Expert Endodontic Care in Finchley for Root Canal Treatment

Consider an assessment for root canal treatment if you notice specific symptoms. These include a severe, persistent toothache that worsens when you lie down or wakes you at night. You may also feel lasting sensitivity to hot or cold, or a tooth that darkens. Swelling in the gums near the tooth, sometimes with a small pimple like bump called an abscess, signals infection. If you notice any of these signs, arrange an urgent evaluation at our Finchley clinic to see if root canal treatment fits your situation.

The plan aims to be painless and efficient. First, you have a 60 minute consultation with a 3D CBCT scan to map your tooth roots. Then, in the treatment visit lasting about 60 to 90 minutes, the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to remove infected pulp from inside the tooth, clean the root canals, and seal them to prevent reinfection. After the procedure, you return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth long term.

After treatment, expect tenderness for 2-3 days as the anaesthetic wears off and healing begins. This discomfort is usually mild and relief comes from over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth for a few days. You can brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the area. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe, worsening pain after day 3, swelling that spreads to your face, a fever above 38°C, or if your temporary filling falls out. For after hours emergencies, dial 111.

Our main approach is to save natural teeth whenever possible, as root canal treatment has a high success rate. However, there are times when it is not the best option. The main alternative is tooth extraction. While this resolves the infection, it creates a gap that allows other teeth to shift. The missing tooth would be replaced with a dental implant or a fixed bridge, which involves a longer process and higher overall cost. For example, a patient from North Finchley with a severely fractured tooth below the gumline was advised that extraction and an implant would provide a more predictable long-term result, as a root canal would have a poor prognosis. We always discuss the pros and cons of all options with you.

Sometimes a tooth that had a root canal years ago becomes re infected. This is where our advanced technology becomes essential. We recently saw a patient referred from a practice in Barnet with a failing root canal. Using our 3D CBCT scanner, we identified a tiny, missed canal that was the source of the infection. The dental operating microscope provided up to 25x magnification, allowing Dr. Reddy to locate and treat this microscopic canal, ultimately saving the tooth. This level of precision is often not possible in a general practice setting and is a key benefit of a practice limited to endodontics.

Root canal prices differ by tooth type and infection severity. After the initial consultation and 3D scan, you receive a detailed treatment plan with a full cost breakdown and no hidden fees. This practice works privately and does not provide NHS treatment. We accept private insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team helps you with the paperwork for a claim.

To choose wisely, ask these questions of any dentist in North London. Inquire about experience with complex cases, especially molars. Check whether they use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT scanning for diagnosis and treatment. Ask about the success rate for the proposed treatment and what the total cost covers. Finally, find out what happens after the root canal and whether a crown is needed to protect the tooth.