Advanced Endodontic Care in East Finchley (N2)

Seek care at our Finchley practice if you have symptoms of pulp infection. This includes a severe throbbing toothache that can wake you at night, or sharp pain when you bite. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts more than a few seconds is common. You might notice a tooth darkening, swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums. A small persistent pimple like bump on the gum may appear. If your general dentist identifies a complex case such as curved roots or a failed previous treatment, they refer you for specialist care. We offer same-day appointments during office hours for urgent cases.

First, you have a 45-minute consultation with a 3D CBCT scan for a detailed view of your tooth's root structure. Next, during the treatment appointment, which typically lasts 60-90 minutes, we administer local anaesthetic to ensure no pain. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to thoroughly clean and shape the root canals, removing infected tissue. The canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed. We often place a temporary filling, and you then return to your general dentist for a permanent restoration, usually a crown, to protect the tooth long term. The journey from consultation to crown readiness can take one or two visits at most.

Right after treatment, the tooth and surrounding gum may feel tender for two to three days as the anaesthetic wears off. This is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent restoration is in place. You can brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the area. With good care, a tooth that has had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. It is important to have a permanent crown to prevent fracture. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you have severe pain not relieved by painkillers, swelling inside or outside your mouth that worsens after day 3, or if your temporary filling comes out. For after hours emergencies call 111 or visit the nearest A&E.

The main alternative to saving the tooth is tooth extraction. Our practice aims to preserve natural teeth whenever possible, as nothing functions like the real tooth. If the tooth is too damaged to preserve, extraction may be the only option. After extraction, you would need a replacement to prevent other teeth from shifting. Options include a dental implant, which acts as a new root, or a fixed bridge where a false tooth is supported by crowns on adjacent teeth. A removable partial denture is another option. We will discuss the pros and cons of saving the tooth versus extraction during your consultation.

To choose what fits you, ask questions when you meet us or another practice in North London. Consider asking: What is your success rate for this procedure? Do you use a dental microscope and 3D imaging for diagnosis and treatment? How many appointments are required? What is the total cost, and does it include the consultation and all scans? Will I need a crown afterwards, and is that a separate cost? What are the risks if you skip treatment? Do you accept private insurance plans like Denplan or Cigna?