Gentle, Advanced Root Canal Treatment for West Finchley

Consider root canal treatment if you have signs of infection inside the tooth. This includes a severe, persistent toothache that worsens when you lie down, or long-lasting sensitivity to hot or cold. Other clear signs are a discolored tooth, tender or swollen gums near the tooth, or a small bump on the gum that looks like an abscess. If you notice any of these, arrange a prompt assessment at our Finchley practice to see if root canal treatment will relieve your pain and save the tooth.

Our approach relies on precision technology to make the treatment gentle and predictable. First, a 60-minute consultation includes a 3D CBCT scan. This gives a detailed map of the tooth root structure beyond a standard X-ray. A West Finchley patient with a complex molar infection previously missed on X-rays had a hidden canal found with this scan, enabling successful treatment. The procedure lasts about 60 to 90 minutes and is done under a dental operating microscope. This magnification helps Dr. Reddy, who holds an MSc in Endodontics, to see and clean the canal system thoroughly, reducing the risk of reinfection. The procedure uses local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure but no pain. A temporary filling follows, and you’ll be scheduled to see your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth.

After your appointment expect some tenderness for 2 to 3 days as the area heals. This is usually manageable with ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is fitted. Brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the area. With good oral hygiene and a protective crown, a treated tooth can last a lifetime. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Contact our practice if you have severe, increasing pain after day three, visible swelling that spreads to your face, a fever above 38 C, or if your temporary filling comes out. Please call us during office hours Mon, Wed, Fri 9 AM to 5 PM and Tue, Thu 11 AM to 7 PM. For severe swelling or pain outside these hours, call NHS 111 or visit A&E.

While we aim to save natural teeth, alternatives exist. The main option is tooth extraction. This relieves infection and pain immediately but creates a gap that may cause nearby teeth to drift and bone loss in the jaw. After extraction the gap is usually filled with a dental implant or a fixed bridge. A bridge requires grinding down healthy teeth next to the gap, which we prefer to avoid. Though extraction might seem simpler, root canal treatment is often more conservative and cost effective in the long term, preserving your natural smile and bite.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another practice serving West Finchley, ask these questions: Do you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal procedures? What is your success rate for a tooth like mine? Is a 3D CBCT scan included in the assessment, and what is the cost? What postgraduate qualifications in endodontics do you hold? What are the total costs, including the consultation, treatment, and follow-up visits? What happens if the treatment fails and what are the next steps?

As a private practice we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of advanced root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case, such as which tooth is affected and whether it's a first-time treatment or retreatment. For example, retreatment of a molar with a previous failed procedure is more complex and costly. We provide a detailed, transparent quote after the initial consultation and 3D scan. There are no hidden fees. We accept several private plans including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. Have your policy details ready when you contact us so we can advise on coverage.