Root Canal Treatment for North Finchley Patients

Root canal may be needed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This treatment can save a tooth which would otherwise be removed. Look for severe toothache, especially when chewing or lying down, lasting sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth darkening, or a small bump on the gums near the painful tooth. If you have these symptoms, seek a professional assessment right away. A recent North Finchley patient had a persistent lower molar ache; a 3D CBCT scan confirmed infection requiring a root canal to save the tooth and prevent spread.

We keep you comfortable throughout. First, during your initial 60-minute consultation we take digital images and a 3D CBCT scan to assess the tooth’s root structure. Next, in the treatment appointment (usually 60-90 minutes), the area is numbed with local anaesthetic. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to carefully remove infected pulp, clean the canals, and shape them. Then the canals are filled with gutta-percha and sealed to prevent re-infection. You will feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. After treatment, a temporary filling is placed, and you will need to return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth long-term.

After a root canal you will feel some tenderness for 2-3 days as the area heals. This is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is fitted, as the tooth is fragile. You can brush and floss as normal but be gentle around the area. Attend your follow-up appointment for the permanent restoration. A patient who had a complex retreatment returned to work the next day, managing slight tenderness with paracetamol. Red flags requiring immediate contact include severe pain not controlled by painkillers, visible swelling in or around the mouth, or an allergic reaction to medication. Please call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if symptoms occur. For emergencies outside these hours call 111 or visit nearest A&E.

Our main aim is to save your natural tooth, which root canal achieves with about 85-95 percent success. However there are alternatives. The main option is tooth extraction. While this removes the infection, it leaves a gap that can cause other teeth to shift and may affect chewing. The missing tooth would then need replacement with an implant, bridge, or denture, which involves more treatment and higher long-term costs. In cases where a previous root canal failed, an apicoectomy may be an option instead of retreatment. We will discuss all suitable options for your situation during your consultation.

To choose what is right for you, here are essential questions to ask any dentist in the North Finchley area. How many root canal treatments do you perform each year? Do you use a dental microscope and 3D scanning for diagnosis and treatment? What is the total cost, including the final crown? What are the risks, and what is your success rate with this tooth? What happens if the treatment fails? Asking these questions helps you understand the level of care you will receive.

As a private practice we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of a private root canal depends on case complexity and which tooth is treated (molars have more canals and are harder). After your initial consultation and 3D scan, we provide a detailed treatment plan and a clear cost breakdown with no hidden fees. We accept several private insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment and our team will help you understand coverage and process the claim.