Microscope Root Canal Treatment for North Finchley Patients

A tooth’s root canal system is very complex, with tiny branches and accessory canals smaller than a human hair. With the naked eye or standard dental loupes, locating and cleaning all infected tissue is hard. This is a common reason why some initial root canal treatments fail, leading to persistent pain and the need for retreatment. Missed canals can harbour bacteria, which can cause reinfection months or years later. This is especially true for molars, which can have four or more canals.

Using a dental operating microscope changes the procedure. It provides up to 25x magnification and shadow free, high intensity light, illuminating the internal anatomy of your tooth in detail. This allows Dr. Reddy to see problems that are invisible to the naked eye. Studies show that microscope assisted root canals have success rates between 90% and 98%, because the technology helps to find hidden canals, manage complex anatomy, and remove separated instruments. This precision means we can be more conservative, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

You should consider treatment at our practice limited to endodontics if you have been told you need a root canal, especially in a molar tooth, or if a previous root canal has failed. It’s the right choice if you are experiencing symptoms like a severe, persistent toothache, a dental abscess, or prolonged sensitivity. We particularly recommend a consultation if you have a tooth with a suspected crack, complex anatomy such as a curved root, or narrow calcified canals that are difficult to treat conventionally. A patient from North Finchley recently came to us after their previous treatment failed. Using the microscope, we discovered a tiny, untreated fourth canal in their molar, which was the source of the persistent infection. After cleaning it, the tooth was saved and is now pain free.

Your comfort is our priority. First, you have a 60 minute consultation including a 3D CBCT scan to map out your tooth’s root system. During the treatment, which typically takes 60-90 minutes, the area will be completely numbed with local anaesthetic. Dr. Reddy will then use the microscope to create a tiny access opening. The microscope’s magnification is used throughout the cleaning and shaping process to ensure every trace of infected pulp is removed from the main and accessory canals. Finally, the cleaned canals are sealed with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material, and a temporary filling is placed. You’ll then return to your general dentist for a permanent restoration, like a crown, to protect the tooth.

Following your procedure, it’s normal to experience some mild tenderness for a few days, which you can manage with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is fitted. Stick to soft foods for the first 24-48 hours. You can brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the treated area. A recent patient with a calcified canal, previously deemed untreatable, was able to return to work the next day with only minimal discomfort after our microscope-assisted procedure. Red flags: call our practice during office hours if you experience severe, increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, or an allergic reaction to medication. For emergencies outside these hours, call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

While microscope assisted root canal treatment offers the highest chance of saving a natural tooth, there are alternatives. The main option is tooth extraction. This can be quicker and initially less expensive, but it creates a gap that can cause other teeth to shift and affect chewing. Replacing the extracted tooth with an implant or bridge is more complex and costs more than saving the natural tooth. For teeth where a previous root canal has failed, options include retreatment with a microscope or an apicoectomy, a minor surgical procedure. We will discuss all suitable options for your specific situation.

To make an informed choice for your dental health, ask these questions of any provider in North Finchley: Do you use a dental operating microscope for every root canal procedure? What is your success rate for complex cases like retreatments or molars? How much experience do you have with microscope assisted endodontics? Does the quoted cost include all diagnostic scans such as a 3D CBCT? What are the signs that a root canal treatment has failed, and what happens next? What material will you use to fill the root canals? Will I need a crown after the treatment, and is that cost separate?

The cost of private microscope assisted root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case, mainly which tooth is treated since molars are more complex and costly than front teeth, and whether it is a first time treatment or a retreatment. During your consultation, we provide a fully transparent, itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees. As a private practice, we do not offer NHS endodontic treatment. However, we accept several major private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment, and our team will help you with the paperwork.