Root Canal Treatment in London
Treatment
60 - 120 minutes
Price
From £1,100
Team Experience
40+ years
Recovery Time
1 day
Google Rating
★★★★★ (4.9)
Examples of our work
Find out more about our patients, their treatment and why they chose Wimpole Street Dental Clinic.
What is root canal treatment?
A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a specialist dental procedure used to save a tooth that has become infected or inflamed and to prevent further tooth pain. It involves removing the damaged tooth pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing them with a biocompatible material.
When performed by a specialist endodontist, this treatment eliminates infection, preserves your natural tooth, and restores function and aesthetics — all without discomfort.
Why you might need a root canal
When the soft tissue inside your tooth becomes infected (from tooth decay, trauma, or a crack), it cannot heal by itself. Without treatment, the infection can spread, causing pain, abscesses, and bone loss.
Root canal therapy prevents this by removing the infected tissue and sealing the area, allowing you to keep your natural tooth rather than undergoing a tooth extraction.
Symptoms that may suggest you need a root canal include:
- Throbbing or persistent toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swollen or tender gums
- A darkened or discoloured tooth
What happens during your root canal appointment
Your root canal consultation begins with a thorough assessment by one of our endodontic specialists. Using high-definition imaging and 3D scans, we’ll evaluate the number of canals within the affected tooth and the extent of infection.
Once the treatment begins:
- Local anaesthesia is administered to ensure complete comfort.
- A small opening is made to access the infected pulp chamber.
- The root canals are cleaned and shaped using microscopic precision.
- The canals are disinfected and filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
- The tooth is sealed and, in most cases, restored with a filling or crown for protection.
Most treatments can be completed in a single visit, though complex cases may require two appointments. Thanks to our meticulous approach, patients often describe the experience as entirely pain-free.
What to expect after treatment
Recovery following a root canal treatment is usually rapid. Some patients may experience mild tenderness for 24–48 hours, which is completely normal. You can resume normal activities the same day, although we recommend avoiding chewing on the treated side until any sensitivity subsides.
Your restored tooth will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth — allowing you to smile and eat with confidence again.
Advanced and related endodontic treatments
Root canal retreatment
If a previously treated tooth becomes painful or reinfected, root canal retreatment can restore it. Our team removes the old filling material, disinfects the canals again, and reseals the tooth using modern materials for long-term success.
Apicectomy
If a previous root canal hasn’t resolved the problem, an apicectomy (root-end surgery) may be necessary. This precise microsurgical procedure removes the tip of the tooth root and infected tissue to save the tooth from extraction.
Vital pulp therapy
For younger patients or those with early-stage pulp inflammation, vital pulp therapy preserves healthy tissue and allows the tooth to continue developing naturally. It’s a conservative and effective alternative to full root canal treatment.
Who performs root canal treatment at Wimpole Street Dental Clinic?
Your treatment will be performed by a specialist endodontist or one of our highly experienced clinicians with extensive training in the field of endodontics. Using state-of-the-art dental microscopes and digital technology, they deliver exceptional precision and predictable outcomes.
Our Harley Street location is home to a multi-disciplinary team of specialists in restorative, cosmetic, and endodontic dentistry — allowing us to combine technical mastery with seamless aesthetic restoration.
Root canal vs. extraction
Wherever possible, we always aim to save your natural tooth through root canal treatment. Extraction is only recommended when the tooth is beyond repair.
Preserving the tooth maintains jaw structure, prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting, and avoids the need for future dental implants. Our philosophy is simple: preserve what nature gave you, whenever possible.
Meet your award-winning Root Canal dentist and team…
With specialist-led care from highly trained endodontists and restorative dentists, we deliver exceptional precision and comfort using microscope-enhanced accuracy to locate and clean every canal with remarkable detail. Our pain-free procedures, supported by advanced local anaesthesia and sedation, ensure a completely comfortable experience, while our state-of-the-art Harley Street facilities provide world-class technology in a serene, private setting. Backed by trusted expertise, with clinicians who lecture, publish, and teach internationally, we offer an exceptional standard of endodontic treatment recognised around the world.
