Experienced Root Canal Treatment in East Finchley

You should seek an assessment if you're experiencing symptoms that point to a nerve infection inside your tooth. These include a severe, persistent toothache, especially pain that wakes you up at night or worsens when you lie down. Other signs are prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers for more than 30 seconds, a discoloured (darkened) tooth, or swelling in the nearby gums. Sometimes, a small, pimple-like bump (an abscess) may appear on the gum. This treatment is also necessary when a previous root canal has failed and is causing new problems. If you're experiencing any of these issues in East Finchley, a prompt consultation is the best course of action.

First, you'll have a 60-minute consultation where we use a 3D CBCT scan to get a detailed view of your tooth's root structure. Next, during the treatment appointment, which typically takes 60-90 minutes, we'll administer a local anaesthetic to completely numb the area. Dr. Reddy then uses a dental operating microscope to see inside the tooth with up to 25x magnification. This allows him to find and clean all the tiny canals, removing the infected tissue. After thoroughly disinfecting the canals, he'll seal them with a biocompatible material. Finally, 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 recent patient from East Finchley with a complex molar infection was treated in a single 90-minute visit, thanks to the precision of the microscope which allowed us to navigate a very curved root canal successfully.

After your root canal treatment, it's normal to feel some tenderness and sensitivity for 2-3 days as the anaesthetic wears off and the area heals. This is usually mild and can be managed effectively with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We recommend avoiding chewing directly on the treated tooth until the tenderness subsides and you have your permanent crown fitted. You can brush and floss as normal but be gentle around the area. It's important to complete the full course of any antibiotics if they've been prescribed. A patient from Highgate recently had a retreatment procedure and reported feeling only mild discomfort for two days, which was a significant improvement from the constant pain they had before the appointment. Call our practice immediately if you experience severe, increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling that spreads, or a fever above 38°C—during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For emergencies outside these hours, please call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

While our philosophy is to save natural teeth whenever possible, there are alternatives. The primary alternative is tooth extraction. While this is a quicker and initially less expensive solution, it leaves a gap that can cause other teeth to shift and lead to bone loss in the jaw. To replace the extracted tooth, you would then need a dental implant (from £2,500) or a fixed bridge, which involves placing crowns on the adjacent healthy teeth. For cases where a conventional root canal has failed, another option is an apicoectomy, a minor surgical procedure to remove the tip of the root. During your consultation, we'll provide a balanced view of all your choices so you can decide what's best for your long-term dental health.

To choose what's right for you, it's a good idea to ask some key questions, whether you consult with us or another practice in North London. You should ask about the dentist's specific experience with complex cases like yours and what their success rate is—typically, root canal success rates are between 85-95%. Ask if they use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT scanning for diagnosis and treatment. It's also important to understand the full cost, including whether a final crown is included in the quote. Finally, ask about the long-term plan for the tooth and what follow-up care is required.

As a private practice limited to endodontics, we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of root canal therapy reflects the complexity of the tooth, the advanced technology required, and the postgraduate expertise needed to achieve a high success rate. Pricing is determined on a case-by-case basis following a thorough examination and CBCT scan. This investment is aimed at saving your natural tooth, which is often more cost-effective in the long run than extraction and replacement with an implant or bridge. We provide fully transparent quotes with no hidden fees and accept private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We'll discuss all costs and payment options with you during your initial consultation.