Exceptional Dental Care
Dr. Donghyun Kim provides comprehensive root canal (Endodontic) treatments, utilizing the latest advancements in materials and techniques, including laser-activated disinfection when appropriate. Every treatment is preceded by an in-house CBCT scan, allowing for prompt and efficient care.
With years of experience, Dr. Kim works closely with referring dentists and, in more complex cases involving multiple dental issues, collaborates with specialists in Periodontics, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics to try to ensure patients receive the highest quality care in the fewest possible appointments.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
The goal of root canal (endodontic) treatment is to preserve your natural teeth and keep them healthy and functional. After all, your natural tooth is the best dental implant!
Root canal treatment involves removing inflamed or infected nerve tissue from the root(s) of the tooth, followed by disinfecting and sealing the root canals. This process restores the tooth to its healthy state.
In some cases, where a tooth has already undergone root canal treatment, re-treatment may be necessary. This involves carefully removing any existing fillings or crowns, retrieving the previous root canal fillings, and thoroughly disinfecting and resealing the entire root canal system.
Root canal treatment typically occurs in two stages. First, the tooth is prepared, the root canals are located, disinfected with a bleach solution, and shaped using flexible files. Then, the disinfected canals are sealed with a specialized root filling material, and the tooth is restored with a permanent, tooth-colored bonded filling.
Fees
£65 (including X rays & 3D scans)
£95
from £550*
from £650
from £700
£95 (including X rays & 3D scans)
*A permanent bonded foundation (filling) will be placed immediately after your root canal treatment is completed, unless your dentist specifically requests a provisional restoration. This foundation is included in the treatment fees and will restore the integrity of the top part of the tooth. In many cases, this foundation will serve as the base for a future onlay or crown, reducing the number of appointments and expediting any additional treatment needed with your dentist.
In more complex cases, the root canal treatment fee may be higher. This could include removing broken instruments or repairing perforations. If this applies to your treatment, you will be given a quote before any work begins.
If a post (£450-£650) and/or a provisional plastic crown (£520-£700) is required, additional fees will apply. All fees will be confirmed prior to the start of your treatment.
FAQs
Find answers to your most common questions about our dental services and procedures.
You may experience or have experienced throbbing pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, discomfort when chewing, or swelling around the tooth. In some cases, the pain can be quite severe. However, not all teeth present symptoms. Sometimes, a tooth with a potential root canal infection may show no obvious signs, and it is your dentist who detects the issue during a routine check-up.
Common causes include dental decay, hairline cracks, leaking fillings, or dental trauma. Many patients wonder why they need root canal treatment despite diligent brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the hygienist. The reality is that teeth experience daily wear and tear over time, often exacerbated by habits like teeth grinding. If you’re in your mid-40s and a molar needs root canal treatment, it’s simply a result of decades of use.
Additionally, an existing root canal treatment may develop a persistent or new infection, leading to pain or an abscess. In such cases, re-treatment may be necessary.
First, a low-dose, high-resolution Cone Beam CT (3D) scan will be taken to assess the situation, followed by a discussion of your diagnosis and treatment options. Most root canal treatments are completed efficiently in one visit of 90 minutes or less, thanks to teamwork and Dr. Kim’s 8 years of experience. Occasionally, additional appointments may be needed, especially if the first visit was an emergency or the tooth is highly infected.
Treatment is carried out with local anesthesia, and the tooth is isolated with a non-latex dental dam to prevent contamination and ensure your comfort. Some patients even fall asleep during the procedure!
Recent research shows that over 94% of root canal treatments are successful, with less than 6% failing over a 4-year period. The longevity of root-treated teeth is comparable to, and sometimes even better than, dental implants. Root canal treatment generally requires fewer appointments and is more cost-effective than dental implants. However, as with any medical procedure, success cannot be guaranteed, as healing depends on each patient’s response to treatment.
Dr. Kim has seen occasional cases of failure years later, often due to undetected microscopic cracks that develop over time, especially in patients who grind their teeth.
Not every tooth is viable for treatment, especially if it has a significant crack or insufficient remaining structure to support a filling or crown. In some cases, re-root canal treatment may not be possible if the tooth has been previously treated.
Your Smile Deserves the Best
Book your dental appointment today and experience exceptional care tailored to your needs.