Pulp Treatment in Finchley Central | Saving Infected Teeth

Pulp treatment is needed when the soft tissue inside the tooth, the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This is often caused by deep decay, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental procedures. Seek an assessment if you have a severe, persistent toothache, especially when chewing or lying down. Look for signs such as long lasting sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth discoloration, or swelling and tenderness in the gums. An abscess may appear as a small bump on the gum line, signaling infection that needs urgent care. If you notice these signs, a check at our Finchley practice can confirm if pulp treatment is right for you.

The treatment starts with a 60 minute consultation. We use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the problem accurately. This helps us see the root canal system in detail. The procedure usually takes one visit, about 60 to 90 minutes. We numb the area fully with local anaesthetic so you won’t feel pain. Dr. Reddy then uses a dental operating microscope to remove the infected pulp, clean and seal the canals. A temporary filling is placed. After a few weeks you return to have a permanent crown fitted to protect the tooth. For example, a patient from Finchley Central had a single 90 minute session and was back at work the next day with mild tenderness.

After pulp treatment you may feel tenderness for 2-3 days as the area heals. This is usually mild and can be managed with over the counter pain relief. Eat soft foods for a couple of days and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the crown is placed. The tooth may feel different, but severe pain or pressure is not typical. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe, increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, an allergic reaction to medication, or if your temporary filling comes out. For emergencies outside these hours, please call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

The main alternative to pulp treatment is extracting the tooth. While this removes the source of infection, it can lead to neighbouring teeth shifting, bone loss in the jaw, and issues with chewing. If a tooth is removed, we generally recommend replacing it. Tooth extraction and replacement involves removing the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant, a fixed bridge, or a partial denture. An implant is the most durable solution but is also the most time consuming and expensive, starting from £2,500. A bridge is faster but requires preparation of the adjacent healthy teeth. Our philosophy is to save the natural tooth where possible, as pulp treatment has a high success rate of 85-95% and is often the more conservative and cost effective option in the long run.

To make an informed choice about your dental health, here are important questions to ask any provider, whether at our Finchley practice or elsewhere: 1) What is your success rate with this type of procedure? 2) Do you use a dental microscope and 3D imaging for diagnosis and treatment? 3) How many appointments does the full treatment require, including the final crown? 4) What are signs of a failed treatment to watch for? 5) Is the price quoted for consultation, treatment, and all x rays? 6) What options exist if this treatment is not successful? 7) Based on my tooth, what is the long term prognosis after treatment?

Private pulp treatment cost depends on how complex the case. This includes which tooth is affected; molars have more canals and are harder to treat. After a thorough consultation and 3D scan, we provide a detailed all inclusive treatment plan with no hidden fees. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services. We accept several private insurance plans including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. Our team can help you understand your coverage and assist with the paperwork. Please contact our reception to discuss your insurance and payment options.