Endodontic Treatment Practice Near Finchley Central

You might need endodontic treatment, commonly known as a root canal, if the soft tissue inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen due to deep decay, repeated dental work on the tooth, a crack, or trauma. Look for symptoms such as severe toothache when chewing or lying down, lasting sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, tooth discoloration, or tender or swollen gums nearby. A persistent pimple on the gums, called an abscess, can also signal a problem. If you notice any of these signs, a prompt assessment can relieve pain and save your tooth.

Root canal treatment aims to remove the infected pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and seal it to prevent future issues. You’ll begin with a 60 minute consultation during which we use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to map your tooth’s root system. The actual treatment usually takes one visit of 60 to 90 minutes. We numb the area with local anaesthetic so you won’t feel pain. Dr. Reddy then sees the tiny canals with a dental operating microscope, up to 25 times magnification, which allows careful cleaning. After cleaning and shaping, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed. A temporary filling is placed at the end. A patient from Finchley Central recently had a molar treated in 90 minutes and reported only pressure, no pain. In a retreatment case, the microscope helped locate and clean a previously missed canal, saving the tooth from extraction.

After a root canal you may feel some tenderness for a few days as the area heals. In the first 24 to 72 hours you might have mild to moderate discomfort, which can be managed with over the counter pain relief. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent restoration is in place. You can brush and floss as usual, just be gentle around the treated area. In the long term you will need a permanent filling or crown to protect the tooth from fracture. Red flags include severe worsening pain after day three, visible swelling, an adverse reaction to medication, or if the temporary filling comes out. Call during office hours (Mon, Wed, Fri 9am to 5pm; Tue, Thu 11am to 7pm). For emergencies outside these hours you should go to A&E or call 111.

We aim to save natural teeth whenever possible and root canal treatment has a high success rate of 85 to 95 percent. In some cases it may not be the best option. The main alternative is tooth extraction. Removing the source of infection leaves a gap that can cause nearby teeth to shift and affect your bite. The missing tooth would then need replacement with a dental implant, a fixed bridge, or a removable partial denture. Each option has its own timeline, cost, and maintenance needs. For example a fixed bridge requires preparing adjacent teeth. During your consultation we will give you an honest assessment of whether your tooth can be restored and discuss all options so you can make an informed choice.

To decide what fits you best, ask questions. Whether you choose us or another practice near Finchley Central, consider asking about these: What is your success rate for this procedure? Do you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal treatments? What does the quoted fee cover, and does it include the final crown? How many visits are needed? What are the risks if I decline treatment? What postgraduate training do you have in endodontics? Do you accept private insurance such as Denplan or Cigna?

As a private practice, we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of root canal therapy depends on the case complexity and which tooth is involved. Molars have more canals and are harder to treat than front teeth. We provide a detailed, personal quote with no hidden fees during your initial consultation. The fee covers the full endodontic procedure, including all necessary x rays and 3D scans. The cost of the final restoration, such as a crown, is separate. We accept most major private plans, including Denplan, Max Bupa, and Cigna, and we can help you understand your coverage.