Root canal treatment in Leicester
Save your natural tooth, get rid of the pain, and keep your smile intact. Modern root canal treatment is far more comfortable than its reputation suggests.
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The treatment with the worst reputation in dentistry
Ask most people what they imagine when they hear "root canal" and you'll get the same answer: discomfort, dread, and a story their uncle once told them. Here's the truth - with modern techniques, anaesthetic and technology, a root canal is closer in feeling to having a filling than the horror story it used to be. And it does something remarkable: it saves a tooth that would otherwise need to come out.
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Natural Smiles is the place to go! Brilliant service and staff. Bhavnish has been amazing and went through everything in detail from start to finish for my tooth implant. So impressed with the implant and the overall experience. Thank you.
Best dentists ever! Had Invisalign and veneers with Dr Waghela and love the results. All of the staff are lovely (especially Amy and Kizzy) and the practice is extremely clean and organised, would highly recommend.
Dr Bhav treated me, can honestly say was the best dental experience I've ever had. Instantly relieved pain and extremely professional and kind. Thank you for the brilliant service! Highly recommended and fully worth it.
Thank you to Anubha and the rest of the team at Natural Smiles Leicester for a great experience. I have just come to the end of my Invisalign treatment and am very pleased with my teeth! There were many options out there but what impressed me the most was the level of care and detail Anubha showed in my initial consultation which really stood out for me and made me feel comfortable. As well as a competitive price, this was the key factor as to why I chose Natural Smiles - and I was not disappointed! Thanks.
The team, oh wow, they are so wonderful and gave me my smile again. Through each step, they educated me and explained what they were doing and why they were doing it, and they were so full of empathy and compassion. Thanks to you all.
Made me feel very comfortable and at ease. Super friendly. Explained everything in full so I understood. Excited to get started with them!
I was looking at getting Invisalign done and came across Natural Smiles. I couldn't be more happier with choosing them. The team are so so lovely any questions I have they answer straight away and are amazing with getting back to me. Would definitely recommend.
I just wanted to take a moment to share my thoughts on Natural Smiles in Leicester and Corby, which I truly believe are the best of the best when it comes to dental practices. My family and I have been loyal patients for the past 20 years, and we couldn't be happier with the care we've received. Dr Bhavnish and the entire team at Natural Smiles are simply awesome. Their dedication, professionalism, and warmth make every visit a pleasant experience. If you're looking for exceptional dental care, I highly recommend giving Natural Smiles a try.
What is root canal treatment?
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp - a small mix of nerves and blood vessels that runs from the crown down into the roots. When that pulp becomes infected or inflamed (usually from deep decay, a crack, or repeated dental work), the tooth often becomes painful and the infection can spread.
Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it - keeping your natural tooth in place and stopping the infection in its tracks.
Signs you might need a root canal
Every appointment is tailored to you - your gum health, your habits, and what your teeth actually need that day.
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Real stories from patients who wanted to feel like themselves again
Why saving your tooth matters
Losing a tooth might seem like the simpler option in the moment - but the long-term costs add up quickly. Adjacent teeth start to drift into the gap. The opposing tooth can over-erupt. The bone underneath begins to shrink. And the cost of replacing the missing tooth (with a bridge or a dental implant) is usually higher than treating the original tooth in the first place.
That's why we'll always try to save your natural tooth where it's clinically the right call. If saving it isn't possible, we'll be honest about that too - and walk you through alternatives like dental implants or bridges.
What treatment actually feels like
Most patients walk out saying "is that really it?" Here's what to expect on the day.
1. Numbing the area
Local anaesthetic so you won't feel a thing. We always check you're properly comfortable before any work begins.
2. Accessing the tooth
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the infected pulp inside.
3. Cleaning the canals
Using fine instruments and disinfecting solutions, the infected tissue is removed and the canals are thoroughly cleaned.
4. Sealing the tooth
Once everything is clean, the canals are filled with a sterile material and the tooth is sealed to prevent re-infection.
5. Protecting the tooth long-term
A root-filled tooth is usually best protected with a same-day crown, which restores full strength and function for years to come.
How long does it take?
Most root canals can be completed in one or two visits, typically 60 to 90 minutes per visit. More complex cases - usually back molars with multiple canals - may need a little longer or an extra appointment. We'll give you a clear time estimate at your assessment so there are no surprises.
Nervous about treatment? You're not alone
Root canal treatment carries more anxiety than almost any other dental procedure - usually based on outdated stories rather than the experience itself. If you're feeling worried, we offer IV sedation for patients who'd like to feel completely relaxed during their appointment. It's typically reserved for treatment plans over £2,000 or for patients who genuinely need it to get the work done. Just tell us when you book and we'll talk you through your options.
