Expert Endodontic Treatment for West Finchley Patients

Root canal therapy is needed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can come from deep decay, repeated procedures, a crack, or an injury. You should consider an assessment if you have ongoing toothache that worsens when you lie down, strong sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts, tooth discoloration, or swollen tender gums near a tooth. Sometimes there are no symptoms but an infection shows on a dental x ray. Our aim is to relieve pain and save the natural tooth from extraction.

First you’ll have a 60 minute consultation where Dr. Reddy will use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the problem thoroughly. The treatment itself is usually scheduled as a single 60 to 90 minute appointment. We start by making sure the area is completely numb with local anaesthetic. Dr. Reddy then uses a dental operating microscope to see inside your tooth with up to 25x magnification, which helps him locate and clean every tiny canal. The infected pulp is removed, the canals are disinfected, and then sealed with a biocompatible material. A temporary filling is placed. You’ll need to return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth long term. For example, a patient from West Finchley recently came to us with a severe infection in a lower molar. The microscope helped us identify and treat a hidden fourth canal that was causing persistent pain, giving immediate relief. In another case, we performed a complex retreatment on a tooth that previously failed to save it from extraction.

After your treatment you may feel some tenderness for two to three days as the inflammation settles. This is typically managed with over the counter pain relief. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is in place. You can brush and floss as usual, but be gentle around the area. With good oral hygiene a tooth that has had root canal treatment and a proper restoration can last a very long time. Red flags requiring immediate contact: call our practice if you have severe increasing pain after day three, swelling that spreads to the face, a fever above 38 C, or if your temporary filling comes out. Please call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9 to 5, Tue/Thu 11 to 7). For genuine emergencies outside these hours, go to A and E or call 111.

The main alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. If a tooth cannot be saved we will explain this honestly. After extraction the space needs management to prevent shifting of other teeth. Replacing the missing tooth is usually via a dental implant or a fixed bridge. A dental implant is a titanium post that replaces the tooth root and is a permanent but more costly option (from £2,500). A bridge is a false tooth supported by crowns on adjacent teeth, which can be faster but requires altering healthy teeth. During your consultation we will explain why saving your natural tooth is the best and most conservative choice.

To decide your care, here are essential questions to ask any provider in North London: Do you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal treatments, what is your success rate for these procedures, how many visits will be needed, what are the full costs including consultation and scans and the final crown, what are your qualifications and experience in complex endodontic cases, and do you accept private plans like Denplan or Cigna?

As a private practice limited to endodontics we do not offer NHS treatment. Our focus is on high quality care using advanced technology. The cost of root canal treatment depends on the complexity and which tooth is affected. Prices are provided after a full assessment with no hidden fees. We accept several private insurance plans including Max Bupa Denplan and Cigna. Our team will provide the documents you need to claim with your provider. Please contact us for a detailed breakdown of consultation and treatment fees.