CBCT-Guided Root Canal Retreatment near Finchley Central

Retreatment is needed when a treated tooth does not heal or becomes reinfected. This can happen months or years after the initial procedure. Seek an assessment if you have a persistent dull ache, pain when chewing, or a small bump on the gum that suggests a sinus tract. Sometimes there are no symptoms, but an issue shows up on an X-ray. The goal is to address the cause of failure such as a missed canal, complex anatomy, or a leaking filling to give the tooth another chance.

A patient from Finchley Central came to us with a low grade ache in a tooth that had a root canal years earlier. Regular X-rays showed nothing unusual. Our 3D CBCT scan revealed a tiny fourth canal that had been missed and was harboring bacteria. Using CBCT as a map, we located and treated the missed canal, and the patient’s symptoms resolved within a week. This illustrates how the technology can prevent unnecessary extractions.

You begin with a 45‑minute consultation including a CBCT scan to plan the treatment. The retreatment lasts about 90 to 120 minutes. Dr. Reddy uses local anaesthetic for comfort. He carefully accesses the tooth, often through the crown or filling, and uses a dental operating microscope for magnification. He removes the old filling material, disinfects the canal system, and shapes the canals. The cleaned canals are sealed with a new biocompatible filling. You then return to your general dentist for a permanent restoration, such as a crown.

After retreatment you may feel tenderness for a few days, especially when biting. Over‑the‑counter pain relief is usually enough. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth for the first week. You can brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the area. Long term, the tooth should have a permanent crown or filling from your dentist to prevent future problems. Red flags to watch for include severe pain not controlled by medicine, significant swelling, or fever. If these occur during office hours, contact us; for emergencies after hours, seek urgent care.

If retreatment is not possible due to factors like a large post, an apicoectomy may be an option. This minor surgery removes the tip of the root and seals it from the end to address the infection directly. It is more invasive than retreatment but can be effective in certain situations.

The final option is extraction. It removes the problem but creates a gap that can cause adjacent teeth to shift. The missing tooth should be replaced with an implant, bridge, or partial denture to maintain function and appearance. Extraction is a last resort, as our goal is to save natural teeth whenever possible.

To make a well informed choice, ask these questions whether you choose to consult us or another Finchley area practice: 1. Do you use both a dental microscope and a CBCT scanner for all retreatments? 2. What is your personal success rate with cases like mine? 3. What does the quoted fee include, and does it cover the CBCT scan and follow‑up visits? 4. What signs would lead you to recommend extraction over retreatment? 5. After retreatment, how soon should I get a permanent crown from my dentist?

Retreatment costs reflect the time and expertise involved. At our Finchley practice, prices start from £850 depending on tooth complexity. This includes the initial consultation, the 3D CBCT scan, the procedure performed under a microscope, and necessary follow‑ups. It does not include the final permanent restoration, which your general dentist provides. We are a private practice and accept insurance plans from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. You will receive a detailed treatment plan with clear fees.