
Root Canal in Plymouth. Pain-Free Treatment to Save Your Natural Tooth
Our expert Root Canal treatment at Mannamead Cosmetic Dental Centre in Plymouth can help you avoid unnecessary extractions and achieve fast, lasting pain relief.
Using advanced local anaesthetics and offering dedicated sedation options for nervous patients, we ensure your endodontic treatment is as comfortable as possible.
Our Principal Dentist, Dr Lenore Bronkhorst (GDC No: 69251), is an internationally trained Cosmetic Dentist who has just celebrated 40 years in dentistry.
From our state-of-the-art clinic near Mutley Plain, we serve patients from across Plymouth, including Plympton, Plymstock, Stoke Village and Derriford, and are conveniently located for those travelling from Saltash, Torpoint and Ivybridge.

Fast and effective relief for Severe Toothaches and Dental Infections
Advanced anaesthetics for a comfortable procedure.
Avoid extraction and preserve your smile.
Are you suffering from a severe toothache or noticing a tooth that has suddenly darkened? An infected dental pulp can cause intense pain, but it doesn’t mean you have to lose the tooth.
When a toothache keeps you awake, or an infection is making life miserable, Root Canal treatment can save your tooth and get you out of pain without an extraction. Our experienced team focuses on gentle, modern endodontic care, using effective local anaesthetic (and sedation where needed) so treatment feels no more unpleasant than having a filling.
At your consultation, we will take time to listen to your symptoms, assess the tooth thoroughly and explain your options clearly, including costs and whether a crown is recommended in your case. After treatment, we restore and protect the tooth with a strong white filling or custom crown, designed to blend seamlessly with your other teeth.
Conveniently located just off Mutley Plain, with nearby free parking, we are easy to reach from across Plymouth and the surrounding areas.
If you are struggling with a toothache and want to save your tooth rather than lose it, contact our friendly team today to book your root canal consultation in Plymouth.
Transform your smile
Contact us today to book a no-obligation consultation.
Root Canal Treatment cost Plymouth
The exact price of your root canal treatment depends on which tooth is affected and the complexity of its root system.
Root Canal Treatment at Mannamead Cosmetic Dental Centre starts from £670.


Root Canal Treatment FAQ
What happens if I ignore my infected tooth and avoid having a root canal?
We strongly advise against ignoring dental pain. If left untreated, the infection inside your tooth will not go away on its own.
The bacteria will eventually spread down through the root tips and into your jawbone, causing a painful abscess and potentially systemic health issues. Ultimately, the tooth will die and will have to be extracted.
Is root canal treatment painful?
There is a common misconception that root canal treatment is painful, but modern endodontic treatment is designed to relieve the severe pain caused by an infected tooth. We use highly effective local anaesthetics to ensure the procedure is completely numb and comfortable, much like having a routine filling.
If you suffer from dental anxiety, our clinic offers a deeply calming environment, and Dr Lenore Bronkhorst can provide gentle dental sedation to ensure you remain totally relaxed.
Why might I need a root canal instead of simply extracting the tooth?
Preserving your natural tooth is always the gold standard in dentistry. When the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected due to deep decay or trauma, a root canal allows us to meticulously clean out the infection and seal the tooth.
Saving your natural tooth helps maintain your jawbone structure and prevents the need for more complex, costly replacements later on, such as dental implants or bridges.
What exactly is done during a root canal?
During a root canal, your tooth is numbed, a small opening is made in the crown, and the infected or inflamed pulp is removed from inside the root canals using fine instruments.
The canals are then cleaned, shaped, disinfected and filled with a rubber‑like material (gutta‑percha) before the tooth is sealed with a filling and usually a crown. This keeps the outer tooth structure in place while eliminating infection and pain.
Will I need a dental crown after my root canal procedure?
In most cases, yes. A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy becomes more brittle and prone to fracture because the blood supply has been removed. To protect the treated tooth and restore its full biting strength, we highly recommend placing a custom dental crown.
Thanks to our advanced in-house CEREC technology, we can often mill and fit your permanent porcelain crown in a single visit to our Plymouth clinic.
I have a severe toothache and facial swelling. Can I get an emergency root canal?
Yes. Severe, throbbing toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, or swelling around your gums and face are classic signs of a dental abscess or deep infection.
We offer same-day emergency dental appointments in Plymouth to quickly diagnose the issue, relieve your pain, and begin the necessary root canal therapy to save your tooth.
What are the signs you need a root canal?
Common signs include a persistent toothache, pain when biting or chewing, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, and swollen, tender, or darkened gums around one tooth.
You might also notice a pimple‑like bump on the gum (abscess) or the tooth itself turning darker than its neighbours. In some cases, you may not have many symptoms, but X‑rays can reveal deep decay or infection at the root tip. Any of these signs should prompt a dental assessment rather than waiting for the pain to “go away”.
How long does a root canal last?
A root canal is designed as a long‑term, often permanent, way of saving a tooth rather than a short‑term fix.
Longevity depends on several factors: how badly damaged the tooth was to begin with, your bite, habits like grinding or clenching, and how well you maintain your daily oral hygiene. Regular check‑ups and cleaning, and wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth, can all help your root canal last as long as possible.
How long does a root canal take, and how many visits will I need?
The duration of your treatment depends on the specific tooth; front teeth usually have a single, straightforward root canal, while back molars can have up to four complex, curved canals.
Most root canal treatments at our clinic are completed in one to two appointments, each lasting between 60 and 90 minutes.
Do I need an NHS referral to see you?
No referral is necessary to access our private endodontic treatments. We warmly welcome new patients from all over the South West.
Many people travel across the Tamar from Saltash and Torpoint, as well as from Ivybridge and beyond, to benefit from our advanced digital technology and Dr Bronkhorst’s expertise.
What our patients say about us
How to find us
Address: 7 Lockyer Road, Plymouth, PL3 4RL
From Manadon roundabout: Take Mannamead Rd (B3250) to Mutley. Go around The Hyde Park Inn onto Wilderness Rd and then Lockyer Road.
From Drake Circus in the city centre: Go up North Hill (B3250) and across Mutley Plain into Wilderness Rd and then Lockyer Road.
From Laira Bridge: Continue onto Embankment Rd. At Cattedown roundabout, take the 4th exit onto Tothill Rd/B3238. Then continue straight onto Mutley Plain/B3250, into Wilderness Rd, and then onto Lockyer Road.
If using public transport, there are several bus stops across Mutley Plain, serving routes into and out of Plymouth city centre.
There is on-street parking available outside our premises Mon–Fri except between 3–4pm when it’s permit-only.
We’re roughly 100 metres from Mutley Plain, which has Mutley Barracks and Napier Terrace car parks, both offering 2 hours of free parking.











