Advanced Microscope Root Canal Treatment in Finchley Central

You may need this advanced treatment if you have symptoms of a tooth infection, such as a severe, persistent toothache, pain when chewing, or prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. It is particularly recommended for complex cases, such as a tooth with a challenging root shape, narrow or blocked canals, or if a previous root canal treatment has failed. The magnification helps us identify and address problems that would otherwise be invisible. Many patients from Finchley Central come to us for this high level of care when they want the best chance of saving their natural tooth.

First, you’ll have an initial 60‑minute consultation, including digital X-rays and a 3D CBCT scan to map out your tooth’s root structure. Then, during the treatment appointment, which typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, we administer a local anaesthetic so you feel no pain. We then use the dental operating microscope, which provides up to 25x magnification, to locate, clean, and shape the root canals with exceptional precision. After thoroughly disinfecting the canals, we seal them to prevent reinfection. Finally, a temporary filling is placed. You’ll need to return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth long term.

Studies and clinical experience show that root canal treatments performed with a dental microscope have success rates above 95 percent. The magnification lets the dentist see and treat the entire root canal system, including tiny accessory canals often missed during conventional treatment. This thorough cleaning and sealing reduces the risk of reinfection and helps save the tooth for the long term.

A microscope proves essential for complex situations. For example, a patient from North Finchley was referred after a root canal failed. Using our microscope, Dr. Reddy identified a tiny fourth canal that had been missed and was harbouring bacteria. Cleaning and sealing this canal resolved the infection and saved the tooth. It is also vital for removing old filling materials or separated instruments from previous treatments, tasks that are nearly impossible without high magnification.

After treatment you may feel some tenderness for two to three days, which is manageable with over‑the‑counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until a permanent crown is fitted. Stick to soft foods for the first few days. Maintain good oral hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing. Red flags: call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe, increasing pain after day three, noticeable swelling that spreads to the face, fever, or if the temporary filling comes out. For out‑of‑hours emergencies, contact NHS 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

The main alternative is tooth extraction. While this removes the infection, it creates a gap that can cause neighboring teeth to shift and may affect chewing. The missing tooth would ideally be replaced with a dental implant or a bridge. An implant is a permanent solution but involves surgery and a higher cost (from £2,500 plus crown). A bridge is quicker but requires preparing the adjacent healthy teeth. Our approach is to save the natural tooth whenever possible, and microscope endodontics gives us the best chance to do that.

As a practice limited to endodontics, our fees reflect the advanced training, time, and technology required for these complex procedures. The cost of a microscope-assisted root canal treatment depends on the specific tooth and the complexity of the case. A full, personalised quote will be provided during your initial consultation with no hidden fees. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment. However, we do accept plans from major insurance providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please have your policy details available when you contact us.

To help you choose the right provider, here are important questions for any practice in North London: Do you use a dental operating microscope for every root canal procedure? What is your success rate for this type of treatment? Does the quoted fee include all necessary X-rays and scans, such as a 3D CBCT scan? Who will place the final crown after the root canal is completed? What signs suggest a root canal treatment might be failing? What specific training in endodontics do you have?