Expert Root Canal Treatment for West Finchley Patients

Root canal treatment is needed when the soft tissue inside your tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to an abscess or tooth loss. You should seek an assessment if you're experiencing severe, persistent toothache, especially pain that wakes you up at night. Other key signs include extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers, a discoloured (darkened) tooth, or tender, swollen gums near a specific tooth. Some patients also notice a small, pimple-like bump on their gum. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms in West Finchley, it's a good idea to get it checked right away.

First, you'll have a 45-minute consultation where we use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the problem accurately. We'll explain the findings and provide a clear treatment plan. The root canal procedure itself typically takes 60-90 minutes. We'll numb the area completely with local anaesthetic so you won't feel pain. Dr. Reddy then uses a dental operating microscope to meticulously clean out the infected pulp and shape the root canals. After disinfecting the canals, they are filled and sealed. A few weeks later, you'll return for a 45-minute appointment to have a permanent crown fitted, which protects the treated tooth from fracturing. With success rates between 85-95%, the goal is to save your natural tooth for years to come.

Your tooth and the surrounding gum may feel a little tender for the first 2-3 days after treatment, which is completely normal. This discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We recommend avoiding chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is fitted. You can brush and floss as normal but be gentle around the area. Red flags during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) include severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, swelling inside or outside your mouth that increases after day 3, an allergic reaction to medication (rash, hives), or your temporary filling comes out.

Our primary goal is to save your natural tooth, which is what root canal treatment achieves. However, the main alternative is tooth extraction. Removing the tooth will resolve the infection and pain, but it creates a gap that can cause other teeth to shift and affect your bite. The missing tooth would then need to be replaced with a dental implant or a bridge to restore function and prevent bone loss. A dental implant is a long term solution but is more invasive and costly than saving the tooth. During your consultation, we'll discuss the pros and cons of each option based on your specific clinical situation and long-term dental health.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether you consult with us or another practice in the West Finchley area, here are some important questions to ask: What are your qualifications and experience with complex root canal cases? Do you use a dental microscope for the procedure? What is the total cost, including the final crown, and are there any hidden fees? What is the expected success rate for my specific tooth? What are the risks if I skip the treatment? Will I need any follow-up appointments after the crown is fitted?

The cost of private root canal treatment depends on which tooth is affected and the case complexity. We provide a detailed all inclusive quote after your initial assessment so there are no surprises. This fee covers the consultation, 3D CBCT scan, the procedure, and follow-up care. The final crown is a separate cost. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment, but we accept private insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team will help with any paperwork for your claim.