Book Expert Root Canal Therapy for West Finchley Patients

Consider a root canal assessment if you notice these signs. A severe, persistent toothache that worsens when you lie down, or long-lasting sensitivity to hot or cold. A discolored tooth, tenderness when touching or chewing, or swelling near the tooth. Sometimes a small pimple on the gum (an abscess) may appear. If you have any of these, the nerve inside your tooth may be infected, and prompt treatment helps save the tooth and prevent spread.

Your treatment aims for comfort and effectiveness. First, you will have a 60-minute consultation with 3D CBCT scanning to diagnose the problem. The procedure, performed under local anaesthetic so you feel no pain, typically lasts 60-90 minutes. Dr. Reddy removes the infected pulp, cleans the canals with a dental microscope for precision, and seals the tooth with a temporary filling. After a short healing period, you will return for a 30-minute appointment to place a permanent restoration, usually a crown, to protect the tooth long term. The overall success rate is high, typically between 85-95%.

Post-treatment care is straightforward. For the first 1-3 days expect mild to moderate tenderness, manageable with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth for a few days. You can brush and floss as usual but be gentle around the area. Most patients resume normal activities the next day. Call us during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe, increasing pain after day 3, swelling that spreads, or a fever above 38 C. For emergencies outside these hours call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

Dr. Ashok Reddy holds an MSc in Endodontics and has focused on this field for over 20 years. This expertise means you receive specialist-level care. We use advanced tools like dental operating microscopes and 3D CBCT scanning, which are not found in every practice. The microscope helps us locate and treat tiny canal anatomy that might be missed, improving the long-term success of your treatment. A recent patient from West Finchley arrived with a painful, previously treated molar. Our 3D scan revealed a missed canal causing the reinfection. Using the microscope, Dr. Reddy was able to locate and clean this canal, saving a tooth that might otherwise have been extracted. Another patient, a professional from Highgate, needed an urgent root canal on a front tooth. We were able to see them the same day and complete the treatment, relieving their pain and placing a tooth-coloured temporary filling so they could return to work without aesthetic concerns.

The main goal of root canal treatment is to save your natural tooth. The only significant alternative is tooth extraction. While removing the tooth resolves the infection and pain, it creates a gap in your smile. This gap should be filled to prevent other teeth from shifting and to restore chewing function. Options for replacing the tooth include a dental implant, which is a permanent screw-in tooth, or a fixed bridge, which is a false tooth supported by crowns on the adjacent teeth. Both alternatives are typically more invasive and costly than saving your natural tooth with root canal therapy.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether you see us or another practice in North London, consider these questions: What is your experience with complex cases like molars or retreatments? Do you use a dental microscope and 3D imaging for diagnosis and treatment? What is the total cost, including the final crown or restoration? How many appointments will this take? What are the signs of success or failure I should watch for after treatment? Do you accept private insurance plans such as Denplan or Cigna?

As a private practice we do not provide NHS treatment. Root canal therapy is a complex procedure, and the cost depends on the tooth and the complexity of the case. After your initial consultation and 3D scan we will provide a detailed treatment plan with a full breakdown of costs. There are no hidden fees. We accept several major private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team will help with any insurance paperwork.