Expert Endodontic Therapy for West Finchley Patients

Endodontic therapy, also known as root canal treatment, is needed when the soft tissue inside the tooth root, the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This is the only way to save a tooth in that state. Seek an assessment if you have a severe, persistent toothache that wakes you at night, or extreme sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts, or swelling and tenderness in the gums near a tooth. A small bump on the gum, an abscess, is another sign. For many patients from West Finchley, prompt treatment helps avoid extraction and keeps the natural tooth.

We make the process clear and comfortable. First, a 60 minute consultation with Dr. Reddy, who holds an MSc in Endodontics, uses a 3D CBCT scan to view your tooth’s root precisely. The treatment appointment lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, with local anaesthetic to numb the area. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to remove the infected pulp, clean the root canals, and seal them. A temporary filling is placed. After a few weeks, you return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth. Success rates for primary root canal treatment are high, about 85 to 95 percent.

A patient from West Finchley (N3) was referred with ongoing pain in a tooth that had a root canal years earlier. Our 3D scan showed a missed canal causing reinfection. Using the operating microscope for visibility, we located and cleaned the tiny canal during the retreatment. The patient’s pain resolved within a week, saving the tooth from extraction.

Another patient with a very painful upper molar came to us. These teeth often have complex root systems. The CBCT view let us map the anatomy before starting. The procedure ended in a single 90 minute visit, and the patient could return to work the next day with only minor tenderness, managed with ibuprofen.

After treatment you may feel tenderness for a few days, especially if there was pain or infection beforehand. This is usually managed with over the counter pain relief like ibuprofen. For the first 24 to 48 hours avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the tenderness goes away. You can brush and floss normally but be gentle around the area. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to place a permanent crown to protect the tooth long term. Red flags during office hours: severe pain lasting more than a few days, swelling in or around the mouth, a loose temporary filling, or a medication allergy.

The main alternative is tooth extraction. Sometimes it is necessary if the tooth is too damaged to save, but we aim to keep natural teeth. If a tooth is removed, it should be replaced to stop nearby teeth from shifting. Options include a dental implant that replaces the root or a fixed bridge supported by the neighboring teeth. Each option has different timelines and costs, which we can discuss with you. No replacement is as good as your natural tooth.

To make an informed choice about your dental health, here are key questions to ask, whether you see us or another practice in North London: Do you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal treatments? What is your success rate for this procedure? Does the quoted fee include the initial consultation and all necessary x rays or scans? Will I need a crown after the treatment, and is that a separate cost? What postgraduate training do you have in endodontics? How many appointments are required?

As a private practice, NHS treatment is not offered. The cost of private endodontic therapy depends on case complexity and which tooth is treated. We provide a clear, itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees after your initial consultation and 3D scan. Our focus is on high standards of care to achieve a predictable, long lasting result. We accept private dental insurance plans from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception team to discuss payment options or your insurance coverage.