Endodontic (Root Canal) Treatment in East Finchley

You may need endodontic treatment when the soft tissue inside your tooth, the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This can result from deep decay, repeated procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip. Seek assessment if you notice: severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, darkening or discoloration of the tooth, or swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes there are no symptoms, but an infection shows on a dental x ray.

We explain every step of the process. First, you’ll have a 60 minute consultation using digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the problem accurately. We review our findings and your options. The root canal usually takes a single visit of 60 to 90 minutes. After applying local anaesthetic so you are comfortable, we access the inside of your tooth, remove the infected pulp, and clean the root canals with a dental microscope for better visibility. The canals are then filled and sealed. For example, a patient from Muswell Hill came in with a painful molar and, using the microscope, we found a tiny extra canal that is often missed, leading to a successful outcome. In another case, we retreated a patient from Golders Green whose previous root canal had failed; the 3D scan revealed a missed canal we cleaned and sealed, saving the tooth from extraction. After treatment you return to your general dentist for a permanent filling or crown to protect the tooth.

For the first 2 to 3 days after treatment you may feel tenderness and sensitivity, especially when biting. Over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen can help. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until you have your permanent restoration. You can brush and floss as normal but be gentle around the area. With good oral care a tooth that has had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. A permanent crown protects against fracture. Red flags: call our practice during office hours if you have severe pain not relieved by medication, visible swelling, an allergic reaction to medication, or if your temporary filling comes out. For emergencies outside these hours call 111 or go to your nearest A&E.

Our aim is to save natural teeth whenever possible. If that is not feasible, options include tooth extraction followed by a dental implant, a fixed bridge, or a removable denture. An implant is a permanent solution but involves more surgery and cost. A bridge is faster but requires preparation of adjacent healthy teeth. A denture is cheaper but less stable. At your consultation we will give an honest assessment and discuss the best long term option for your dental health.

To decide on your care, whether with us or another North London practice, here are important questions to ask: what is the success rate for this procedure in your hands, do you use a dental microscope and 3D imaging for diagnosis and treatment, how many appointments will the treatment require, what are the full costs including the consultation and any scans, will I need a crown after the treatment and is that a separate cost, what are the risks if I choose not to have the treatment, and who will place the final crown or restoration on the tooth.