Experienced Endodontic & Root Canal Care in Finchley

You may need to see a dentist with advanced endodontic training if you're experiencing specific symptoms that point to nerve inflammation or infection inside your tooth. This includes severe, throbbing toothache, especially pain that wakes you up at night or worsens when you lie down. Other signs are a pimple-like swelling on your gum (an abscess), extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers for more than a few seconds, or a tooth that has darkened in colour after an injury. We also see patients referred from other dentists for complex cases, such as teeth with curved roots or for re-treatment of a previous root canal that has failed. If you're experiencing any of these issues in the Finchley area, a prompt assessment is recommended.

Our focus is on making your treatment as painless and efficient as possible. First, you'll have a 60-minute consultation where we use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the problem accurately. The treatment itself, typically lasting 60-90 minutes, is performed under local anaesthetic so you won't feel any pain. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to see inside the tiny root canals, ensuring all infected tissue is removed. For example, a recent patient from North Finchley had a molar with unusually curved canals that a general dentist couldn't navigate. Using the microscope, we successfully cleaned and sealed the tooth in a single visit. After cleaning, the canals are sealed to prevent reinfection, and a temporary filling is placed. You'll then return to your general dentist for the final crown.

Post-treatment care is straightforward. For the first 2-3 days, you can expect some mild to moderate tenderness as the area heals, which is easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We advise you to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until you've had your permanent crown fitted. You can brush and floss as normal, just be gentle around the area. Long-term, a tooth that has had successful root canal treatment can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene. Red flags — call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7): - Severe pain that isn't controlled by medication. - Swelling that increases after three days. - Your temporary filling feeling loose or coming out. - An allergic reaction to medication.

While our philosophy is always to save the natural tooth, there are alternatives. The main alternative is tooth extraction. While this removes the infection and pain, it leaves a gap that can cause other teeth to shift and affect your bite. The space would then ideally be filled with a dental implant or a bridge. An implant is a highly effective, long-term solution but involves surgery and is more costly and time-consuming than root canal treatment. A bridge requires preparing the adjacent healthy teeth. For borderline cases with minimal symptoms, 'watchful waiting' could be an option, but this carries the risk of the infection worsening. We'll discuss all options with you so you can make an informed choice.

To ensure you're getting the best care, whether with us or another practice in North London, here are some key questions to ask: - What is your success rate for this type of procedure? - Do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT scanning for diagnosis and treatment? - How many complex root canal treatments do you perform each month? - What does the quoted fee include? Does it cover the consultation, scans, and treatment? - What are the risks if I choose not to have the treatment? - Will I need a crown afterwards and is that a separate cost? - What postgraduate training do you have in endodontics?

As a private practice limited to endodontics, we don't offer NHS treatment. The cost of treatment reflects the advanced technology and expertise required for high success rates. Prices vary depending on the complexity of the case (e.g., a front tooth versus a molar). We provide a fully itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees after your initial consultation. A recent patient required re-treatment of a failed root canal from another clinic; the procedure was complex but ultimately saved her from needing an implant, representing a significant long-term saving. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our team to discuss your specific needs and coverage.