Painless Root Canal Treatment at our Finchley Practice

Root canal treatment is needed when the soft tissue inside your tooth, called 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're experiencing symptoms like a severe, throbbing toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers, tooth discolouration, or tender, swollen gums near the problem tooth. For example, a patient from right here in Finchley recently came to us with a 'hot tooth' that was waking him up at night. A same-day assessment confirmed irreversible pulpitis, and we were able to perform treatment that day, completely relieving his pain.

We ensure you're comfortable throughout the process. First, we'll take a 3D CBCT scan to get a detailed view of your tooth's root structure. Next, the area is completely numbed with a local anaesthetic; we don't proceed until you feel nothing. Dr. Reddy then uses a dental operating microscope to magnify the area, removing the infected pulp and cleaning the root canals. This part of the procedure typically takes 60-90 minutes, during which you'll feel pressure but no pain. Finally, the canals are sealed to prevent reinfection, and a temporary filling is placed. You'll then return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth. The success rate for this procedure is very high, between 85-95%, preserving your natural tooth for years to come.

After your root canal treatment, it's normal to experience some mild tenderness and sensitivity for a few days, especially once the anaesthetic wears off. This is easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We recommend avoiding chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is fitted. Stick to soft foods for the first 24-48 hours. You should maintain your normal oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing gently around the area. Red flags requiring attention: Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe pain that isn't managed by medication, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, or if your temporary filling comes out. For emergencies outside these hours, please visit A&E or call 111.

Our primary goal is to save your natural teeth, but it's important to understand all your options. The main alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. While removing the tooth will resolve the pain, it can lead to other issues, such as shifting teeth and bone loss. The missing tooth would then need to be replaced with a dental implant or a bridge, which involves a longer and more costly process. For some very minor cases of inflammation, watchful waiting might be an option, but this carries the risk of the infection worsening and spreading. We will always discuss the most conservative and effective option for your specific situation during your consultation.

Choosing a practice that focuses exclusively on endodontics provides a higher level of specialised care. With over 20 years of experience and an MSc in Endodontics, Dr. Reddy has performed thousands of successful root canal treatments. We use technology not always available in general practices, like 3D CBCT scanning for diagnosis and dental operating microscopes for treatment. This allows us to find and treat complex anatomy, like tiny extra canals that are often the cause of failed root canals. A recent patient was referred to us from Barnet with a molar that had a root canal years ago but was still painful. Using the microscope, we found a fourth, untreated canal, which we cleaned and sealed. Her pain disappeared completely within days, saving a tooth that might otherwise have been extracted.

To make an informed choice about your care, here are some questions you should ask any dentist, whether it's at our Finchley practice or another in North London: - Do you use a dental microscope for all root canal procedures? - What is your success rate for this type of treatment? - How many appointments will the full process take, including the final crown? - What are the full costs, including the consultation, treatment, and any necessary scans? - What are the risks if I choose to delay or not have this treatment? - Do you have postgraduate qualifications in endodontics? - What pain management options do you provide during and after the procedure?

As a dedicated private practice, we provide a detailed, transparent breakdown of costs following your initial consultation and 3D scan. The fee for root canal treatment depends on the complexity and which tooth is affected. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services. However, we do accept patients with private dental insurance plans from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment, and our team will be happy to assist you with the necessary paperwork and answer any questions about coverage.