Advanced CBCT Scans for Root Canal Treatment in East Finchley

A CBCT scan is not needed for every root canal, but it serves as a valuable tool in specific cases. We recommend a 3D scan when a traditional 2D X-ray does not provide enough information. You are a likely candidate for a CBCT guided root canal if you have persistent pain after a previous treatment, as it reveals missed canals or hidden infections. It also helps assess complex root anatomy such as unusually curved or narrow canals, and to diagnose suspected vertical root fractures that are often invisible on standard X-rays. For patients in East Finchley seeking a clear diagnosis for long standing tooth issues, a CBCT scan provides the clarity needed to plan the most successful treatment.

The process is straightforward and focused on your comfort. First, you will have a 60 minute consultation where Dr. Reddy assesses your tooth. If required, the CBCT scan itself takes less than a minute. You sit in a chair while the scanner rotates around your head. Next, using the detailed 3D images, Dr. Reddy plans the procedure, which typically takes 60-90 minutes under local anaesthetic. During the treatment, he uses a dental operating microscope for enhanced magnification, removes the infected tissue, and seals the canals. A follow up appointment is scheduled to ensure healing before a permanent crown is placed by your general dentist. The entire process from scan to final restoration planning happens right here at our Finchley practice.

A patient from a nearby North Finchley practice was referred to us with lingering pain months after a root canal. A standard X-ray appeared normal. Our CBCT scan revealed a tiny, untreated fourth canal in their upper molar—a common reason for treatment failure. Using the 3D map, we were able to locate and treat this hidden canal, resolving his pain completely. This level of precision prevents unnecessary extractions and saves the natural tooth.

After your root canal, you might have mild tenderness and sensitivity for 2-3 days, which is easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We advise sticking to soft foods and avoiding chewing directly on the treated tooth until the final crown is fitted. Your oral hygiene routine can continue as normal, but be gentle around the area. Long-term, a tooth that has had root canal treatment requires a crown to protect it from fracture. With proper care and regular check-ups, a successfully treated tooth can last a lifetime. Root canal treatments performed with this level of precision have a success rate of over 90%. Red flags: call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7): severe pain that isn't relieved by medication, significant swelling inside or outside your mouth, or an allergic reaction to medication. For out-of-hours emergencies, please call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

While CBCT guided root canal is the gold standard for complex cases, there are other paths to consider. For straightforward infections, a traditional root canal using 2D X-rays may be sufficient. However, this approach carries a higher risk of missing complex anatomy. The main alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. This is a quicker and initially less expensive solution, but it creates a gap that can cause other teeth to shift and requires a long-term replacement like a dental implant or bridge, which involves greater overall cost and more extensive procedures. Our philosophy is to save the natural tooth where clinically possible.

To choose what is right for you, ask these questions whether at our practice or another in North London: why a CBCT scan is needed for your case, your retreatment success rate, whether the quoted fee covers the CBCT and follow-up visits, the risks of skipping treatment, who places the final crown, whether a dental microscope is used for all procedures, and what postgraduate endodontic training the provider holds.

The cost of root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case and which tooth is affected. An accurate quote is provided following your initial consultation and diagnostic scans. The use of advanced technology like CBCT scanning and operating microscopes is factored into the fee, reflecting a higher standard of care designed to achieve the best possible long-term outcome. As a private practice, we do not offer NHS treatment. We do, however, accept patients with private dental insurance plans from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We will provide all necessary documentation for you to make a claim.