Root canal for nervous patients
Feeling nervous about treatment is completely natural, especially if you’ve had a difficult dental experience in the past. Our caring team offers both light and deep sedation for anxious patients.
You can even relax with video glasses during your procedure — many patients find the experience surprisingly calm and stress-free. Our combination of compassion, advanced anaesthesia, and precise technique makes us one of the most trusted clinics for root canal London.
Looking for the best Root Canal in London?
Whenever you need to take care of your smile – in an emergency, during routine care or when booking cosmetic dentistry – you naturally seek a qualified, skilled and experienced dental professional whom you can trust to deliver the premium dental care you expect at every appointment.
We would like you to consider placing your trust in Wimpole Street Dental Clinic because:
We are internationally renowned within the dental profession.
We pride ourselves on offering evidence-based dentistry with a person-centred approach.
We use a microscope or other magnifying equipment to ensure world-class results.
We offer a new standard in modern specialist dentistry in our clinical methodology – leveraging the optimal combination of the finest handcraft, digital computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technology to deliver excellence in both patient care and dental treatment success.
We perform all root canal treatments in accordance with the guidelines of the German and British Society of Endodontics here at Wimpole Street Dental Clinic in London.
Root Canal FAQs
How long does an endodontic consultation and treatment take?
Root canal therapy can be a lengthy procedure, depending on the tooth and the number of canals involved. Following your initial consultation at our London clinic, your dentist or specialist endodontist will provide a clear estimate of treatment time based on the complexity of your case. Most procedures take between 60 and 120 minutes, and in many cases can be completed in just one visit.
What is the difference between an endodontist specialist and a dentist?
An endodontist is a specialist dentist who has undertaken an additional two to three years of postgraduate training in the field of endodontics — the diagnosis and treatment of dental pulp conditions. They focus exclusively on root canal treatment and complex cases that general dentists may refer. All our endodontists are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) and have extensive experience in performing advanced endodontic procedures to save natural teeth.
How do you know if you need a root canal?
According to the NHS, root canal treatment is necessary when the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) becomes infected or inflamed. Common signs include persistent pain, swelling, sensitivity to hot or cold, or the presence of a dental abscess. However, X-rays do not always immediately reveal the cause of pain — sometimes, clinical symptoms such as tenderness or sensitivity are more reliable indicators. During your root canal consultation, our clinicians will assess your condition with digital imaging to determine the most suitable treatment.
Do root canals hurt?
Thanks to modern techniques and local anaesthesia, root canal treatment is a virtually pain-free experience. The discomfort most patients associate with root canals comes from the infection itself, not the procedure. At Wimpole Street Dental Clinic, we ensure every patient feels relaxed and comfortable, using sedation where necessary. You may experience mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards, but severe pain is extremely rare.
How does a root canal problem and pain develop?
Pain typically develops when bacteria penetrate the tooth pulp, leading to inflammation or infection. This can result from deep tooth decay, trauma, cracks, or leaking fillings and crowns. If left untreated, the infection can spread through the root canals into the surrounding bone, forming an abscess or cyst. Early intervention with endodontic treatment not only relieves pain but also prevents further damage to the natural tooth structure and bone.
What is a root canal filling?
A root canal filling involves sealing the cleaned and disinfected canal space with a durable, biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This prevents bacteria from re-entering the canal, ensuring long-term success. Once the canals are sealed, we usually recommend a crown or partial crown to restore the tooth’s strength, function, and appearance — a process handled with precision by our restorative specialists.
How is a root canal done?
The treatment begins with local anaesthesia to completely numb the area. A small opening is created to access the infected pulp, and the root canals are gently cleaned and shaped under high magnification. The canals are then disinfected, filled with gutta-percha, and sealed. Finally, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown to protect it. The procedure is designed to preserve your natural tooth and restore full comfort and function.
