Expert Endodontic & Root Canal Treatment in Finchley

You might be referred to a practice like ours, which is limited to endodontics, when your tooth has a complex issue that needs specialist equipment and experience. Seek this treatment if you have a severe, persistent toothache, especially when you lie down. Other signs include extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers, a discoloured (darkened) tooth, or tender, swollen gums. Sometimes, a small, pimple-like bump on the gum near the painful tooth appears. These are signs of an infected nerve, which requires root canal treatment to save the tooth. We also handle cases where a previous root canal has failed and needs retreatment to resolve persistent infection.

Your first 60-minute appointment includes a thorough exam and a 3D CBCT scan. This scan shows a detailed view of your tooth’s root structure, allowing precise diagnosis and planning. Dr. Reddy (GDC: 85978) will explain the findings and confirm whether root canal treatment is the right option for you. A recent patient from East Finchley had a complex lower molar infection. The CBCT scan revealed a hidden fourth canal that caused persistent pain and would not have shown on a standard x-ray. Details like this contribute to our high success rate.

The procedure is done under local anaesthetic and usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. We use a dental operating microscope to see deep inside the root canals, ensuring all infected tissue is removed. The canals are cleaned, shaped, and sealed, then a temporary filling is placed. After treatment, we schedule a follow-up to confirm healing before you return to your general dentist for the permanent crown. The full process from consultation to readiness for the final crown typically finishes in about 2 to 4 weeks.

It's normal to have some tenderness for 2 to 3 days after the procedure, which you can manage with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is in place. You may notice your tooth feels different, but the severe pain from the infection is gone. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery. Contact us if you have severe pain not relieved by painkillers, significant swelling, or a fever. For example, a patient from Muswell Hill required retreatment for a failed root canal and reported only mild tenderness for two days, returning to normal activities soon after.

While our aim is to save your natural tooth, alternatives exist. The main option is tooth extraction. This removes the infection but creates a gap that can cause neighboring teeth to shift and may lead to bone loss. The gap would then need restoration with a dental implant or a fixed bridge, which involves higher long-term costs and more procedures. An implant starts from about £2,500 plus the crown and months of healing. In most cases, root canal treatment is the more conservative and cost-effective choice for preserving your smile and function, with success rates between 85 and 95 percent.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another provider in North London, here are questions to ask. Do you use a dental microscope for all root canal procedures? What is your success rate for cases like mine? Will a 3D CBCT scan be used for diagnosis? What are the full costs, including consultation and any scans? How much experience do you have with complex cases or retreatments? Asking these questions helps you understand the level of care and technology, ensuring you choose what’s best for your long-term dental health.

As a fully private practice, we do not offer NHS services. The cost of root canal treatment depends on complexity and tooth location. Treatment for a front tooth is typically less complex than for a molar with multiple canals. Our fees reflect the advanced technology and postgraduate training required for this work. We provide a fully itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees after your initial consultation and 3D scan. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our team to discuss your needs and receive a personalised estimate.