Why choose Natural Smiles for your root canal
Root canals are highly technical work - and the quality of the treatment makes the difference between a tooth that lasts five years and one that lasts thirty.
25 years as a fully private practice with experience across complex restorative work
Advanced imaging including in-house CBCT for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning
Modern endodontic techniques with fine rotary instruments and digital workflow
CEREC technology on site for protective crowns on the same day if needed
IV sedation available for nervous patients (eligibility applies)
An onsite mini dental lab for fast turnaround on follow-up work
Free parking and easy motorway access from across South Leicester
Aftercare - what to expect once you're home
Most people get back to normal life the same day. Some mild tenderness around the tooth for a few days is normal - usually managed easily with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We'll always send you home with clear aftercare instructions and you're welcome to call us anytime if anything doesn't feel right.
How much does a root canal cost in Leicester?
Root canal pricing depends on which tooth is involved and how many canals it has. We'll always give you a clear written quote after assessment - no surprises, no upselling. Finance is available through V12, including 0% over 12 months with no deposit, to help spread the cost where needed.
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Looking after patients in Wigston, Oadby and beyond
We see patients from across South Leicester, Knighton, Stoneygate, Great Glen, Kibworth, Market Harborough and Hinckley - many of them referred from other dentists for more complex endodontic work. If you've been told you need a root canal and you'd like a second opinion or a more comfortable experience, you're welcome to get in touch.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a root canal really not painful?
With modern anaesthetic, the treatment itself is typically very comfortable - most patients say it feels similar to having a filling done. The discomfort people associate with root canals usually comes from the infection beforehand, not the treatment itself. Once the source of infection is removed, the relief is often dramatic.
How long will my tooth last after a root canal?
With a good seal and a protective crown, a root-treated tooth can last decades - often for the rest of your life. Looking after it with regular check-ups, hygiene visits and good home care is the key.
Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Usually, yes - especially for back teeth that take heavy chewing forces. A root-treated tooth becomes more brittle over time and is more prone to fracture without proper protection. Our CEREC technology means we can often place a crown in a single visit.
What if I leave the tooth untreated?
The infection won't resolve on its own. Left alone, it can spread into surrounding bone, cause an abscess, and eventually mean the tooth has to come out. Treating it early is almost always the easier, less expensive option.
Are root canals always successful?
Modern root canal treatment has a very high success rate - typically around 90-95% for straightforward cases. Success depends on a good diagnosis, careful technique, and protecting the tooth afterwards with a well-fitted restoration.
Can I drive home after my appointment?
Yes, if you've had a standard root canal under local anaesthetic. If you've chosen IV sedation, you'll need someone to bring you and take you home - we'll go through the details when you book.
Will my tooth look different afterwards?
Most root-treated teeth look completely normal once restored - especially when protected with a tooth-coloured crown. If a tooth has darkened due to internal staining, we can also discuss internal whitening or cosmetic options.
Is a root canal really not painful?
With modern anaesthetic, the treatment itself is typically very comfortable - most patients say it feels similar to having a filling done. The discomfort people associate with root canals usually comes from the infection beforehand, not the treatment itself. Once the source of infection is removed, the relief is often dramatic.
How long will my tooth last after a root canal?
With a good seal and a protective crown, a root-treated tooth can last decades - often for the rest of your life. Looking after it with regular check-ups, hygiene visits and good home care is the key.
Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Usually, yes - especially for back teeth that take heavy chewing forces. A root-treated tooth becomes more brittle over time and is more prone to fracture without proper protection. Our CEREC technology means we can often place a crown in a single visit.
What if I leave the tooth untreated?
The infection won't resolve on its own. Left alone, it can spread into surrounding bone, cause an abscess, and eventually mean the tooth has to come out. Treating it early is almost always the easier, less expensive option.
Are root canals always successful?
Modern root canal treatment has a very high success rate - typically around 90-95% for straightforward cases. Success depends on a good diagnosis, careful technique, and protecting the tooth afterwards with a well-fitted restoration.
Can I drive home after my appointment?
Yes, if you've had a standard root canal under local anaesthetic. If you've chosen IV sedation, you'll need someone to bring you and take you home - we'll go through the details when you book.
Will my tooth look different afterwards?
Most root-treated teeth look completely normal once restored - especially when protected with a tooth-coloured crown. If a tooth has darkened due to internal staining, we can also discuss internal whitening or cosmetic options.
Save your tooth, ease the pain
Book an appointment for:
- Dental check-up
- Hygiene appointment
- Dental emergency
- Teeth whitening
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