Can you eat after a root canal?
You should wait until the local anaesthetic has fully worn off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Soft foods are recommended for the first 24 hours, and it’s best to chew on the opposite side of your mouth until any tenderness subsides. If you experience significant discomfort while eating after treatment, please contact our clinic for further advice.
What causes a root canal infection?
A root canal infection usually develops when bacteria invade the inner pulp of the tooth through deep decay, cracks, trauma, or faulty dental work. Even natural teeth without prior restorations can occasionally become infected. Our endodontic specialists use digital imaging and microscope-assisted techniques to identify and treat infection precisely, helping preserve your natural teeth for the long term.
Can I drive after root canal treatment?
If you’ve had local anaesthesia only, you can usually drive after your appointment once the numbness has worn off. If you have received sedation, we recommend arranging alternative transport. Our central Harley Street location is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or the London Underground.
How much does root canal treatment cost in London?
The root canal cost at Wimpole Street Dental Clinic depends on the tooth being treated and the complexity of the case. Fees typically start from £1,100 for a front tooth, £1,200 for a premolar, and £1,500 for a molar. Root canal retreatment and surgical procedures may vary in cost. Your root canal consultation will include a full assessment and a clear, bespoke treatment plan with transparent pricing.
Can a root canal fail or need to be redone?
Occasionally, a tooth may become reinfected due to complex anatomy or micro-leakage. In these cases, a root canal retreatment can be performed to clean and reseal the canals. Our specialist endodontists use advanced imaging, microscope guidance, and precise instrumentation to achieve excellent success rates even in challenging cases.
What happens if I avoid or delay root canal treatment?
Delaying root canal treatment allows the infection to spread further into the surrounding bone, often leading to abscesses, swelling, and eventual tooth extraction. In severe cases, untreated infection can even affect overall health. Early treatment not only prevents complications but also increases the likelihood of saving your natural tooth.
How long do treated teeth last after a root canal?
With proper care and restoration, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime. The placement of a protective crown is essential to reinforce the tooth structure. Regular check-ups and excellent oral hygiene help ensure the long-term stability of your treatment.
What if I’m nervous about root canal treatment?
It’s natural to feel nervous about treatment, especially if you’ve experienced dental anxiety before. Our team offers a calm, reassuring environment and the option of light or deep sedation to make your visit completely comfortable. Many patients also choose to watch a film using our video glasses during their procedure, transforming what could be a stressful experience into a relaxed one.
What makes Wimpole Street Dental Clinic different?
At our Harley Street dental practice, every root canal treatment is performed using microscope-enhanced precision by highly qualified clinicians with decades of experience. We follow the strict guidelines of the British and German Societies of Endodontics, combining technical expertise with compassionate, patient-focused care.
Our difference lies in:
- Specialist-led precision and advanced equipment.
- A focus on preserving your natural teeth whenever possible.
- Seamless integration between endodontic and restorative expertise.
- An emphasis on comfort, discretion, and clinical excellence at every stage.
Can a general dentist perform a root canal?
Yes — a general dentist can perform straightforward root canal treatments. However, for complex or re-infected teeth, seeing a specialist endodontist is strongly advised. At Wimpole Street Dental Clinic, many general dentists across London refer patients to us for advanced endodontic care, trusting our expertise for cases that require high magnification, microsurgery, or complex retreatment.
Is root canal treatment safe?
Absolutely. Modern root canal therapy is one of the most reliable and well-researched treatments in dentistry. When performed by an experienced endodontic specialist, success rates exceed 90%. We use sterile protocols, digital imaging, and advanced instrumentation to ensure total safety and precision at every step.
Content updated
Written by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Medically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa
New page design
Written by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Medically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa
Original content created
Written by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Medically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa
Wimpole St Dental Clinic has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.