Emergency Dental Abscess Treatment in Finchley Central

A periapical abscess is a dental emergency and should not be ignored. Seek urgent care at our Finchley practice if you notice any of the following signs: a severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can spread to the jawbone, neck, or ear; pain that worsens when you lie down; noticeable swelling in the face or cheek; sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures; and pain when chewing. You might also see a small, pimple like bump on the gum near the painful tooth that can ooze pus if it bursts. In rare cases a severe infection can cause fever and swollen lymph nodes under the jaw, indicating the infection is spreading.

Your emergency appointment, which typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes, focuses on easing pain and controlling the infection. First we perform a thorough examination, including a digital X ray or a 3D CBCT scan to confirm the abscess and assess the tooth. Next, under local anaesthetic, we drain the abscess to remove the pus, which provides immediate relief. The main treatment to save the tooth is root canal therapy. We begin by cleaning out the infected pulp from inside the tooth. A temporary filling is placed. You will need to return for one or two follow up appointments over the next few weeks to complete the root canal and have a permanent crown fitted to protect the tooth. Our practice, focused on endodontics, uses dental operating microscopes to ensure even the smallest canals are found and cleaned, giving the treatment the best chance of success.

After the emergency appointment, you'll feel significant relief as the pressure is released. However, some tenderness is normal for the first few days. Days 1-3 expect mild to moderate discomfort, which is easily managed with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. The local anaesthetic will wear off after 2 to 4 hours. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side until the tenderness subsides. You can rinse gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean. Long term it is vital you attend your follow up appointments to complete the root canal and have a crown placed. This protects the weakened tooth from fracturing. Red flags during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7): Contact us immediately if you experience severe, increasing pain after day 3, your facial swelling returns, you develop a fever, or your temporary filling comes out. For emergencies outside these hours, please visit your nearest A&E or call NHS 111.

We aim to save natural teeth when possible. Root canal treatment is the most effective option for an abscessed tooth, with success rates around 85 to 95 percent. The main alternative is tooth extraction, which removes the whole tooth. It can be faster and cheaper at first but leaves a gap that can cause neighboring teeth to shift, affect your bite, and lead to jawbone loss. Replacing the missing tooth later with an implant or bridge is more complex and costly. We usually recommend extraction only when the tooth is too decayed or damaged to save. At your visit we will explain which option suits you best.

A Finchley Central patient called with severe, throbbing pain and facial swelling. We saw them the same day for an emergency appointment. A 3D CBCT confirmed a large periapical abscess on an upper molar. We drained the abscess and started root canal treatment under our dental microscope, all within an hour. The patient reported immediate relief and returned two weeks later to complete the treatment, saving a tooth they thought would be lost.

To choose what's right for you, it's important to ask the right questions, whether you see us or another practice in the Finchley area: 1. What is the success rate for this type of root canal treatment? 2. Do you use a dental microscope for root canal procedures? 3. What is the full cost, including the final crown? 4. How many appointments will be needed to complete the treatment? 5. What are the risks if I choose extraction instead? 6. Are you a private practice, and do you accept insurance like Denplan or Cigna? 7. What are your qualifications for performing complex root canal treatments? Dr. Ashok Reddy, for instance, holds an MSc in Endodontics.

As a private dental practice, we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of emergency abscess treatment depends on the complexity of the tooth and the work required. An exact, transparent quote with no hidden fees will be provided during your initial consultation after we've assessed the tooth. The fee covers the diagnosis, draining the abscess, and starting the root canal procedure. The cost for completing the treatment and the final crown will be separate. We believe in saving natural teeth as a long term investment in your health. We accept private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and our team can help you understand your coverage.