Book a Root Canal Appointment in Finchley Central

If you notice symptoms pointing to a tooth nerve infection, book an assessment with our team. The most common sign is a severe, persistent toothache that throbs and worsens when you lie down. Other indicators include extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lasts longer than a few seconds, pain when chewing or applying pressure, swelling in the gums or face, a small persistent bump on the gum near the tooth, or the tooth darkening in colour. If you have these symptoms in Finchley Central, seek prompt evaluation.

Your treatment is designed to be clear and comfortable. First, you receive a 60-minute initial consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the problem accurately. The main procedure typically takes a single visit of 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy administers a local anaesthetic to numb the area. He uses a dental operating microscope to locate, clean, and disinfect the tiny canals inside your tooth root, removing the infected pulp. The canals are then filled with a biocompatible material and sealed. Most patients feel no pain during the procedure, only light pressure. A temporary filling is placed and you will be referred back to your general dentist for the final crown.

Our practice focuses entirely on endodontics. This focus means all our technology, training, and experience aim to deliver the highest standard of root canal care. Dr. Ashok Reddy (GDC: 85978) holds an MSc in Endodontics from the University of Manchester and has performed thousands of successful procedures. We use dental operating microscopes for up to 25x magnification, enabling us to treat complex canal anatomy that might be missed otherwise. This specialization contributes to high success rates of 85-95%.

A recent patient from Finchley Central came in with intense pain in a lower molar. We performed an assessment the same day and used our 3D CBCT scanner to identify a complex fourth canal. The treatment took a single 90-minute appointment under the microscope, and he returned to work the next day pain-free. Another case involved a referral from a Golders Green dentist for a tooth with a failed root canal from years before. We re-treated the tooth, saved it from extraction, and avoided a costly implant.

After treatment you may feel mild tenderness and sensitivity for 2 to 3 days as the area heals. This can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is placed by your general dentist. You can brush and floss around the area, but be gentle. Attend your follow-up appointment with your dentist to place the final restoration, which protects the tooth from fracture. Red flags requiring contact include severe, increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling, an allergic reaction to medication, or a temporary filling coming out. For out of hours emergencies, go to A&E or call 111.

While our aim is to save natural teeth, there are alternatives. The main option is tooth extraction. This removes the source of infection but can create gaps that shift surrounding teeth and may lead to bone loss. The missing tooth would ideally be replaced with a dental implant or a bridge, which involves a longer process and higher cost. For very minor issues, watchful waiting might be an option, but this carries the risk of the infection worsening and triggering a dental emergency. We discuss all viable options during your consultation.

To make an informed choice about your care whether with us or another practice in North London, ask a few key questions. Inquire about experience with complex cases like yours and the typical success rate. Check if they use a dental microscope and 3D CBCT for diagnosis and treatment, since this is the modern standard. Get a clear cost breakdown, what it covers, and whether a separate fee applies for the final crown from your general dentist. Also ask about their process for managing post-treatment discomfort.