Expert Endodontic Care & Appointments in East Finchley

Seek an endodontic appointment if symptoms indicate an infection inside a tooth. Common signs include a severe, persistent toothache that worsens when you lie down or extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures lasting more than a few seconds. Swelling in the gums near a tooth, sometimes with a small pimple-like bump (abscess), is another indicator. A tooth may appear discoloured or darken. A patient from a nearby Finchley area came with throbbing pain that kept them up at night; we performed an immediate assessment and started treatment the same day to relieve pain.

Your first appointment runs about 60 minutes. We review your symptoms and use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to map the tooth root structure. This detailed scan helps in complex cases by revealing tiny canals that might be missed. If root canal treatment is advised, the procedure typically takes one 60 to 90 minute visit. Dr. Reddy will numb the area with local anaesthetic and then use a dental operating microscope to clean and seal the root canals. A follow-up visit is arranged a few weeks later to ensure healing before a permanent crown is placed by your general dentist.

After root canal treatment, you may feel tenderness for 2 to 3 days as the anaesthetic wears off and the area heals. This is usually manageable with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the crown is fitted. You may brush and floss normally, but be gentle around the area. Long term, a treated tooth needs the same good hygiene as any tooth to prevent future problems. Red flags requiring immediate contact: call our practice if you have severe, increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling that spreads to your face, or a fever above 38 degrees during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For out of hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

Our aim is to save your natural tooth, as this usually benefits long-term oral health. Alternatives exist, the main one being tooth extraction. After extraction, a dental implant or a bridge fills the gap to restore function and prevent shifting of other teeth. This approach works but involves more invasiveness and cost, and removes a tooth that might have been saved. In rare borderline cases, watchful waiting could be an option, but it risks the infection worsening and causing more pain and complications. We discuss all suitable options during your consultation.

To choose what fits you, ask these questions whether you see us or another practice in East Finchley. Inquire about the likely success rate for the proposed treatment; for root canals it is typically 85 to 95 percent. Ask about technology used, such as microscopes or 3D scanning, which can improve outcomes. Understand the full cost including consultation, treatment, and whether the final crown is included. Check the dentist’s specific experience and training in endodontics. Finally ask about the timeline from start to finish and how many visits are expected.

We are a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of endodontic care depends on case complexity and which tooth is affected. After your initial consultation and 3D scan, we provide a detailed treatment plan and a full breakdown of costs with no hidden fees. A recent patient with a failed molar retreatment needed more complex work, which we completed successfully thanks to our advanced imaging. We accept private plans from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception to discuss coverage.