Expert Endodontic Care for Golders Green & North London

You are referred to a practice like ours for endodontic treatment, commonly known as a root canal, when there is an infection deep inside the tooth pulp. This treatment is often the only alternative to extraction. Key symptoms that indicate a root canal is needed include severe, persistent toothache that can wake you at night, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers, and a discolored or darkened tooth. You may notice tender, swollen gums or a small pimple-like bump (an abscess) on the gum near the painful tooth. If you experience these symptoms, seek an assessment promptly.

Your first visit includes a 60 minute consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the problem. The treatment appointment lasts about 60 to 90 minutes and uses local anaesthetic for comfort. Dr. Reddy then uses a dental operating microscope to remove the infected pulp, clean the canals, and seal them to prevent reinfection. Many patients feel pressure but not pain. A temporary filling is placed. You return to your general dentist for a permanent restoration, usually a crown, to protect the tooth long term. With modern techniques root canal treatment has a success rate above 90 percent.

After your root canal treatment you may feel some tenderness for a few days as the area heals. This is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. For the first 24 to 48 hours chew on the opposite side of your mouth and eat softer foods. Continue brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the treated tooth. It is vital to get a permanent crown fitted by your dentist to prevent the tooth from fracturing. Red flags that require immediate attention include severe pain not controlled by painkillers, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, or your temporary filling coming out. Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For out of hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

While the focus is on saving natural teeth, it helps to understand your options. The primary alternative is tooth extraction. This is quicker and initially less expensive but can lead to shifting teeth, bone loss, and chewing difficulties. After an extraction you would consider a replacement such as a dental implant or a bridge, which involves a longer process and higher overall cost. A dental implant starts from £2,500 before the crown, making saving the original tooth a more conservative and often more cost effective choice in the long run. We discuss these pros and cons fully during your consultation.

As a private practice limited to endodontics we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of root canal treatment depends on the complexity and which tooth is affected, with molars having more canals and being more challenging. Prices are provided after your initial assessment with a full breakdown and no hidden fees. For example, a recent Golders Green patient required complex retreatment of a molar using our dental microscope, which involved more time and materials than a standard procedure. We accept several private insurance plans including Denplan, Max Bupa, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment and we can help clarify coverage.

To choose what is right for you, ask questions when you meet with us in Finchley or another provider. Here are some key things to ask: What is your success rate for this type of procedure? Do you use a dental microscope and 3D CBCT scanning for diagnosis and treatment? How many appointments does the treatment require? What is the full cost, including the consultation and any scans? Will I need a crown afterwards, and is that included in the fee? What are the risks if I delay this treatment? This ensures you have all the information needed to move forward confidently.