Painless Root Canal Treatment in Finchley

You may need root canal treatment if the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This treatment is often the only way to save a tooth that would otherwise be extracted. Look for signs such as severe, persistent toothache, especially pain that worsens when you lie down or wakes you at night. You might also notice lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Consider a consultation if a tooth darkens in colour, or if the gums near a tooth are swollen or tender. Some people develop a small bump on the gum near the tooth, which can indicate an abscess needing urgent care.

We aim for precision and comfort. First, there is a 60 minute consultation with 3D CBCT scanning to map the tooth’s root structure. Then, the treatment appointment lasts about 60 to 90 minutes with local anaesthetic. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to access and remove the infected pulp. The microscope helps us find tiny canals that might be missed. The canals are disinfected and sealed with a biocompatible material, and a temporary filling is placed. After a short healing period, you return to your general dentist for a crown to protect the tooth.

After the procedure, you may feel some tenderness for 2 to 3 days as the anaesthetic wears off and the area heals. This is typically mild and can be managed with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed. Eat soft foods such as soup, yoghurt, and pasta for the first few days. You can brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the treated area. The initial root canal treatment has a high success rate, about 85 to 95 percent. Red flags requiring immediate contact: call our practice on 0203 488 0335 during office hours (Mon, Wed, Fri 9 to 5; Tue, Thu 11 to 7) if you experience severe, increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, or a fever above 38 C. For emergencies outside these hours, go to the nearest A and E or call 111.

We aim to save natural teeth whenever possible. The main alternative is tooth extraction. This removes the infection but creates a gap that can cause teeth to shift and may lead to bone loss. The missing tooth would then need to be replaced with a dental implant or a fixed bridge, which takes more time and costs more long term. In cases where a tooth is severely fractured or lacks enough structure to support a crown, extraction may be the only option. We will discuss all options with you, but in most cases saving the tooth with root canal treatment is the best clinical and financial choice.

To make an informed choice, consider asking these questions of any provider in Finchley or elsewhere: Do you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal procedures? What is your success rate for this type of tooth? How many appointments will the treatment take? Does the quoted price cover the 3D scan and all follow up visits? What postgraduate qualifications do you have in endodontics? What happens if the treatment fails in the future?

As a private practice, we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost for root canal treatment depends on the complexity and location of the tooth, with molars being more complex than front teeth. Prices are given after a thorough consultation and diagnosis. We aim for full transparency with no hidden fees. The quoted cost covers the consultation, the 3D CBCT scan, the procedure, and any immediate follow up checks. Please note the final crown is a separate treatment provided by your general dentist. We accept private insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team can help with the paperwork for your claim.