Endodontist in Nottingham: Root Canal Treatment Focused on Saving Your Natural Tooth
When a tooth becomes painful or infected, or a previous root canal treatment has not healed as expected, an accurate diagnosis is the first important step. Angel Ognemirov, MSc Endodontics, provides modern endodontic diagnosis and treatment in Nottingham using magnification, precise techniques and an individual approach to every case.
Anxious patients are especially welcome — the appointment is paced around you.
Endodontics is the area of dentistry concerned with diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the dental pulp — the soft tissue inside the tooth — and the root canal system.
Deep decay, trauma, cracks or bacterial infection can cause the tissue inside a tooth to become inflamed or infected. In these situations, the first step is to identify the source of the problem and assess whether the tooth can be predictably preserved.
Our approach begins with diagnosis. Root canal treatment is recommended only when there is a clear clinical indication and when it represents an appropriate way to preserve the tooth.
Before treatment: decay has reached the pulp and infection has spread to the bone around the root tip.
Endodontic treatment
Diagnosis and treatment for tooth pain, infection and root canal problems
Whether you require your first root canal treatment, retreatment of a previously treated tooth, or investigation of unexplained dental pain, every case begins with careful diagnosis.
When the dental pulp becomes irreversibly inflamed or infected, root canal treatment removes the affected tissue, cleans and disinfects the root canal system, and allows the natural tooth to be retained whenever its condition permits.
A tooth that has previously undergone root canal treatment can sometimes become painful or develop a new or persistent infection. Retreatment allows the root canal system to be reassessed, cleaned, disinfected and sealed again.
A dental operating microscope provides high magnification and focused illumination of the treatment area. This can help identify narrow, additional or difficult-to-see canals and allows treatment with greater visual control.
Not every toothache requires root canal treatment. Clinical examination, diagnostic tests and appropriate imaging help determine which tooth is causing the symptoms and what treatment, if any, is required.
An infection around the root of a tooth may cause pain on biting, swelling, tenderness, or changes that are visible only on an X-ray. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the infection and the condition of the tooth.
Severe spontaneous pain, pain when biting or swelling should not be ignored. If you are experiencing acute symptoms, contact the practice and let us know that you are in pain so we can advise you on the appropriate next step.
Root-end surgery under the microscope for infection that persists after conventional treatment, or where retreatment through the crown is not appropriate.
See every service the practice offers — including cracked tooth assessment and the care of injured teeth — with a plain explanation of what each involves.
Before recommending treatment, we focus on identifying the cause of your symptoms. Your assessment may include clinical tests, examination of the surrounding tissues and appropriate dental imaging.
Treatment under a dental microscope
Magnification and focused illumination improve visibility of the complex internal anatomy of the tooth and support controlled, precise treatment.
Focus on preserving the natural tooth
Where a tooth can be predictably restored, we carefully assess the possibility of preserving it before extraction and replacement are considered.
Modern endodontic techniques
Our treatment protocols are designed around precise canal preparation, thorough disinfection and effective sealing of the root canal system.
Individual treatment planning
Two teeth can produce similar symptoms while requiring very different treatment. Your plan is based on your diagnosis, the anatomy of the tooth, its restorability and the long-term outlook.
Comfort and clear communication
We explain what we have found, what treatment involves and what you can expect afterwards. Local anaesthetic is used for treatment, and patients who feel anxious are encouraged to tell us before the procedure.
Your treatment journey
From diagnosis to restoration
During treatment: the infected tissue is removed and the canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected under the microscope.
Consultation and diagnosis
We begin by discussing your symptoms, examining the tooth and carrying out any diagnostic tests or imaging that may be required.
Understanding your options
We explain the diagnosis, whether the tooth can be preserved, and which treatment options are appropriate for your situation.
Endodontic treatment
Where root canal treatment is required, the procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic with the tooth isolated from the rest of the mouth. Magnification allows careful treatment of the root canal system.
Restoration and follow-up
Following endodontic treatment, the tooth will require an appropriate final restoration. Where indicated, a review appointment may also be recommended.
A large share of the patients seen at Endodontist Nottingham have been putting treatment off — sometimes for years — because of a difficult experience in the past or simply because the words "root canal" carry a reputation they no longer deserve. Helping anxious patients feel comfortable and in control is one of Angel's particular interests.
Every appointment is paced around you: the treatment is explained before it begins, the anaesthetic is confirmed before any instrument is used, and you agree a signal that pauses everything whenever you need it. Angel has completed training in oral and intravenous dental sedation at Guy's Hospital in London, so whether sedation would be appropriate for you is something that can be discussed at your consultation.
Let us know you are nervous when you book. Nothing about your visit will come as a surprise.
In pain?
Severe tooth pain or swelling should be assessed
Dental pain can have several different causes and does not always mean that root canal treatment is required. If you have severe spontaneous pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, or swelling, an examination is needed to identify the source of the problem.
