Expert Root Canal Therapy for West Finchley Patients

Consider root canal treatment if you have symptoms pointing to infected pulp. A severe, persistent toothache that can wake you at night or worsen when you lie down is common. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts more than a few seconds is another sign. You might notice tooth darkening, swelling or tenderness in the gums near the problem tooth. A small bump on the gum, an abscess, can form. If you notice these signs in West Finchley, see us promptly to stop the infection from spreading.

Your treatment is designed to be clear and comfortable. First, you will have a 60 minute consultation during which we use a 3D CBCT to get a precise image of your tooth roots. Then the main procedure, usually 60-90 minutes, is done under local anaesthetic. Dr. Reddy will use a dental operating microscope to clean infected pulp from the root canals, which helps find tiny canal branches. After cleaning, the canals are sealed. You return for a final 30-45 minute visit to place a permanent filling or crown to protect the tooth long term. The process aims to remove the infection with a high success rate typically between 85-95%.

We are transparent about costs. While affordability is relative, we aim to save a tooth that might otherwise be lost. The fee covers the initial 3D CBCT scan, the whole root canal performed with a high powered microscope, and all follow up checks. The final crown is charged separately, as material varies. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment. We accept plans from major insurers such as Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. Saving a natural tooth is usually cheaper in the long run than extracting it and paying for an implant or bridge later.

A West Finchley patient came with throbbing lower molar pain. An X-ray at another practice was inconclusive. Our 3D CBCT showed a hidden infected fourth canal. Using the operating microscope, Dr. Reddy located and treated it, resolving the infection. The patient avoided extraction and kept the natural tooth for chewing. This precision supports the value of high quality care.

After a root canal you may feel mild tenderness for 2-3 days, manageable with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final crown is placed. Eat soft foods for a few days. The tooth may feel different for a while but will settle. Maintain good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing to protect the restored tooth. Red flags requiring attention: call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you have severe increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling, or a return of your original symptoms. For emergencies outside these hours, go to A&E or dial 111.

We aim to save natural teeth when possible. If a tooth cannot be restored, the main alternative is extraction. It removes infection but leaves a gap that can cause teeth to shift and affect your bite. To fill the gap you would then need a dental implant or a fixed bridge. Both options are more invasive and usually more expensive than a root canal. An implant process takes several months from start to finish. We will discuss the pros and cons of every option with you.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another practice in North London, here are some key questions to ask: Do you use a dental microscope for all root canal procedures? What is your success rate for treatments like mine? Is the cost of the final crown included in the initial quote? What qualifications and experience do you have in endodontics? Will I need one or two appointments to complete the treatment? What are the risks if I delay this treatment?