CBCT-Guided Root Canal Treatment near Finchley Central

A CBCT scan isn't required for every root canal, but it's an essential tool for complex situations. You might need this advanced imaging if you have persistent pain after a previous root canal, as it can help locate missed canals or hidden fractures. It's also used for teeth with unusual anatomy, such as extra roots or sharply curved canals, which are common in molars. We also recommend a CBCT scan when there are signs of an abscess that isn't clear on a 2D X-ray or before performing an apicoectomy (root-end surgery). For example, a patient from Finchley Central recently came to us with a molar that had received treatment elsewhere but was still painful. The CBCT scan revealed a tiny, untreated fourth canal, which we were then able to clean and seal, resolving his symptoms completely.

Your treatment process is designed for precision and comfort. First, you'll have a 60-minute consultation where we perform the CBCT scan, which takes less than a minute. Dr. Reddy will then use this 3D image to map out your tooth's internal structure and plan the procedure. The treatment appointment itself typically lasts 90-120 minutes. After applying local anaesthetic so you feel no pain, we use a dental operating microscope to get a highly magnified view. We then clean and shape the root canals, removing all infected tissue. The canals are then sealed to prevent re-infection. A temporary filling is placed, and you'll need to return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth. The entire process ensures a thoroughness that gives the tooth the best possible chance of survival, with success rates between 85-95%.

After your procedure, it's normal to feel some tenderness for 2-3 days, which can be easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We advise you to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until you receive your permanent crown. You can brush and floss as normal but be gentle around the area. It's important to attend your follow-up appointment with your own dentist to have the permanent restoration fitted, as this is key to the long-term success of the treatment. **Red flags requiring immediate contact:** Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe, throbbing pain that isn't managed by painkillers, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, or a fever. For emergencies outside these hours, please call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

When a complex root canal is needed, the main alternative is tooth extraction. Removing the tooth is faster and initially less expensive, but it creates a gap that can lead to shifting teeth or bone loss. Replacing the extracted tooth with a dental implant serves as the gold standard, but this involves a surgical procedure and a higher overall cost (from £2,500 plus a crown). Another option is a fixed bridge, which uses adjacent teeth as anchors. However, this requires grinding down healthy teeth, something our prevention-first approach aims to avoid. In most cases, saving the natural tooth with advanced root canal treatment remains the most conservative and biologically sound long-term solution.

To make an informed choice about your dental health, here are some important questions to ask any provider in the Finchley area offering this treatment: 1. Why is a CBCT scan specifically recommended for my case over a standard X-ray? 2. What specific information are you looking for in the 3D scan? 3. Does the cost of the root canal treatment include the CBCT scan fee? 4. Do you use a dental operating microscope in addition to the scan for treatment? 5. What is your experience and training in interpreting CBCT images for endodontics? 6. What are the success rates for cases similar to mine at your practice?

The cost of advanced root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case and which tooth is being treated. An exact fee will be provided following your initial consultation and CBCT scan. This detailed quote will cover the full treatment process with no hidden fees. As a private practice, we don't offer NHS treatment. However, we do accept patients with private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation, and we can help you understand your coverage. Our focus is on providing a high standard of care to achieve the best possible outcome for your tooth.