Advanced Root Canal Treatment in Finchley | Expert Care

Most general dentists handle many root canals, but complex cases go to specialists like us. You may need our care if the canals are very curved or narrow, if a previous root canal failed, if pain is hard to diagnose, or if a tooth has a crack or perforation. We use 3D CBCT to map the tooth anatomy, which helps plan the procedure and improve outcomes. Initial treatment success is high, around 85 to 95 percent, but retreatment needs more skill and technology.

The process begins with a 60 minute consultation, including a thorough examination and a 3D CBCT scan to map the tooth's root structure. The treatment is usually completed in a single appointment of 90 to 120 minutes. Dr. Reddy administers a local anaesthetic and uses a dental operating microscope to clean and shape the canals with care. A patient from East Finchley had a retreatment in a single two hour session. After cleaning, the canals are sealed to prevent reinfection. A follow-up visit is scheduled a few weeks later to check healing before your permanent crown is placed by your general dentist.

Our goal to save natural teeth is supported by our investment in technology. A dental operating microscope provides strong magnification and illumination, allowing us to see tiny details inside the tooth that are invisible to the naked eye. This is essential for finding missed canals, removing obstructions, and ensuring complete disinfection. For example, a patient from Muswell Hill had a molar with four canals, one of which was calcified and hidden; the microscope helped locate and treat it successfully. We pair this with 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography CBCT scanning. Unlike standard 2D X-rays, a CBCT scan provides a three dimensional view, revealing complex anatomy, fractures, and the extent of infections, which reduces guesswork and leads to more predictable results.

After your treatment you may experience mild to moderate tenderness for 2 to 4 days. Use over the counter pain relief as needed. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until you have a permanent crown. For the first 24 hours stick to soft foods. You can brush and floss normally but be gentle around the treated area. Long term a tooth that has had root canal treatment needs a crown to protect it from fracture. Red flags requiring attention: call our practice immediately if you have severe worsening pain after day 3, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, an allergic reaction to medication, or if your temporary filling comes out. Contact us during office hours Mon Wed Fri 9 to 5 and Tue Thu 11 to 7. For after hours emergencies that are severe call 111 or go to your nearest A&E.

Saving the natural tooth is the goal, but it is not always possible. We discuss all options openly. The main alternative is tooth extraction. After extraction you can replace the tooth with a dental implant or a fixed bridge supported by adjacent teeth. An implant is durable but more expensive and takes 4 to 9 months. A bridge is quicker but may require preparing nearby healthy teeth. In some cases where infection remains at the root tip after treatment, a minor procedure called an apicoectomy might save the tooth without removing it.

To choose your care wisely, consider these questions for any dentist in Finchley or at our practice: 1. Do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT for complex cases? 2. How many root canal retreatments do you perform each year? 3. What is your success rate for cases like mine? 4. What does the quoted fee cover? Does it include the consultation, scans, and treatment? 5. If the treatment fails, what are the next steps and costs? 6. Do you accept private insurance plans such as Denplan or Cigna?