. We then access the inside of the tooth via a small opening in the biting surface and carefully clean and disinfect the root canal system using tiny instruments and cleansing solutions.
In some cases, we may use microscope magnification to enhance accuracy during the procedure. Once the canals have been thoroughly cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a specialised material to prevent reinfection. X-rays are taken before, during and after treatment to guide and confirm the process. Once complete, the opening in the tooth is sealed, and you’ll be referred back to your general dentist for a permanent restoration – usually a crown – to protect the tooth and prevent future fracture.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a root canal?
A root canal is required when the nerve inside your tooth becomes infected or irreversibly inflamed. This usually happens due to untreated decay, deep fillings, cracks in the tooth or trauma. Left untreated, the infection can spread into the surrounding tissues, leading to pain, swelling and abscess formation. Root canal treatment removes the source of infection, relieves discomfort, and allows the tooth to be saved instead of extracted.
Will it hurt?
Modern root canal treatment is not painful. We use local anaesthetic to fully numb the tooth and surrounding area, and most patients report that the procedure feels no different to having a regular filling. You might feel some mild soreness for a few days afterwards, but this is usually managed with over-the-counter pain relief. We’ll give you full aftercare advice and remain on hand if you have any concerns during your recovery.
Are there any risks or complications?
As with all dental procedures, there are risks – although complications are rare. These may include discomfort after treatment, infection, or difficulty cleaning narrow or curved root canals. In some cases, an instrument may break or a canal may be blocked or perforated. We will explain all risks to you in full during your consultation and obtain your consent before starting treatment. If needed, we will also discuss alternative treatment options such as extraction or referral to a registered specialist.
Who carries out root canal treatment?
All of our dentists offer root canal treatment, but more complex cases are typically referred to Dr Patrick Rafferty, who has a special interest in endodontics. Patrick completed a Master’s degree (MSc) in Endodontology from the University of Chester in 2023 and accepts referrals from both our team and other practices in the region. While Patrick is not a registered specialist, he has undertaken extensive further training in root canal therapy and regularly treats challenging or previously failed cases with excellent outcomes.
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