Laser-Assisted Root Canal Treatment for North Finchley

A root canal is needed when the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. You might need this treatment if you have severe toothache, long lasting sensitivity to hot or cold, or a dental abscess. Laser-assisted treatment helps in specific situations. For example, a tooth with very complex or narrow root canals benefits because the laser energy reaches and disinfects areas traditional instruments struggle to access. It is also useful for root canal retreatment where a previous procedure has failed and the tooth needs thorough cleaning before resealing. During your consultation, we will use a 3D CBCT scan to decide if laser is the best option for you.

The procedure is similar to a conventional root canal but includes an extra cleaning step. First, you will have a 60 minute consultation where we take a 3D CBCT scan to map out your tooth's root structure. The treatment appointment itself lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and is performed under local anaesthetic, so you will feel no pain. Next, after isolating the tooth, Dr. Reddy will access the pulp chamber and clean the canals with fine instruments and a dental microscope. Then a fine laser fibre is introduced into the canals. The laser energy thoroughly disinfects the canal system, removing bacteria with high precision. Finally, the canals are filled and sealed, and a temporary filling is placed. You will need to return to your general dentist for a permanent crown afterwards.

A patient from North Finchley recently came to us with a molar that had a failed root canal from years ago. The 3D scan showed persistent infection in a tiny missed canal. Using laser-assisted disinfection, we thoroughly cleaned the entire system, saving the tooth from extraction. Another case involved a young professional from Whetstone with very curved roots. The laser's flexibility and cleaning power allowed for a successful outcome where traditional methods might have been less effective. These examples show how technology helps us handle even the most challenging cases.

After your treatment, expect some tenderness for a few days as the area heals. This is usually mild and easily managed with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Days 1-3: You might feel some sensitivity, especially if there was significant infection beforehand. Stick to a soft diet and avoid chewing on the treated tooth. Weeks 1-2: The tooth should feel much better. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene, brushing gently around the area. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist for the permanent crown within a few weeks. Red flags during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7): Contact us if you experience severe, increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling that spreads, a fever, or if your temporary filling comes out. For out of hours emergencies, please call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

You have other options. The main alternatives to a laser assisted root canal are a conventional root canal or tooth extraction. Conventional Root Canal Treatment: This is the standard procedure with a very high success rate. It follows the same steps but without the final laser disinfection. For most straightforward cases, this is an effective treatment. We will discuss whether the laser offers a distinct advantage for your case. Tooth Extraction: If the tooth is too damaged to save, extraction is the only option. The missing tooth would then need to be replaced with a dental implant or a bridge to restore function and prevent other teeth from shifting. Our philosophy is to save the natural tooth wherever possible, making extraction a last resort.

To choose what is right for you, here are important questions to ask any provider in the North Finchley area: What specific benefits does the laser offer for my tooth? What type of laser do you use, and what training do you have with it? Does the use of a laser increase the overall cost of the root canal treatment? What is the reported success rate for this procedure in your hands? Is the 3D CBCT scan included in the treatment fee? What happens if the root canal treatment fails in the future? Who will place the final crown after the procedure?

As a dedicated endodontic practice, we provide a detailed, transparent quote before any treatment begins. The cost of root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case and which tooth is affected. Following your initial consultation and 3D CBCT scan, we will provide a complete breakdown of all fees with no hidden costs. Our practice is private and does not offer NHS services. We do, however, accept patients with private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation so we can assist with the claims process.