Root canal treatment is a highly effective procedure to save teeth that are severely decayed, infected, or damaged. By removing the infected tissue inside the tooth, we can eliminate pain, restore functionality, and preserve your natural smile. At Islington Green Dental, our skilled team ensures your root canal experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure designed to treat infection or inflammation in the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth. This soft tissue contains nerves and blood vessels that can become infected due to decay, injury, or cracks in the tooth.
During the treatment, the infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and the space is sealed to prevent reinfection.
Common symptoms indicating the need for a root canal include:
If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to seek prompt dental care to prevent the infection from spreading.
Root canal treatment offers many advantages, making it a preferred choice for preserving oral health:
At Islington Green Dental, root canal treatment is a straightforward and efficient process:
Proper aftercare ensures a successful outcome:
No. Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Modern techniques make the process comfortable and stress-free.
You may need a root canal if the inner pulp of your tooth becomes infected due to deep decay, repeated dental work, cracks, or trauma. Without treatment, infection can spread and lead to pain or abscess formation. A root canal removes the infection, relieves discomfort, and preserves your natural tooth rather than requiring extraction.
Most root canals can be completed in one to two visits, depending on the complexity of the case.
Root canal treatment at Islington Green Dental Practice is carried out by Dr Rory Mac Sweeney, our general dentist, who limits his practice to Endodontics. His focused clinical work in root canal procedures allows for detailed assessment, precise treatment, and careful management of more complex cases.
An infected tooth may cause a persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling of the gums, or discomfort when biting. Some people notice a bad taste or slight facial swelling. In certain cases, symptoms may ease temporarily but return later, which is why prompt assessment is important.
Yes, you will be awake during a root canal, but the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic. This ensures you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Many patients compare the experience to having a routine filling, with minimal discomfort during treatment.
After treatment, mild tenderness around the tooth is common for a few days and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. You may be advised to avoid chewing on the treated side until a permanent restoration is placed. At Islington Green Dental Practice, we provide clear aftercare guidance to support proper healing.
Yes. Once the tooth is restored with a filling or crown, it will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
A root canal is a routine dental procedure carried out under local anaesthetic. While it treats infection inside the tooth, it is not considered major surgery. At Islington Green Dental Practice, we use modern techniques to ensure the process is efficient and comfortable, helping patients return to normal activities quickly.
We love hearing from patients, check out our reviews on Google
It’s the day after what was going to be an intensive surgery. After review the honest surgeon Daniel found a less intrusive & less expensive way to do things. His honesty, professionalism and kindne… Read More
Attended IGDP seeking a second opinion after another dentist seemingly misdiagnosed me. I arrived with extreme pain and was met with the loveliest of people. From the receptionist to nurses and dentis… Read More
I used to feel so unhappy and insecure about my wonky teeth. Smiling never felt natural, and I always tried to hide them. Choosing Chris as my dentist was truly one of the best decisions I’ve ever m… Read More
Talking about a long overdue review, I had some dental works done back in June 2025 and I just realised I haven’t done a review on Dr. CHRISTOPHER JOHN ESPINEIRA PUMILIA at this clinic and here it i… Read More
I’ve recently had an implant fitted and can’t praise Chris and Aina enough. The process was painless and very straightforward from start to finish. I wish I’d had it done earlier. The tooth is a perfe… Read More