Gentle Endodontic Care in East Finchley

Consider endodontic care if you have symptoms that point to an infection inside the tooth pulp. This treatment is often the only way to save a tooth that would otherwise be extracted. Key signs include a severe, persistent toothache that worsens when you lie down, and extreme sensitivity to hot and cold that lasts more than a few seconds. Other indicators are a discolored tooth, tender or swollen gums near the painful tooth, or a small pimple like bump on the gum indicating an abscess. Our East Finchley practice offers same day appointments during office hours to diagnose these issues promptly.

First you have a 60 minute consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the problem. Next, during the treatment appointment which typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, we numb the area with local anaesthetic. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to remove the infected pulp, clean the internal canals, and seal them. Most patients report no pain, only light pressure. A patient from East Finchley recently noted they nearly fell asleep during the procedure. After the canals are sealed, you are referred back to your general dentist for a final crown to protect the tooth. With proper care a treated tooth can last a lifetime.

After your root canal treatment, you may feel some tenderness for 2 to 3 days, which is manageable with over the counter pain relief like ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your general dentist places the final crown. You should eat soft foods for the first few days. Maintain your usual oral hygiene, brushing and flossing gently around the area. Red flags requiring immediate contact include severe pain not relieved by medication, visible swelling inside or outside the mouth, or an allergic reaction to medication. For out of hours emergencies, please visit your local A&E or call NHS 111.

While our primary goal is to save your natural tooth, there are alternatives. The main option is tooth extraction. This removes the source of infection and pain but creates a gap that can cause other teeth to shift and may lead to bone loss. The missing tooth would then need a dental implant or a bridge to restore function, which involves additional procedures and cost. For a patient from Muswell Hill who was referred for a complex retreatment, we discussed extraction as an option, but an 85 to 95 percent success rate for endodontic retreatment made saving the tooth the preferred choice. During your consultation, we will provide a balanced view of all your options.

To make an informed choice about your treatment, here are essential questions to ask any provider in North London. Start with their experience handling complex cases like yours and whether they use a dental microscope for precision. Ask what the total cost includes and if a final crown is a separate fee. Inquire about the success rate for the specific tooth and what the follow up process involves. Finally ask what pain management options are available during and after the procedure to ensure comfort.

As a private practice we provide a detailed, transparent quote for your root canal treatment after the initial consultation and 3D scan. The cost depends on the complexity of the case and which tooth is being treated. This fee includes the full endodontic procedure, all imaging, and local anaesthetic. Please note the cost of the final permanent crown, which is placed by your general dentist, is not included. We accept several private dental insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team will help you understand your coverage and payment options with no hidden fees.