Assessment And Diagnosis
Your Root Canal Treatment plan is based on your symptoms, clinical assessment and the condition of the tooth, with treatment explained before care begins.
If a tooth is causing ongoing pain, sensitivity or swelling, Root Canal Treatment may be an option to preserve the natural tooth where clinically suitable; people living in Wickford are welcome to contact Start Smiling in Ingatestone for an assessment and explanation of likely steps, options and costs.
Start Smiling offers private Root Canal Treatment from our Ingatestone practice, allowing time to explain treatment planning, appointment timing and restorative options such as a filling or crown where appropriate.
Dr Thomas Sealey (GDC 104101) lists Root Canal Treatment among his clinical focus and has Endodontic Training And Experience including a Master’s degree in Endodontic Practice; our team aims to provide calm explanations and support for patients who feel nervous about treatment.
Costs depend on which tooth is affected and how complex the treatment is, so likely fees are discussed after a clinical assessment rather than published as fixed prices on this page.

Common reasons to seek assessment and what the assessment typically involves.
Your Root Canal Treatment plan is based on your symptoms, clinical assessment and the condition of the tooth, with treatment explained before care begins.
Ongoing or severe tooth pain that does not settle can indicate pulp inflammation or infection that needs assessment.
Prolonged sensitivity after a hot or cold stimulus can be a sign the pulp is affected and should be checked.
Swelling or tenderness around a tooth can suggest infection and prompt further investigation.
Very deep decay or a cracked tooth can expose the pulp and lead to inflammation or infection.
Teeth that have had deep restorations in the past may develop pulp problems and require assessment.
A tooth that has been traumatised can later develop pulp inflammation or infection and should be evaluated.
Extraction may be an option in some cases and your dentist will discuss the patient-focused choice for your tooth.
Dr Thomas Sealey lists Root Canal Treatment among his clinical focus and has a Master’s degree in Endodontic Practice (GDC 104101).
We provide calm, patient-centred explanations and time to discuss concerns so nervous patients feel understood.
Private care lets us discuss treatment planning, appointment scheduling and restorative options in detail.
We explain diagnostic findings and discuss whether a filling or crown may be needed after treatment.
Assessment may include examination and X-rays where clinically indicated to guide treatment decisions.
We arrange reviews and ongoing dental care after treatment to monitor healing and tooth condition.
Your dentist will examine the tooth and may take X-rays where clinically indicated to confirm whether the pulp is inflamed or infected.
X-rays help map the tooth and inform whether treatment can proceed in one or two appointments or if further input is needed.
Local anaesthetic is used during treatment to reduce discomfort while the procedure is carried out.
The dentist accesses the tooth, removes inflamed or infected pulp tissue, and cleans and shapes the root canals.
Root canals are sealed to reduce the risk of reinfection and help stabilise the tooth structure.
Depending on the tooth and remaining structure, a filling or crown may be recommended and reviews arranged to check healing.
Root Canal Treatment aims to preserve a natural tooth when the pulp is inflamed or infected and preservation is clinically suitable; suitability depends on symptoms, the extent of decay or damage and whether the tooth can be restored.
Some cases may be completed in one or two appointments and others take longer; your dentist will explain the likely number of visits and steps after assessment.
Every patient is different, so expected outcomes, comfort measures and next steps are based on individual assessment and a discussion of your preferences and dental needs.

Aftercare and ongoing checks help protect a treated tooth and overall oral health.
We will arrange a review appointment to check healing and the treated tooth.
Maintain regular brushing and interdental cleaning to support oral health.
Report increasing pain, swelling or unusual changes promptly to the practice.

A filling or crown may be recommended to restore strength and function after treatment.
Ongoing dental examinations help monitor treated teeth and identify other issues early.
Your dentist will explain what to expect and provide appropriate aftercare advice.
Start Smiling is based at 5 Market Place, Ingatestone, CM4 0BY; people from Wickford and elsewhere in Essex are welcome to contact our Ingatestone practice to arrange an assessment or second opinion.

If you are in Wickford and would like to discuss Root Canal Treatment, call Start Smiling on 01277 353456 to arrange an assessment at our Ingatestone practice.
During the consultation we will explain the diagnostic process, likely treatment approach and next steps so you can make an informed decision.