Gentle Root Canal Treatment in East Finchley

You might need root canal treatment if you experience signs of an infection inside your tooth’s pulp. This procedure can save a tooth that would otherwise require extraction. Common signs include a severe, persistent toothache that worsens when you lie down, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the source is removed, or a darkened or discolored tooth. Swollen, tender gums near the painful tooth or a small pimple-like bump (an abscess) on the gum are other indicators. If you notice any of these, a prompt assessment at our East Finchley practice is advised to prevent the infection from spreading.

You will start with a 45-minute consultation, including digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the issue precisely. The procedure itself typically lasts 60-90 minutes, and we numb the area with local anaesthetic. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to view inside the tooth with up to 25x magnification, so he can remove the infected pulp, clean the root canals, and seal them to prevent future infection. Most patients feel only slight pressure, not pain. After the tooth settles, you return for a 30-minute appointment to fit a permanent crown and restore function and appearance.

After treatment you may have mild tenderness for 2-4 days as the area heals. This is easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed. Stick to softer foods for the first few days. You can brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the treated tooth. Downtime is minimal, and most people resume normal activities the next day. Call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe or increasing pain after day 4, swelling that spreads to your face, or a fever. For emergencies outside these hours, call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

We aim to save your natural tooth. Root canal therapy has a high success rate, over 90 percent. If saving the tooth is not possible, the main alternative is extraction. Extraction is quicker and cheaper at first but creates a gap that can cause teeth to shift and may lead to bone loss. To replace the missing tooth you would consider a dental implant from £2,500 or a fixed bridge, both involving more extensive treatment and higher long-term costs. We discuss these options openly during your consultation at our Finchley practice.

To ensure you receive the best care, whether here or at another North London practice, consider asking these questions. Do you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal procedures? What is your success rate for this treatment? Is the person performing the procedure postgraduate qualified in endodontics? What does the quoted price include and does it cover the final crown? How many visits does the process require? Do you use 3D CBCT scans for diagnosis and planning? What signs of treatment failure should I watch for long term?

As a private practice we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost reflects the advanced technology and expertise involved. Prices depend on tooth location and complexity, usually starting from £750. This covers the full root canal procedure but not the final Crown. During the initial consultation we provide a fixed-price treatment plan with no hidden fees. We accept private insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your policy details and we can help clarify coverage.