Understanding Endodontic Treatment Costs in Finchley

The price for endodontic work isn’t a single flat fee because each tooth differs. The main factors influencing the price are the tooth's location and its complexity. For example, a front tooth has one root canal and is easier to treat, so it costs less. A back tooth may have three or four canals and curved paths, requiring more time and equipment like a dental operating microscope. Another factor is whether this is the first root canal on the tooth or retreatment of a previous one that failed. Retreatment is more complex because it involves removing old filling material and clearing possible blockages, which raises the overall cost. During your 60 minute consultation at our Finchley practice, we will provide a transparent fixed quote based on a 3D scan of your specific tooth.

First, you have a comprehensive 60 minute consultation with a 3D CBCT scan to assess the tooth. Next, treatment is performed, usually in a single visit of 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Ashok Reddy, MSc in Endodontics, will numb the area completely before using a dental microscope to clean and shape the root canals. After disinfecting the inside, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Finally, a follow-up with your general dentist is needed for a permanent crown to protect the treated tooth, which has its own cost. The success rate for initial root canal treatment is typically between 85 and 95 percent.

A 45-year-old patient from North Finchley was referred with persistent severe pain in an upper molar. Our 3D scan showed a complex four canal system with significant infection. The procedure took 90 minutes under the microscope. The patient returned to their dentist for a crown two weeks later and is now completely pain-free, with a tooth saved that might otherwise have been extracted.

After root canal treatment, expect some tenderness and sensitivity for 2 to 4 days, especially when chewing. Manage with over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. Stick to a soft food diet for the first few days and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed. You can brush and floss as usual but be gentle around the area. Attend the follow-up appointment so we can check healing.

While our aim is to save the natural tooth, the main alternative to a root canal is extraction. Leaving a gap can cause nearby teeth to shift and bone loss. If a tooth is extracted it should be replaced. The best option is a dental implant starting from £2,500 excluding the final crown. An implant is a strong long term solution but overall cost and treatment time are higher than saving the tooth with endodontic treatment. Another option is a fixed bridge, which requires grinding down adjacent healthy teeth to support it. We discuss all options transparently during your consultation.

To choose what suits you, ask detailed questions whether you are at our Finchley practice or another clinic. Here are essential questions: Is this quote for an initial treatment or retreatment? Does the price include the 3D CBCT scan and all necessary x rays? Will the procedure be done with a dental operating microscope for better accuracy? What is not included in this fee such as the final crown or restoration? Do you accept my dental insurance like Denplan, Cigna, or Max Bupa? What is the dentist's experience with complex cases like mine? Dr. Reddy has over 20 years of experience and a postgraduate MSc in Endodontics.