If you’ve been told you need a root canal, your first instinct might be to delay or avoid it. It’s natural to feel apprehensive, but while endodontics might sound complex, it’s one of the smartest ways to save your tooth and your wallet. In this article, we’ll explain how root canal treatment works, why it matters, and how it can help you avoid bigger problems (and bills) further down the line.

What is endodontics?
Endodontics is focused on treating the inside of your tooth: its soft inner and surrounding tissues. When this vulnerable area becomes exposed or damaged – often by the decay or cracking of enamel – it can cause pain and sensitivity in the nerves and blood vessels. A root canal is designed to tackle these issues by removing infection, cleaning the area, and re-sealing the tooth, preventing it from happening again.

This sounds straightforward, but many people still experience worry or confusion when faced with root canal treatment – particularly around potential discomfort and anticipated costs. However, doing nothing can also come with a hefty price tag.

What happens if you delay treatment?
Putting off treatment is unlikely to be the cheapest option. As you delay, infection can spread and worsen, causing further damage to your tooth. Pain and swelling will also increase over time – what begins as mild sensitivity in early stages can progress to become significant discomfort or even the formation of an abscess. Ultimately, your tooth may become non-restorable, prompting the need for an extraction. And that turns a relatively quick fix into a much more complex case.

The hidden costs of tooth loss
Replacing a tooth is undoubtedly more expensive than restoring one. Treatment options include bridges and dentures – which have a limited lifespan – and dental implants, which are fixed into the jawbone and can last as long as your natural teeth. Because dentures and bridges can’t tackle the knock-on effects of tooth loss, such as loss of bone density, we usually recommend implants as the gold standard of care.

However, there’s no denying that implant treatment is more complex than a root canal. This means that it’s much more expensive and invasive, with a longer recovery time. Typically, it takes between two and three months to fully heal following a dental implant. In contrast, many patients undergoing a root canal are quickly able to return to normal life.

And of course, alongside these factors, there’s an inherent value in keeping your natural tooth. Retaining this is better for your surrounding teeth and gums, as well as your overall health; tooth loss has been linked to serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease. When a tooth is removed and not replaced, patients can also experience bone tissue loss, which affects your oral health and facial structure, causing a knock-on effect on appearance and self-confidence.

Modern endodontics: precise, safe and comfortable
As established dentists, we know how often nerves can lead to patients delaying treatment. However, modern anesthesia means that a root canal can be both efficient and painless. At The Bristol Dental Practice, we’re able to harness a range of technologies for better care, including digital imaging and CBCT scanning, which allows us to view the finer details of what’s going on inside your tooth.

When it’s carried out early, by a skilled endodontist, root canal treatment has a high success rate. Our in-house specialist, Dr Justin Underwood, has an MClinDent and Diploma in endodontics, with a particular interest in the treatment of complex cases. His clinical confidence and approachability help to make patients feel comfortable and at ease during their time with us. And, for those still feeling unsure, we offer sedation for a smooth, low-stress experience.

Because we know swift intervention makes such a difference, we have no waiting list for treatment. We’re also open seven days a week, meaning that restoring your tooth could be quicker and easier than you might expect.

How to know if you need a root canal
Endodontic symptoms can be mild at first, so it’s helpful to know what to look out for. Signs that you need help commonly include:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold (such as hot drinks or ice cream);
• Pain when biting or chewing;
• A swelling or abscess;
• Discolouration of the tooth.

Regular check-ups are a key part of your overall dental health, forming an early opportunity to recognise any red flags. However, if you’ve noticed anything that doesn’t feel right, it’s always best to book an appointment. Spotting these things early makes it much easier to solve any problems.

Protect and save
Root canal treatment isn’t just about saving a tooth – it’s about protecting your overall health and avoiding costly future dental work. So, if you’re experiencing symptoms or have been putting off treatment, now really is the time to act. An initial consultation is free, so do book in if you’d like to discuss your options.