Dedicated Endodontic Practice in East Finchley

If the soft tissue inside your tooth, the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected, you might need root canal treatment. This can come from deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or a crack in the tooth. Seek an assessment if you have a severe, persistent toothache, long-lasting sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, or tender, swollen gums. Many patients are referred to us by their general dentist for complex cases, such as teeth with curved roots or a previous treatment that has failed. The main goal is to save your natural tooth, which is better than any artificial replacement.

First, you will 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 will use a dental operating microscope to clean and shape the root canals inside your tooth, removing all infected tissue. Next, the cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed. Finally, you will be referred back to your general dentist to have a permanent crown placed, which protects the tooth and restores its full function. Success rates for primary root canal treatments are high, typically between 85-95%.

A recent patient from Muswell Hill was referred for a complex molar with four canals, which can be difficult to treat without magnification. Using our operating microscope, we treated the tooth in a single 90-minute visit, saving it from extraction. Another patient from Golders Green had a failed root canal from years ago. A 3D scan revealed a missed canal, which we located and treated during a retreatment procedure, resolving their chronic infection and pain.

After your treatment, you can expect mild tenderness and sensitivity for 2-3 days. This is easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is fitted. Maintain good oral hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing. Most patients can return to work the same day. Red flags requiring immediate contact include severe pain that isn’t relieved by medication, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, or an allergic reaction to medication. Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience these symptoms. For emergencies outside these hours, please visit A&E or call 111.

The direct alternative to a root canal is extracting the tooth. While this removes the infection, it can lead to shifting teeth, difficulty chewing, and bone loss. The missing tooth would then need to be replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. A dental implant is the best replacement option but involves surgery and costs from £2,500 plus the crown. A fixed bridge is faster but requires grinding down adjacent healthy teeth. Our philosophy is to preserve your natural tooth where possible, as it is the most functional and cost-efficient long-term solution.

The cost of root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case and which tooth is affected; molars with multiple canals are more complex than front teeth. During your consultation, we provide a clear treatment plan with a breakdown of all fees. There are no hidden costs. While we are a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment, we do accept patients with private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact us to discuss your specific plan.

To choose what works best for you, ask questions whether you meet with us or another practice in East Finchley. Here are some key points to ask: What is your success rate for this type of procedure? Do you use a dental microscope and 3D scanning for diagnosis and treatment? How many appointments will be needed? What are the total costs, including the consultation and any scans? What are the risks, and what happens if the treatment fails? Asking these questions helps you feel confident in your choice of provider.