Expert Root Canal Treatment for Patients in West Finchley

Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed. This often results from deep decay, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental work. Seek an assessment if you notice nerve‑related symptoms. Key signs include a severe, persistent toothache that can wake you at night, extreme or lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, or pain when chewing. Other indicators are darkening of the tooth and swelling or tenderness in nearby gums. Sometimes a small bump on the gum, an abscess, signals infection requiring urgent care.

We ensure your treatment is comfortable and predictable. First, you'll have a 60‑minute consultation where we use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to accurately diagnose the problem. Next, during the treatment appointment which typically takes 60-90 minutes, we'll administer profound local anaesthetic so you feel no pain. Dr. Reddy will then use a dental operating microscope to meticulously clean and shape the root canals, removing all infected tissue. Then, the canals are disinfected and sealed with a biocompatible material. Finally, after the tooth has settled, you'll need a permanent restoration like a crown to protect it from fracture, which is completed in a separate 45-60 minute appointment. The success rate for this procedure is generally between 85-95%.

West Finchley patient followed a failed root canal from another practice. Using our 3D CBCT scanner we located a small missed canal that sustained the infection. Retreatment under the microscope lasted about 90 minutes and fully resolved symptoms. Another patient from a nearby area presented with a severely swollen face from a molar abscess. We offered a same-day emergency appointment to drain the abscess and start the root canal, providing rapid relief and saving the tooth.

Post treatment care is simple. For the first 1 to 3 days expect mild tenderness or discomfort, manageable with over‑the‑counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is fitted. The tooth may feel different from your others for a time. Maintain good oral hygiene with brushing and flossing. Red flags requiring immediate contact: call our practice if you have severe pain not relieved by painkillers, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, or a fever above 38 C during office hours (Mon, Wed, Fri 9 to 5, Tue, Thu 11 to 7). For emergencies outside these hours visit A&E or call 111.

While the goal is to save the natural tooth, there are alternatives. The main option to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. Leaving a gap can cause surrounding teeth to shift and affect your bite. If a tooth is extracted, we would recommend replacing it with either a dental implant or a fixed bridge. Each option has different timelines, costs, and clinical requirements, which we can discuss in full during your consultation to help you choose what suits you best.

We are a private practice and do not provide NHS services. The cost of root canal treatment depends on case complexity and which tooth is affected; molars have more canals and are more involved. We provide a fully itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees after your initial consultation and 3D scan. This gives you complete clarity before proceeding. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. Please tell our team if you have coverage so we can help with the required paperwork.

To make an informed choice, here are essential questions to ask any provider, whether it is us or another practice in North London: What are your qualifications for performing complex root canal treatments? Do you hold a postgraduate degree such as an MSc? Do you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal procedures? What is your success rate for this type of treatment? Does the quoted fee include the consultation, all x‑rays, the treatment, and follow-up visits? Will I need a crown after the treatment, and is that cost included? What happens if the treatment fails and what are the next steps?