Root Canal Treatment In Manchester – What It Is And Why It’s done

10 August 2026

Root Canal Treatment In Manchester – What It Is And Why It’s done

When one or more teeth are badly decayed or infected, other than removing and replacing them with dental implants, Manchester patients might want to consider saving the tooth by opting for root canal treatment. Manchester-based dental practices perform this type of procedure all the time. As such it’s a safe and secure treatment; but what is it and why is it carried out? Our Alderley Edge dentist explains…

Known professionally as endodontics, root canal treatment is a procedure carried out to deal with any infection or decay which occurs inside of the tooth, particularly the tooth pulp. Decay or infection located inside of the tooth might not always be visible but it’s sometimes characterised by a dental abscess, or painful swelling, located where the tooth root meets the gum line. Other times it’s picked up on a dental X-ray which often shows the inner tooth pulp which has been damaged by infection. Other symptoms include:

• Pain when chewing and biting
• Slight facial swelling
• An unpleasant taste emanating from the location of the tooth
• A darker tooth – this shows that the tooth is dying or dead.

Once a tooth has reached this stage it should never be left because as infection becomes established it can spread, causing eventual damage to other healthy teeth and gums. When extraction isn’t ideal then root canal treatment in Manchester is carried out.

So how does it work?

At our Alderley Edge dentist treatment or therapy is normally carried out over several sessions or days. Firstly a rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep the area dry and free of saliva. Next, after a series of small injections, an access hole is drilled into the tooth. The tooth pulp is then removed along with all traces of infection and bacteria. This is the end of the first stage.

During the second stage known as the ‘cleaning out‘ a series of tools known as root canal files are used one after the other in increasing diameters as they work down the full length of the inner tooth. They scrape and scrub the sides of the tooth ensuring that no pulp or bacteria remain. Once all traces of pulp are removed, the tooth is rinsed out with water or a mild solution known as sodium hypochlorite. This is the end of the second stage and may be carried out the same day as stage one, or on a different day. If it’s not performed on the same day a temporary fitting is fixed onto the tooth to ensure no contaminates or particles such as food debris or saliva enter the affected tooth.

In the final stage the tooth cavity is resealed and capped. Although in the short-term a root canal procedure saves the tooth from extraction, in the long-term it also severely weakens it. For this reason, in the vast majority of cases the tooth will need a crown to protect it. This also means that in years to come if you have root canal treatment Manchester, there is a chance that you will need to replace the tooth several years down the line. The ideal situation is to remove it completely and fit dental Implants Manchester, so it’s worth considering whether you want this done before any root canal treatment is carried out.

To find out more about root canal treatment Manchester or dental implants Manchester, come and talk to our Alderley Edge dentist for advice. To book an appointment call us on 0161 486 0743 and take the first steps towards a healthier, long lasting smile.