Advanced Endodontic Care in East Finchley

You should consider seeing a specialist in endodontics if symptoms point to inflammation or infection inside a tooth. Endodontic treatment is often the best alternative to extraction. Signs include a severe, throbbing toothache that worsens when you lie down or wakes you at night. You may notice prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts more than 30 seconds. A small bump on the gums near the affected tooth or a tooth that darkens are also warning signs. A tooth that was knocked or injured, even if it does not hurt at first, may later require root canal therapy to prevent infection.

Saving your tooth is straightforward and is always performed under local anaesthetic. First, you will have a 60-minute consultation with a 3D CBCT scan to get a clear view of your tooth's root structure. Then, in the main treatment appointment, which typically lasts 60-90 minutes, Dr. Reddy uses a dental microscope to remove the infected pulp, clean and shape the canals, then fill and seal them to stop bacteria from re entering. After a short healing period, you return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth. The aim is for the tooth to function normally for many years, and endodontic treatment has a high success rate in experienced hands.

After treatment you may feel tenderness for a few days as the area heals. In the first 24 to 48 hours, discomfort is usually mild and can be managed with over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the tenderness subsides. You can brush normally but be gentle around the area. Long term care is the same as for any tooth with good brushing and flossing. Warning signs include increasing pain after day three or swelling. Call the practice during office hours if you experience these symptoms. For genuine emergencies outside hours, call 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

While our goal is to save the natural tooth, some cases require an alternative. The main option is tooth extraction. After extraction the gap must be filled to prevent shifting, usually with a dental implant or a fixed bridge. A dental implant is a titanium post that replaces the tooth root, providing a strong foundation for a crown. It is durable but more invasive and costly than saving the tooth. A fixed bridge uses neighboring teeth as anchors for a false tooth. This is often faster but requires grinding down healthy teeth, which we try to avoid. During your consultation we will discuss honestly whether your tooth can be restored and which option suits your long term dental health.

To decide what is right for you, ask these questions when you meet us or another practice in North London. What is your success rate with this procedure? Do you use a dental microscope and 3D imaging for diagnosis and treatment? What are the total costs, including the final crown from my general dentist? How many visits will this take? What are the risks if you choose not to proceed? What are the options if the root canal treatment fails later? And what post graduate training do you have in endodontics?

We regularly handle complex cases. For instance, a Highgate patient with a molar that failed root canal after two years was referred to us. Using our 3D CBCT scanner we found a tiny missed canal that caused the persistent infection. In a 90-minute retreatment with the operating microscope, Dr. Reddy located and cleaned this canal, saving the tooth. Another case involved a 25-year-old from Finchley who fractured a front tooth in a cycling accident. We performed root canal treatment to save the tooth and preserve his smile. These cases show how advanced endodontic care can make a difference.