Advanced Endodontic Therapy in Finchley to Save Your Tooth

Endodontic therapy, or root canal treatment, may be needed when the tooth pulp becomes inflamed or infected. This can result from deep decay, repeated procedures, or a crack or chip. Seek an assessment if you have severe toothache, especially when chewing or lying down, lasting sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth discoloration, or tender or swollen gums. Some infections have no symptoms and show up on a dental x-ray. Our aim is to relieve pain and preserve your natural tooth for years to come.

We explain every step. First is a 45-minute consult with digital images and a 3D CBCT scan for accurate diagnosis. The procedure uses local anaesthetic and typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy places a rubber dam to isolate the tooth. Then with a high-magnification microscope he cleans and shapes the root canals. The canals are disinfected and sealed with gutta-percha. A temporary filling is placed. You will return to your general dentist for a permanent crown. The success rate for initial therapy is usually between 85 and 95%.

A patient from East Finchley came with a painful lower molar. A 3D scan showed infection that spread to the bone. In a single 90-minute appointment we completed the root canal using a microscope to find and clean an extra canal. The patient felt immediate relief and could have the tooth permanently restored by their dentist two weeks later, avoiding extraction.

Your tooth and surrounding gums may be tender for a few days as the area heals. This is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until a permanent crown is in place. For the first 24 to 48 hours eat softer foods. You can brush and floss as usual but be gentle around the treated area. See your general dentist for the permanent restoration to protect the tooth from fracture. With good oral hygiene a root treated tooth can last a lifetime. Red flags: Call during office hours if you have severe pain not controlled by painkillers, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, or if the temporary filling comes out. For after hours, go to A&E or call 111.

We aim to save natural teeth whenever possible. Sometimes a tooth is too damaged to save. The main alternative is tooth extraction. While easier initially, it can lead to shifting of adjacent teeth, bite changes, and bone loss. If extraction is needed we discuss replacement options such as a dental implant or a fixed bridge. An implant is a titanium post that replaces the tooth root and supports a crown. A bridge uses neighboring teeth as anchors for a false tooth. We will always give you an honest assessment of the best option for your case.

To decide on endodontic therapy, consider asking questions such as: what are the success rates for this procedure, do you use a dental microscope and 3D CBCT for diagnosis, how many appointments are required, what are the total costs including scans, what are the risks if you choose not to have the treatment, what experience do you have with complex cases like curved canals or retreatments, and what pain management options do you provide during and after treatment.

We publish clear pricing. The cost depends on tooth complexity and location, with molar treatments typically higher than front teeth. Prices generally range from £750 to £1,200. This includes the detailed consult, all necessary 3D scans and digital X-rays, the procedure under a microscope, and a follow-up review. The final permanent crown is not included, which your general dentist provides. We accept private insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We provide a detailed treatment plan with all costs before starting, with no hidden fees. For example, retreatment of a previously failed root canal on an upper molar for a patient from Whetstone cost £1,150. The procedure took two 60-minute appointments and saved the tooth from extraction.