Urgent dental care · Open today
First-Stage Root Canal Treatment
When the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected or badly damaged, root canal treatment can save it rather than needing extraction. The first stage focuses on removing the source of pain and infection, giving you fast relief while the tooth is prepared for further treatment.
Same-day appointments · No referral needed · Evenings & weekends
What this treatment is
Relief first, then the tooth is saved
An infected nerve will not settle on its own, and painkillers only mask it. At your first appointment we open the tooth, remove the infected pulp, clean the canal and seal it with a medicated dressing. Most people leave the practice with the pain already gone. The tooth is then stable until the canal is filled and restored at a second visit.
- Pain relief on the day — the infected nerve is removed at the first appointment, not managed with tablets.
- The tooth is kept — treating the canal avoids an extraction and the cost of replacing the tooth later.
- Sealed until stage two — a medicated dressing and temporary filling keep the tooth comfortable in between.
Signs you need it
Come in if you recognise any of these
Nerve pain tends to build rather than fade. Seeing us early usually means a simpler appointment and a better chance of keeping the tooth.
Throbbing toothache
Deep, constant pain that painkillers dull but never settle.
Pain at night
Pain that builds when you lie down or wakes you in the early hours.
Lingering hot sensitivity
Hot drinks trigger pain that carries on well after the sip.
A darkening tooth
The tooth looks greyer than its neighbours, often after an old injury.
Tender, swollen gum
A raised, tender area or a small bump in the gum beside the tooth.
Pain on biting
Sharp pain when you bite, or the tooth feels higher than the others.
What to expect
What happens at your first visit
Examination and X-ray
Step 01
We confirm the diagnosis and take an X-ray to see the root and the extent of infection.
Numbing the tooth
Step 02
Local anaesthetic is given and we wait until the tooth is fully numb before starting.
Cleaning the canal
Step 03
The pulp chamber is opened, the infected nerve tissue removed and the canal cleaned and irrigated.
Dressing and seal
Step 04
A medicated dressing goes in and the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling.
Price & appointment length
first stage, from
The fee covers the first stage: assessment, X-rays, opening and cleaning the tooth, and the temporary dressing. Completing the root canal is quoted separately once we know how the tooth is responding.
| Appointment length | 45–60 minutes |
| Anaesthetic | Local, included |
| X-rays | Included |
| Stage two | Booked at your visit |
| Availability | Same day |
Questions
Before you come in
Not sure whether it is nerve pain? Call the practice and we will talk it through before you book.
Will it hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic first, so the appointment itself is comfortable. Most patients find the relief afterwards is immediate, because the pressure inside the tooth has been released.
Can the tooth really be saved?
In most cases, yes. If the root is sound, cleaning and sealing the canal keeps the tooth in place for many years. If it is cracked too far down we will tell you straight away and talk through the alternatives.
Why is it done in two stages?
The first stage removes the infection and the pain. Once the tooth has settled, the canal is permanently filled and restored, usually with a crown. Splitting it this way gets you out of pain on the day.
What can I eat afterwards?
Wait until the numbness wears off, then eat soft food and avoid biting hard on that side until the tooth is permanently restored, as the temporary filling is not as strong.
What if the pain comes back before stage two?
Some tenderness for a day or two is normal. If it worsens, or swelling appears, call us — we can review the tooth and change the dressing if needed.
In pain today?
Call the clinic or book online. New patients are welcome, and no registration is required.