Gentle Root Canal Treatment for North Finchley Patients

Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside your tooth, known as the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This can be caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or a crack in the tooth. You should seek an assessment if you experience symptoms like a severe, persistent toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, tooth discolouration, or swollen gums. Many patients from North Finchley visit us when they have a pimple-like bump on their gums near the painful tooth, which is a sign of an abscess. With success rates between 85-95%, modern root canal treatment is a highly effective way to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.

Your treatment starts with a 60 minute consultation, including a 3D CBCT scan to get a detailed view of your tooth’s root structure. For the procedure itself, which typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, we numb the area with local anaesthetic. Most patients feel no pain, only slight pressure. Dr. Reddy then uses a dental microscope to carefully remove the infected pulp, clean the root canals, and seal them to prevent future infection. A temporary filling is placed at the end. You will return to your general dentist for a permanent crown a few weeks later to fully protect the tooth.

A recent patient, a teacher from North Finchley, had severe pain in a lower molar that interrupted sleep. The CBCT scan showed a complex curved root canal. With the microscope, Dr. Reddy navigated the canals precisely, finishing the treatment in a single 90 minute visit. She woke up pain-free the next day. In another case, a patient referred for a failed root canal done elsewhere years before we re treated the tooth, saving it from extraction and avoiding a costly implant.

After treatment, some tenderness is normal for 2 to 3 days and can be managed with over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the crown is in place. Eat soft foods like soups, yogurts, and smoothies for the first 48 hours. You can brush and floss as usual, but be gentle around the treated area. Attend your follow up with your regular dentist to fit the final crown, which protects the tooth from fracture long term. Seek immediate care if you have severe worsening pain after day 3, visible swelling that spreads to your face, or a fever above 38°C. Call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For out of hours emergencies, go to A&E or call 111.

While our aim is to save the natural tooth, there are alternatives. The main option is tooth extraction. This can create a gap that may cause adjacent teeth to shift and affect your bite. The missing tooth would ideally be replaced with a dental implant or a bridge. A dental implant is a permanent solution but involves a surgical procedure and is more expensive (from £2,500 plus crown). A fixed bridge is faster but requires grinding down two healthy neighbouring teeth to support the new crown. We discuss these options openly so you can make an informed choice.

As a fully private practice, NHS treatment is not offered. The price for root canal treatment reflects the advanced technology and postgraduate training involved. Costs depend on complexity and location of the tooth, with molars being more complex than front teeth. During your consultation, we provide a detailed treatment plan with a clear all inclusive fee so there are no hidden charges. The fee covers the 3D CBCT scan, the procedure itself, and all necessary materials. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception to discuss coverage.

To choose what fits you, ask questions whether you come to us or another practice in the North Finchley area. Inquire about their experience with complex cases and if they use a dental microscope and 3D scanning for every procedure. Check the success rate for the specific tooth being treated. Ask what the total cost includes and whether the final crown is a separate fee. Finally, ask what happens if the treatment fails and what the options are for retreatment.