Root Canal Treatment Rustington
Careful assessment and clear advice about treating infection and preserving your natural tooth.
Hearing that you may need root canal treatment can feel worrying. We explain your choices and assess whether treatment could preserve your tooth rather than remove it. Treating the infection and planning the final restoration are both important parts of your care.
Benefits
- Aims to preserve your natural tooth
- Treats infection within the root canals
- A treatment plan based on your assessment
- Clear advice about restoration and ongoing care
Understanding infection inside a tooth
The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. Bacteria can reach it through deep decay, damage or a leaking restoration. Infection may cause pain, tenderness or swelling, but symptoms alone cannot tell us whether root canal treatment is needed. Assessment remains important even when discomfort settles.
Root canal treatment removes infected tissue from inside the tooth. The root canals are cleaned, filled and sealed, with the aim of treating the infection and retaining the tooth. It cannot guarantee that every tooth can be saved.
Assessment before deciding on treatment
Your dentist will review your symptoms and health history, examine the tooth and gums, and take X-rays where needed. Assessing the roots, surrounding bone and remaining tooth structure helps establish whether the tooth can be restored. We discuss your concerns, appointments, alternatives and costs before you decide.
Protecting the tooth after root canal treatment
Filling the root canals does not complete the final restoration. A suitable filling or crown helps seal and protect the tooth. A heavily damaged tooth may need a crown, depending on its position, your bite and how much sound tooth remains.
A CEREC crown may be suitable. These crown appointments usually take around 90 minutes, but this refers to the crown appointment only. It does not mean your assessment, root canal treatment and crown will all be completed in 90 minutes or in one visit.
Risks, alternatives and complex cases
Possible problems include soreness, persistent or returning infection, a fractured tooth or difficulty cleaning the full canal system. Further treatment, retreatment or extraction may be needed. Narrow or curved canals and previously treated teeth can make care more complex; your dentist may recommend referral where appropriate.
Extraction is an alternative when a tooth cannot reasonably be retained, or if you choose not to have root canal treatment. We can explain the implications of a gap and replacement options. Delaying care for an infected tooth can allow the problem to worsen.
Root canal treatment fees
Our current pricing guide lists root canal therapy from £347.75. This is a starting price, not a complete package for every tooth. Assessment and the final restoration, including a crown if needed, may be additional. Your dentist will provide a tailored quotation explaining the recommended treatment and total expected cost.
Arrange your assessment in Rustington
Calm & Gentle Dental Care Rustington is at 7 Broadmark Lane, Rustington, BN16 2NW. Patients from Littlehampton are welcome at our Rustington practice; see our information for Littlehampton patients. Call 01903 856888, request a root canal assessment or view our map and directions.
For further general patient information, read the NHS guide to root canal treatment (opens in a new tab).
What to Expect
Planning and local anaesthetic
Following assessment and your agreement to treatment, local anaesthetic is usually used to numb the area. Tell us if you are nervous so we can discuss breaks and explain each stage.
Cleaning the canals
The dentist accesses the inside of the tooth, removes infected pulp and cleans and shapes the canals. Treatment usually needs two or more appointments and may require several visits, depending on the tooth.
Filling, sealing and restoration
A temporary filling may protect the tooth between visits. When ready, the canals are filled and sealed. We then arrange the appropriate final restoration and advise on follow-up checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does toothache always mean I need a root canal?
No. Toothache has several possible causes. An examination and any necessary tests help your dentist establish the cause and discuss appropriate treatment rather than deciding from symptoms alone.
What might I feel during treatment?
Local anaesthetic is usually used. You may notice pressure or vibration. Tell your dentist if you feel discomfort so they can pause and reassess; comfort needs vary between patients.
Can I eat while I have a temporary filling?
Follow your dentist’s instructions and avoid heavy biting on the treated tooth until it is fully restored. Take care while your mouth is numb. Contact us if the temporary filling comes out.
Does every root-treated tooth need a crown?
Not every tooth does. Your dentist will assess the remaining structure and biting forces before recommending a filling or crown. A suitable final restoration is an important part of the treatment plan.
Will antibiotics replace root canal treatment?
Antibiotics do not remove infected pulp from inside a tooth. Your dentist will decide whether they are appropriate alongside dental treatment; they are not a substitute for addressing the source of infection.
When should I contact the practice after treatment?
Some tenderness can occur afterwards. Contact the practice if pain worsens, swelling develops or your bite feels uncomfortable. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing or swallowing rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Can a previously root-treated tooth need treatment again?
Yes. Infection can persist or return. Your dentist will reassess the tooth and explain whether retreatment, referral or extraction is appropriate. Long-term retention cannot be guaranteed.
Ask about this treatment
Send us an appointment request or call the practice. Our team can answer initial questions and help you understand the next step.
From £347.75
01903 856888Opening Hours
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Talk to us about your tooth
Request an assessment to understand your options and receive a tailored treatment quotation. If you have pain or swelling, contact the practice for advice about the next step.