Advanced Root Canal Treatment in Finchley

If you have symptoms that signal an infected pulp, you should have an assessment for root canal treatment. These include a severe, persistent toothache that throbs or worsens when you lie down, or extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lasts for more than a few seconds. A discoloured tooth that has turned grey or dark is another sign. You might notice tender, swollen gums near a specific tooth or a recurring pimple-like bump on the gum, which indicates an abscess. Our Finchley practice uses 3D CBCT scanning to view the root structure in detail and diagnose these issues with precision. This treatment saves a natural tooth, relieves pain, and stops the infection from spreading.

Understanding the process helps ease anxiety. First, you will have a 60 minute consultation where we use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to confirm the diagnosis and plan your treatment. The treatment lasts a single visit of 60 to 90 minutes. We numb the area completely with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain. Dr. Reddy then uses a dental operating microscope to precisely remove the infected pulp, clean the internal canals, and seal them. Then a temporary filling is placed. After a short healing period, you return to your general dentist to get a permanent crown to protect the tooth. The success rate for these procedures is very high, typically between 85 and 95 percent, offering a long-term solution to save your tooth.

A patient from North Finchley was referred after a previous root canal treatment failed, causing persistent pain. Using the operating microscope, we identified and treated a tiny missed canal that caused reinfection, saving her tooth from extraction. Another case involved a 45-year-old from East Finchley with a complex molar infection. The 3D CBCT scan showed unusual root anatomy, allowing us to navigate the canals precisely for a successful outcome. These cases show how advanced technology supports handling complex endodontic challenges.

After the procedure you might experience tenderness for 2-3 days, which you can manage with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is fitted. Stick to soft foods for the first few days. Your tooth and gums may feel different, but this should settle. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice if you have severe, increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, an allergic reaction to medication, or if your temporary filling comes out. Please call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For emergencies outside these times, visit your nearest A&E or call NHS 111.

We prioritise saving the natural tooth where possible, but there are other options. The main alternative is tooth extraction. After extraction, the missing tooth would need to be replaced with a dental implant or a fixed bridge to maintain function and prevent shifting of other teeth. This path is more invasive, takes longer from start to finish (4 to 9 months for an implant), and is typically more expensive in the long run. For borderline cases with minimal symptoms, watchful waiting could be an option, but this carries the risk of the infection worsening and leading to a more serious dental emergency. We discuss all options with you so you can make an informed choice.

To ensure you receive the highest standard of care, whether with us or another practice in Finchley, here are key questions to ask. What is your success rate for this type of procedure? Do you use a dental microscope for all root canal treatments? Is a 3D CBCT scan included in the assessment? What are the total costs, including the consultation and the treatment itself? What postgraduate qualifications do you have in endodontics? Asking these questions helps you choose a provider with the right experience and technology for your needs.

As a private practice, NHS services are not offered. The cost of a root canal consultation, including any necessary 3D scans, is quoted during your initial call. The treatment fee varies with the complexity and location of the tooth, for example molars are more complex than front teeth. We provide a clear itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees before any work begins. We accept several major private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team can help you with the paperwork to make a claim.