Expert Root Canal Treatment in East Finchley

Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed. Ignoring symptoms can lead to an abscess or tooth loss. Book an assessment if you have sharp pain when chewing, lingering heat or cold sensitivity, or a dull ache that worsens when you lie down. Other signs include a discolored tooth or tender, swollen gums near a tooth. Many East Finchley patients come for same day emergency appointments to get a diagnosis for these symptoms.

We explain every step in plain terms. You have a 60 minute consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to locate the issue. The treatment appointment typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes and uses local anesthesia so you feel no pain. Dr. Reddy then uses a dental operating microscope to clean the infected pulp from the root canals. The canals are disinfected and sealed to prevent reinfection. After a few weeks, you return to your general dentist for a crown to protect the tooth long term.

Successful root canal treatment depends on finding and cleaning every canal inside the tooth. Our investment in technology improves outcomes. The 3D CBCT scanner maps your tooth anatomy and reveals complex root structures a standard x-ray might miss. For example, a patient from Muswell Hill had a complex molar infection that was only visible with our 3D scan, allowing for a precise plan. The dental operating microscope provides up to 25x magnification, letting Dr. Reddy see tiny canals. This technology helps us achieve a high success rate for primary treatments.

After the procedure you may have some tenderness for 2 to 3 days as the area heals. Over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen usually help. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the tenderness subsides and the crown is in place. You can brush and floss normally but be gentle around the area. Watch for warning signs. If pain worsens after day three, swelling increases, or you have a fever, call the practice during office hours. For true emergencies outside those hours, contact NHS 111 or go to A and E.

We aim to save your natural teeth whenever possible. In some cases a root canal is not the best option. The main alternative is tooth extraction. While this removes infection, it creates a gap that can cause neighboring teeth to shift. The gap may need a dental implant or a bridge, which means more treatment and higher long term costs. A Highgate patient had a tooth with a severe vertical fracture, so a root canal was not viable. We suggested extraction and an implant as the most predictable long term solution. We will discuss the pros and cons of each option with you.

To make an informed choice, ask a few questions whether you meet us or another practice in East Finchley. Ask about experience with complex cases, especially molars or retreatments. Inquire about technology used, including whether a dental microscope is used for every procedure. Ask about the success rate and what the total cost covers, such as the consultation, X-rays, and the treatment itself. Finally ask what happens after the root canal and whether you will need a referral back to your dentist for a crown.