Gentle Root Canal Treatment in East Finchley

You may need root canal treatment if you have signs of a tooth infection. This procedure can save a tooth from extraction. Book an assessment if you have severe toothache, especially pain that worsens when you lie down or wakes you at night. Other signs include prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts more than 30 seconds, a discolored tooth, or tender, swollen gums near a tooth. Sometimes a small, persistent bump on the gum appears, which signals an abscess that needs urgent care.

We explain every step. First, you’ll have a 60 minute consultation using digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the problem accurately. At the treatment appointment we numb the area with local anaesthetic so you won’t feel pain. The procedure itself usually lasts sixty to ninety minutes and involves carefully cleaning and shaping the root canals under a dental operating microscope for precision. For example, a recent patient from East Finchley had a complex molar with very fine canals; the microscope helped us find and treat a fourth canal that is often missed, improving the outcome. Finally we seal the canals and place a temporary filling. You then return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth long term.

Post treatment care is straightforward. For the first one to three days you may have mild to moderate tenderness as the anaesthetic wears off, and you can manage this with over the counter pain relief. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is fitted. You can brush and floss normally, but be gentle around the area. With good oral hygiene, a tooth that has had root canal treatment can last many years. Contact us if you experience severe or increasing pain after day three, swelling that spreads to your face, or a fever. Call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For emergencies outside these times, go to A&E or call 111.

Our aim is always to save natural teeth when possible. If a tooth is too damaged to save, the main alternative is extraction. After extraction, the missing tooth should be replaced to prevent shifting of surrounding teeth. Replacement options include a dental implant, which is a titanium post that acts as a new tooth root, or a fixed bridge supported by the teeth on either side of the gap. Implants are the preferred option but involve a longer treatment time of four to nine months and a higher upfront cost. We will discuss the pros and cons of every option with you openly.

A practice focused solely on endodontics provides a higher level of expertise for complex cases. Dr. Ashok Reddy has more than twenty years of experience and an MSc in Endodontics, with advanced training in managing difficult procedures, curved canals, and retreating previously treated teeth. We use equipment not found in many general practices, such as 3D CBCT scanning for diagnosis and dental operating microscopes for treatment. This technology helps us see tiny details inside the tooth, contributing to high success rates. A patient referred from Muswell Hill recently had a failing root canal done elsewhere; with the microscope we identified and fixed the issue, saving the tooth from extraction.

To make an informed choice about your care, consider asking these questions whether you choose us or another practice in East Finchley: what is your success rate for this procedure, do you use a dental operating microscope and a rubber dam for all root canal treatments, what postgraduate training do you have in endodontics, how many appointments will be needed, what are the costs and do they include all diagnostic scans, what are the risks if I skip treatment, and will I need a crown after the procedure and is that cost separate.

As a private practice we provide a detailed, clear quote after your initial consultation and diagnosis. The price depends on how complex the case is and which tooth is affected, with molars typically being more involved. Your fee covers the full procedure, all digital x rays and 3D scans, and follow up appointments. The final restoration, such as a crown, is a separate procedure performed by your general dentist. We do not offer NHS services but we accept private dental insurance plans from providers including Denplan, Max Bupa, and Cigna. Our team will help with any necessary paperwork.