Endodontic Therapy in Finchley Central: Saving Natural Teeth

Endodontic therapy, known as root canal treatment, is needed when the soft tissue inside the tooth, the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This can result from deep decay, repeated procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip. Consider an assessment if you have persistent toothache that worsens when you lie down, long lasting sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. A discolored tooth or a recurring pimple on the gums may signal a deep infection needing treatment. Our Finchley practice offers same day emergency appointments during office hours to diagnose the issue quickly.

We ensure you understand each step of the process. First you have a 60 minute consultation using digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to map the tooth root structure. Then the treatment appointment lasts about 60 to 90 minutes with local anaesthetic to prevent pain. Dr. Reddy removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the inside of the root canals, and fills and seals the space. After the tooth settles, you return for a 30 to 45 minute visit to place a permanent crown that protects the tooth and restores function. For example, a Finchley Central patient recently had a molar treated in a single 90 minute visit and returned to work the next day with only mild tenderness.

After treatment you may notice some sensitivity for 2 to 3 days, manageable with over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final crown is in place. Eat soft foods for the first days. A patient described the sensation as a bruise that faded within 48 hours. Maintain good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing as usual but be gentle around the treated area. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice during office hours (Mon Wed Fri 9 to 5, Tue Thu 11 to 7) if you have severe pain not relieved by medication, noticeable swelling inside or outside the mouth, or an allergic reaction to medication. For severe out of hours emergencies visit A&E or call 111.

Our aim is to save natural teeth whenever possible since nothing works as well as your own tooth. The main alternative to root canal is tooth extraction. After extraction you would need to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to restore function and prevent shifting. An implant offers a durable solution but involves a longer procedure and is usually more expensive than saving the tooth with endodontic therapy, which has a success rate of 85 to 95 percent. We discuss the pros and cons of each option based on your clinical situation.

To make an informed choice about your dental health, consider asking these questions when you meet us or another practice in the Finchley Central area: what is the success rate for this procedure in your hands, do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D scanning for diagnosis and treatment, how many appointments does the full treatment including the crown require, what are the total costs including consultation, treatment, and final restoration, what are the risks if you delay this treatment, what postgraduate training do you have in endodontics.

Because we are a private practice, NHS treatment is not available. The cost of endodontic therapy depends on case complexity and the affected tooth. After your initial consultation and diagnosis, we provide a detailed treatment plan with a full cost breakdown and no hidden fees. This gives you clear information before proceeding. We accept several major private dental plans including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. Our team can help you with the paperwork to understand and use your coverage.