Expert Root Canal Care for East Finchley & North London

If you notice signs pointing to an infection inside your tooth, you should seek an assessment. The most common sign is a severe, persistent toothache that throbs and can worsen when you lie down. Other signs include prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lasts beyond a few seconds, and pain when you chew or apply pressure to the tooth. You may also see swelling and tenderness around the nearby gums, or a small pimple like bump on the gum that can recur. Sometimes an infected tooth shows no pain but changes colour. If you observe any of these, a prompt evaluation at our Finchley practice can confirm if root canal treatment is the right step to save the tooth.

Understanding the process helps ease anxiety. First, you’ll have a 45 minute consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan if needed to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment is performed under local anaesthetic so you won’t feel pain. The procedure usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy will isolate the tooth, remove the infected tissue from inside, and clean and shape the root canals using a dental microscope for better visibility. Next, the canals are filled and sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent re infection. Finally a temporary filling is placed. You’ll return to your general dentist for a permanent crown a few weeks later to protect the tooth long term. Success rates range from 85 to 95 percent, making it a highly effective option.

Competitive pricing means clear value. The main factor is which tooth needs treatment. Molars have more root canals than front teeth, so their care is more complex and takes longer. Whether the procedure is a first time treatment or a retreatment also affects the price, as retreatments require more advanced work. The complexity of the root canal anatomy matters too. During your consultation we provide a transparent, itemised plan with no hidden fees. We accept private insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and we can discuss payment options with you.

A patient from East Finchley came in with severe pain in a lower molar. A 3D scan showed infection in all three canals. The procedure took 90 minutes under the dental microscope. The upfront cost was clear, allowing the patient to proceed with confidence. After the treatment, they were pain free and kept the tooth instead of needing extraction and a costly implant.

Post treatment care is straightforward. For the first two to three days you may have mild to moderate tenderness, which you can manage with over the counter pain relief. Try not to chew on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is in place. The tooth may feel different for a few weeks, which is normal. Maintain good oral hygiene to support healing. Red flags requiring a call include severe pain not relieved by medication, swelling inside or outside the mouth that worsens after day three, or if the temporary filling comes out. For emergencies outside office hours call 111 or visit the nearest A and E.

The only definitive alternative to a root canal is tooth extraction. While this removes the infection, it can lead to other problems like shifting of neighbouring teeth, bite issues, and jawbone loss over time. If a tooth is extracted we strongly recommend replacing it. Options include a dental implant or a fixed bridge. Both are effective but more invasive and costly than saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment. Our goal is to save natural teeth whenever possible, and we will only suggest extraction if the tooth cannot be saved.

To make an informed choice, here are essential questions to ask when you meet with us or another practice in North London: 1. Do you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal treatments? 2. What is your success rate for a tooth like mine? 3. Is the price quoted for the complete root canal treatment, or are there separate fees for consultations and scans? 4. Does the fee include the temporary filling, with the final crown costing extra? 5. What postgraduate qualifications in endodontics do you hold? 6. What happens if the treatment fails and what would come next, including costs?