Dentist smiling and talking to an elderly male patient in a dental chair with a dental X-ray displayed on a monitor.

Persistent toothache or infection in Thornton Heath?

Ease the pain and keep your own tooth with root canal care

About Us

This paragraph gives us additional space to discuss the treatment if we require it. It's a pretty concise space to get a direct message across.

Thorough diagnosis with clear explanations

Treatment tailored to rescue your tooth

Up-to-date techniques for consistent results

Support before and after your appointment

Root canal therapy centred on your comfort and preserving your tooth

Here to help when saving a tooth is the best option

An infection or inflammation deep inside a tooth can lead to lingering pain, sensitivity and swelling. Root canal therapy lets us carefully remove that infection, soothe your discomfort and retain your natural tooth rather than taking it out. At Thornton Dental & Implant Centre, we approach root canal treatment calmly and thoroughly, helping patients across Brigstock Road, Norbury and Croydon feel at ease while we restore comfort and protect their smile.

When is root canal treatment recommended?

Spotting the signs of tooth infection

Your dentist may recommend root canal therapy when the soft inner pulp of your tooth is damaged. This can happen due to:

01
Deep decay that has reached the nerve of the tooth
02
Cracks or trauma that allow bacteria to enter the root canal
03
Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth weakening the pulp
04
A severe infection or abscess around the root

You might notice a persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling near the tooth or discomfort when you bite. Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms, which is why regular dental check-ups matter.

What is a dental crown?

Restoring and strengthening damaged teeth

A crown is a form of dental restoration that replaces the part of your tooth that is damaged or broken. For example, if you have a particularly large or deep filling or a piece of tooth has broken off, we will create a crown to replace and restore the tooth in line with your other teeth.

Smiling older man tickling a laughing young boy lying on a beige couch.
Other uses for crowns include:
To improve the appearance of discoloured fillings by replacing them with a crown.
To protect or cap a restored tooth following root canal treatment so you can bite down and eat as normal.
To anchor a bridge or dental implant to keep it firmly in place.
To cover up a chipped or broken tooth.
What to expect from root canal treatment

A step-by-step journey to comfort and health

01

Initial examination and imaging

We look at your tooth and take X-rays to see how far the infection has spread

02

Cleaning the canals

The diseased pulp is gently removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped

03

Filling and sealing

The cleaned canals are filled and sealed to stop bacteria re‑enteringnd shade

04

Rebuilding strength

We place a filling or dental crown to restore the tooth’s structure and function

Our goal is to keep your natural tooth healthy and functional for as long as possible.

Stopping ongoing tooth pain

Eliminating the source of infection

Preventing further damage and tooth loss

Maintaining your natural bite and appearance

Avoiding extraction whenever possible

Why consider root canal therapy?

Preserving your tooth and your smile

Keeping your own tooth helps maintain the balance and function of your smile.

Frequently asked questions about root canal treatment

Your root canal questions answered

Is root canal treatment safe?

Yes. Root canal therapy is a proven procedure designed to remove infection and preserve the tooth.

What is root canal treatment and why might I need it?

Root canal treatment (also called endodontics) is needed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected through tooth decay or damaged by an injury to your mouth. This infection may spread through the root canal system and could eventually lead to an abscess, causing a great deal of discomfort. If root canal treatment is not carried out, the tooth may need to be taken out.

Will it hurt?

The procedure is carried out with local anaesthetic, so you should feel comfortable throughout. Any post‑treatment tenderness is usually mild and temporary.

How long will treatment take?

Some treatments can be completed in a single appointment; others may require two or more visits, depending on the severity of infection.

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

Often yes, particularly on back teeth, to restore strength and prevent fracture.

What happens if I put off treatment?

Delaying treatment allows the infection to spread and can lead to more severe pain or tooth loss.

When is root canal therapy needed?

You may need root canal therapy if the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to decay, trauma or repeated dental work. Untreated, the infection can cause an abscess.

What does the procedure involve?

After numbing the area, your dentist creates an opening in the tooth, removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals, and fills them. A temporary or permanent restoration is placed to protect the tooth while it heals.

What happens during root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy involves the following:

  • First, local anaesthetic will be administered to ensure no discomfort is felt during treatment.
  • The tooth will be prepared with a drill, allowing access to the root canal system.
  • The root canal system will be thoroughly cleaned out to remove all infection and pulp.
  • The root canal system is then filled and sealed temporarily with a crown.
  • The tooth is checked at a later visit and when all the infection has cleared, the tooth is permanently filled.

Root canal treatment is a skilled and time-consuming procedure and most courses of treatment will involve two or more visits.

Save your tooth with root canal care in Thornton Heath

If you’re dealing with a painful or infected tooth, we’re here to help.

Our team provides thorough assessment, clear advice and supportive care at every stage of your root canal journey.

Larisza Gavdan

I have been a patient at Thornton Heath Dental Surgery for over 10 years, and I can truly say this is the best dental clinic I have ever been to.

Lulu H

I honestly had such a great experience here! Dr. Alia Johab is amazing – she made me feel so comfortable and always takes the time to answer any worries I have.

Leonardo Ramos

I was treated for a cavity and the experience was excellent! The professional was very attentive, careful and made me feel very comfortable during the procedure.

Ali Tolóikahn

I have been to different dentists in the past but my visit to Dr Alia has been life changing.

How to find us in Thornton Heath

Thornton Dental & Implant Centre
230 Brigstock Road,
Thornton Heath,
CR7 7JD
Opening hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9:00am – 5:30pm
Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:30pm
Sunday: Closed
Buses:
250 & 198
Car:
Parking available
Train stations:
Thornton Heath train station – 10 mins walk


Our other practices

Thornton Dental & Implant Centre is part
of a small group of independently run dental practices, each offering high-quality care with a patient-first approach across London and Surrey.