Endodontic Treatment Appointments in Finchley

You should book an endodontic appointment if you have nerve damage or infection inside your tooth. Signs include a severe persistent toothache that may worsen when you lie down, or long lasting sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Other indicators are a darkened tooth, tender or swollen gums near a tooth, or a small, pimple like bump on the gum. If a general dentist has told you a tooth has a deep cavity or crack and needs root canal treatment, our practice is the right place for that care. Root canal treatment has a success rate of over 90 percent and can save a tooth that would otherwise be extracted.

Your visit aims to be as comfortable and painless as possible. First is a 45 minute consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose. Next we numb the area with local anaesthetic. The treatment itself lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to clean the infected pulp from the root canals and then shapes and disinfects them. Finally the canals are filled with gutta percha and sealed to prevent re infection. A temporary filling is placed, and you will need to return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth long term.

After your appointment you may feel tenderness for 2 to 4 days as the area heals. This is usually manageable with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. For the first 24 hours stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth. You can brush and floss as normal but be gentle around the area. It is important to schedule a follow up with your general dentist to fit a permanent crown that protects the tooth from fracture. Red flags requiring a call during office hours are severe, increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, an allergic reaction to medication, or if your temporary filling comes out.

The only true alternative is to extract the tooth. This removes the infection but can cause teeth to shift and bone loss. The missing tooth would then need replacement. A dental implant is the best option starting from £2,500 before the crown, but involves a longer, more invasive process. A fixed bridge is another option but it requires grinding down healthy adjacent teeth for support, something our prevention focused approach aims to avoid. In most cases saving your natural tooth with endodontic treatment is the most effective and conservative option.

To ensure you receive the best care whether with us or another Finchley practice, ask these key questions: 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 all x rays and scans? Will I need a crown after the treatment and is that a separate cost? What signs of treatment failure should I watch for? How much experience do you have with complex cases like retreatments or curved canals?

As a private practice we offer clear pricing with no hidden fees. The cost of root canal treatment depends on the complexity and location of the tooth, with molars having more canals and being more difficult. Prices typically range from £750 to £1,200. This includes your consultation, all digital imaging including 3D CBCT scans, and the treatment itself. The cost of the final crown, which is essential for the tooth's long term health, is separate and will be handled by your general dentist. We accept private dental insurance plans from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception to discuss your coverage.