Root canal treatment has a reputation that far outstrips reality. For most patients, it is no more uncomfortable than having a filling — and the relief it brings from the toothache that prompted it is usually immediate. More importantly, it gives a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed a genuine chance of lasting for many more years.
At Conway House Dental Practice, we offer root canal treatment as part of our general dental care, supported by two advanced dental operating microscopes for enhanced precision and accuracy. For complex or re-treatment cases, we have Dr Anand Mistry — a clinician who limits his practice entirely to endodontics — available in-house. Patients from Marlow, Beaconsfield and High Wycombe can access both levels of care without referral to another practice.
A root canal treatment (RCT) is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that has been badly damaged by decay or infection. When bacteria reach the inner pulp of the tooth, they can cause severe pain, sensitivity, and even an abscess.
During a root canal, the infected tissue is removed, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and the tooth is sealed with a filling or crown to restore its strength and function. This procedure relieves pain and prevents the need for extraction. With modern techniques and local anaesthesia, root canals are now more comfortable and efficient than ever.
If you are experiencing toothache, sensitivity, or swelling — or have been told you may need a root canal — we are here to help. Root canal treatment at Conway House is carried out with precision, care, and the specialist support of Dr Anand Mistry available for cases that need it.
Contact us today to book an appointment. We see patients from Marlow, Beaconsfield and High Wycombe, with same-day emergency appointments available when needed.
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Root canal treatment is delivered by our expert restorative specialists with advanced training in endodontic techniques.
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Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside the tooth — the pulp — becomes infected or inflamed. Common causes include:
If left untreated, pulp infection leads to severe pain, swelling, abscess formation, and ultimately tooth loss. A root canal removes the source of infection, eliminates pain, and preserves your natural tooth — avoiding extraction and everything that comes with it.
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If you are nervous about the procedure, speak to our team before your appointment. We can discuss your concerns and, for patients with significant dental anxiety, IV sedation is available alongside root canal treatment.
Sometimes there are no symptoms at all — infection is detected on a routine X-ray before it causes pain. More often, patients notice one or more of the following:
If you are experiencing any of these, contact us promptly. Earlier treatment is simpler, more comfortable, and gives the tooth a better long-term outlook.
A successfully treated tooth still needs the right restoration to protect it long term. Root-treated teeth are more brittle than vital teeth and significantly more prone to fracture — particularly in the back of the mouth where biting forces are greatest. In most cases, a crown is the recommended next step.
At Conway House, this transition from root canal treatment to crown is handled seamlessly in-house. Mr Ashok Vijayakumar, our Consultant and Specialist in Restorative Dentistry, designs and places crowns for root-treated teeth with the precision his specialist qualifications (M.Pros RCS Eng, FDS RestDent RCS Eng) reflect. Getting the crown right matters as much as getting the root canal right — and having both available in one practice makes the process straightforward.
Most root canal treatments at Conway House are managed within our general dental team, supported by our advanced microscope technology. For cases requiring additional expertise, specialist support is available in-house:
Complex or Re-treatment Cases — Dr Anand Mistry, Endodontist
Dr Anand Mistry limits his entire practice to endodontics and holds an MSc in Endodontics alongside his dental qualifications. He manages teeth with complex anatomy, calcified canals, previous failed root canal treatment, or cases referred by other practices for specialist-level care. Having this expertise in-house means complex cases do not require referral to a separate specialist clinic.
Periodontal Connection — Dr Mital Patel, Specialist in Periodontics
Advanced gum disease can cause bone loss around root tips that closely resembles — and is sometimes confused with — pulp infection. Where a “perio-endo” presentation is identified, Dr Mital Patel, our Specialist in Periodontics, works alongside the treating dentist to ensure the correct diagnosis and the right treatment is carried out. Treating the wrong condition wastes time and may leave the underlying problem unresolved.
If a Tooth Cannot Be Saved — Oral Surgery and Replacement Planning
In rare cases where a tooth is beyond saving, Mr Dipesh Patel, our Consultant Oral Surgeon, manages extraction in-house — and the conversation about tooth replacement (dental implant, bridge, or denture) begins immediately. Patients are never left without a clear plan for what comes next.
The procedure itself is carried out under local anaesthetic and should be painless. Most patients are surprised by how manageable it feels. Some mild soreness in the days afterwards is normal and settles with over-the-counter pain relief. The pain that patients most commonly fear is actually the toothache before the treatment — root canal relieves that.
Most root canals are completed in one to two appointments. Simple front teeth with a single canal are often done in one visit. Multi-rooted back teeth, or cases where infection is more established, may require two. You will be given a clear expectation at your assessment.
For most back teeth, yes. Root-treated teeth are structurally weaker and at real risk of fracturing without a crown to protect them. For some front teeth under less biting load, a well-placed composite filling may be sufficient. Your dentist will advise on the best option for your specific tooth. At Conway House, crowns following root canal treatment can be designed and placed by our Specialist in Restorative Dentistry, Mr Vijayakumar, for cases where the highest standard of restoration is needed.
Untreated pulp infection does not resolve on its own. It spreads through the root into the surrounding bone, causing worsening pain, swelling, and abscess. Antibiotics may temporarily reduce symptoms but will not cure the infection. Eventually the tooth will require extraction. Root canal treatment is almost always the preferred option — it preserves bone, maintains your bite, and avoids the cost and complexity of replacing a missing tooth.
In most cases, root canal treatment is successful and the tooth remains healthy for many years. Occasionally, infection can persist or recur — often due to a missed canal, a leaking restoration, or new decay. In these cases, retreatment by Dr Anand Mistry, our dedicated endodontist, can often resolve the problem and give the tooth a second chance.
