Do I need a referral to see an endodontist?

Many people assume that an endodontist, like a hospital consultant, can only be seen with a referral letter. That is not the case. Patients book directly every week, and the process is simple.

Two routes to the same chair

Referral. Your dentist examines the tooth, decides it needs an endodontist and writes a referral, often sending the X-rays they have taken. You then book the consultation. The referral letter is useful because it tells us what your dentist has already found and what they would like done.

Self-referral. You book directly, with or without having seen your dentist about the tooth. At the consultation the tooth is assessed from scratch — history, examination, tests and X-rays — and a plan is made in the same way. If you have a regular dentist, they are written to afterwards so that their records are complete.

What to bring if you come directly

• Any recent X-rays of the tooth, or your dentist's details so that they can be requested.
• A list of your medicines and medical conditions.
• A clear idea of the history: when the pain started, what provokes it, what has been tried.

Does coming directly cut your dentist out?

No. Endodontic treatment deals with the inside of the tooth; your own dentist restores the outside and continues your routine care. After treatment they receive a report with X-rays and a recommendation for the crown or filling. If you do not currently have a dentist, that can be discussed at the consultation.

When seeing an endodontist directly makes sense

• You have been told a tooth needs root canal treatment and would like it done by someone who does nothing else.
• A root-treated tooth has become painful or infected again.
• You have been advised to have a tooth extracted and want a second opinion before agreeing.
• Toothache has not been pinned down to a cause despite one or more visits elsewhere.
• You are very anxious and want to be treated by a clinician who has completed training in dental sedation.

Is it covered by the NHS?

Endodontic care here is private. The fee for your tooth is confirmed in writing after the consultation and before any treatment begins, so that you can decide with the figures in front of you.

How to book

Use the "Book an Appointment" button or telephone. Say whether you are in pain — acute cases are seen first — and whether you have been referred. The contact page has everything else you need, and the diagnosing toothache page describes what the first appointment involves.