Advanced Endodontic Care in East Finchley

You should seek our care directly or be referred when you have symptoms pointing to a complex root canal issue. This includes severe lingering toothache, especially pain that worsens when you lie down, or long lasting sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts more than 30 seconds. A pimple-like bump on the gum, an abscess, or a discolored tooth may also indicate a problem. Many patients arrive after a general dentist identifies a difficult case such as a very narrow or curved canal, or after a previous root canal treatment has failed and needs revision.

You begin with a thorough 60 minute assessment. We allow time to listen to your concerns and review your dental history. We use our in house 3D CBCT scanner to map your tooth’s root structure in detail. This technology reveals fine details beyond standard X rays and helps locate missed canals or the infection source for an accurate diagnosis from the start.

The procedure itself usually takes 60 to 90 minutes and is done under local anaesthetic. We use a dental operating microscope that provides up to 25x magnification, helping us navigate and clean complex canal systems with high precision. You should feel pressure rather than pain during the treatment. We aim for a comfortable experience while achieving a strong clinical result with a success rate around 85 to 95 percent.

After the treatment you may have mild tenderness for a few days, which is manageable with over the counter pain relief. We suggest soft foods and avoiding chewing on the treated tooth for a week. You will need your general dentist to place a permanent crown to protect the tooth long term. Call us during office hours Mon Wed Fri 9 to 5, Tue Thu 11 to 7 if you notice severe increasing pain after day three, significant swelling, or a fever.

A common scenario involves a patient from Highgate who had a root canal done elsewhere five years ago and recently developed a persistent dull ache. A CBCT scan showed a missed canal causing reinfection. We performed retreatment, cleaned and sealed the missed canal to save the tooth. Another patient, a teacher from Muswell Hill, was referred for a molar with severely curved roots that a general dentist could not treat. Using the operating microscope, we navigated the complex anatomy and avoided extraction.

While we aim to save natural teeth, the main alternative is extraction. After removing a tooth, it needs replacement to prevent shifting and restore function. Replacements include a dental implant or a fixed bridge. Both work well but involve more invasive procedures and higher long term costs than saving the tooth. During your consultation we give an honest prognosis so you can decide with confidence.

As a private practice focused on endodontics, NHS treatment is not offered. Costs vary with case complexity, such as whether the tooth is a front tooth or a back tooth, and whether it is a first treatment or a retreatment. We provide a clear quote after your initial consultation and CBCT scan. We accept several private insurance plans including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa, and can help with the necessary paperwork for your claim.

To ensure you receive the best care, whether with us or another practice in North London, here are some important questions to ask: Do you use a dental operating microscope and a 3D CBCT scanner for all root canal cases? What is your success rate for a case like mine? What postgraduate qualifications in endodontics do you hold? Will the quoted fee cover the entire treatment, or are there separate costs for scans and follow-ups? What are the risks if I choose not to proceed with the treatment? Who will place the final crown on the tooth after the root canal is completed?