CBCT-Guided Root Canal Treatment near Finchley Central

Most straightforward cases only require a standard dental X ray. We recommend CBCT when we face certain challenges. You may need this imaging if your tooth has unusual or complex root canal anatomy, such as curved roots or extra canals that are common in molars. It is also essential for retreatment when a previous root canal has failed. The 3D scan shows what went wrong, whether a canal was missed or there is a persistent infection. For example, a patient from Finchley Central recently came to us with lingering pain after a root canal elsewhere; the CBCT revealed a tiny fourth canal that we were able to clean and seal. If we suspect a vertical root fracture a CBCT can confirm it, helping you avoid unnecessary treatment on a tooth that cannot be saved.

Your treatment begins with the scan, which is quick and painless and takes less than a minute. You sit in our scanning room as the machine moves around your head once. Dr. Ashok Reddy, who holds an MSc in Endodontics, analyzes the detailed 3D images to map your tooth’s root canal system. This planning happens before the procedure starts. During the treatment appointment, which typically lasts sixty to ninety minutes, we use this 3D map along with a dental operating microscope. This combination helps us navigate and clean every part of the root canal system thoroughly. After cleaning, the canals are sealed and a temporary filling is placed. You then return to your general dentist for the permanent crown.

After the procedure, some tenderness and sensitivity are common for a few days, especially when chewing. This can be managed with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Stick to soft foods for the first two to three days and avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is fitted. You can brush your teeth as normal but be gentle around the treated area. Most patients feel back to normal within a week. Red flags to watch for include severe increasing pain after day three, swelling inside or outside the mouth, or a fever. If you have an emergency outside office hours, please visit A&E or call 111.

The main alternative is root canal treatment using only traditional 2D X-rays. For simple cases this can be successful, but for complex anatomy or retreatments it carries a higher risk of missing a canal, which can lead to treatment failure and the need for further intervention. The other option, if the tooth’s prognosis is poor or if you want to avoid complex treatment, is extraction. The missing tooth can be replaced with a dental implant, a fixed bridge, or a partial denture. We aim to save natural teeth whenever possible, and a CBCT scan gives us the best chance to do that. During your consultation, we discuss all options openly.

To help you make an informed choice about your treatment near Finchley Central, consider these questions: whether you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal treatments, whether you have an in house CBCT scanner for 3D imaging, your success rate for complex cases like this, your postgraduate qualifications in endodontics, whether the CBCT scan is included in the total treatment fee, and the risks if we proceed without a 3D scan.

Complex root canal treatment at a practice focused on endodontics reflects the advanced technology and training involved. The fee covers the initial consultation, all diagnostic imaging including the CBCT scan, the procedure under a microscope, and any necessary follow-up appointments. There are no hidden fees. While we are a private practice and do not offer NHS services, we do accept private dental insurance plans from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation, and our team will assist with the claims process.