If your symptoms are acute, please tell us when you first contact the practice.
Important: rapidly increasing facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or severe systemic illness requires urgent medical assessment — contact NHS 111 or emergency services.
Meet Angel Ognemirov — endodontic care with a patient-focused approach
MSc Endodontics, University of Chester
Angel Ognemirov holds an MSc degree in Endodontics from the University of Chester. He has completed training in oral and intravenous dental sedation at Guy's Hospital in London.
Angel focuses on providing high-quality endodontic care, particularly for patients who experience dental anxiety. His patient-centred approach combines modern endodontic techniques with a calm and supportive treatment experience.
He also holds a certificate in Restorative Dentistry and is an active member of the Society for the Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry (SAAD).
MSc in Endodontics, University of Chester
Training in oral and intravenous dental sedation, Guy's Hospital, London
Certificate in Restorative Dentistry
Member of the Society for the Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry (SAAD)
The root canal system can be extremely small and anatomically complex. Canals may be narrow, curved, calcified or difficult to identify without magnification.
A dental operating microscope provides high magnification and concentrated illumination directly over the treatment area. This supports detailed visualisation of the internal anatomy of the tooth and allows more controlled treatment.
Depending on the clinical situation, treatment may also involve electronic working-length measurement, ultrasonic instruments, modern canal preparation systems, activated irrigation and appropriate dental imaging.
Technology does not replace clinical judgement. It helps us apply that judgement with greater precision.
Being told that a tooth has an infection or that a previous root canal treatment has failed does not automatically mean that extraction is the only option.
In some cases, primary root canal treatment or root canal retreatment may allow the tooth to be preserved. In other situations, a significant crack, insufficient remaining tooth structure or another structural problem may make the long-term outlook less favourable.
Our role is to assess the individual tooth carefully and explain the realistic options available to you.
After treatment: the canals are sealed, the opening is filled and a crown protects the tooth while the bone heals.
Frequently asked questions
What patients want to know before root canal treatment
Short answers to the questions patients ask most often. Our patient guides go into more detail.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, and the aim is for you to remain comfortable during the procedure. Some temporary tenderness or sensitivity when biting can occur afterwards.
I am very anxious about dental treatment. Can you help?
Yes. Helping anxious patients is a particular interest of Angel's: the treatment is explained before it starts, the anaesthetic is confirmed first, you can pause at any moment and the appointment is never rushed. Angel has also completed training in oral and intravenous dental sedation, so whether sedation is appropriate for you can be discussed at your consultation. See treatment for dental anxiety.
How long does root canal treatment take?
The length of the appointment depends on the tooth and the complexity of its root canal system. Some cases can be completed in a single visit, while more complex or infected teeth may require additional treatment time.
How many appointments will I need?
Many root canal treatments can be completed in one appointment. More complex cases, retreatment, or teeth with significant infection may require two or more visits.
Why is a microscope used?
A dental microscope magnifies and illuminates the inside of the tooth. This can help identify narrow, additional or difficult-to-access canals and supports more precise treatment.
When is root canal retreatment needed?
Retreatment may be considered when a previously treated tooth develops new symptoms or when imaging shows evidence of persistent or recurrent infection around the root.
Can an infected tooth be saved?
Often, yes — but it depends on the condition of the roots, the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining, the presence of cracks, and whether the tooth can be predictably restored.
What should I expect after treatment?
Mild tenderness or discomfort when biting may occur for a short period after treatment. If pain becomes worse, swelling develops, or you are concerned about your recovery, contact the practice.
Will I need a crown after root canal treatment?
This depends on the tooth and how much sound tooth structure remains. Back teeth commonly require a protective restoration to reduce the risk of fracture. Your dentist or clinician will advise you based on your individual case.
Does every painful tooth need root canal treatment?
No. Dental pain can come from several different structures, and sometimes pain may appear to come from a tooth that is not actually the source of the problem. This is why diagnosis should come before treatment.
How do I know if I have a root canal infection?
Possible symptoms include spontaneous pain, pain when biting, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or a small draining spot on the gum. Some infections, however, may cause few or no obvious symptoms.
What is the difference between an endodontist and a general dentist?
Endodontics is the area of dentistry focused on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the dental pulp and root canal system. Endodontists concentrate on this work and use equipment such as the operating microscope routinely. Our guide on endodontists and general dentists explains which cases benefit most from seeing an endodontist.
What happens if an infected tooth is left untreated?
An untreated infection may persist or spread into the tissues around the root. Symptoms can sometimes temporarily improve, but this does not necessarily mean that the underlying problem has resolved.
Book an Appointment
Ready to save your natural tooth?
Have questions about root canal treatment or need to arrange an appointment? Book online or get in touch by phone to discuss your next steps.