Pulp Treatment & Root Canal Care for Finchley Central

Seek a consult for pulp treatment if you have symptoms pointing to nerve damage or infection inside the tooth. The most common sign is a severe, persistent toothache that wakes you at night. Another key indicator is prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers for more than a few seconds. You might also notice a darkened or discoloured tooth, or swelling and tenderness in the gums nearby. Some patients develop a small, pimple-like bump on the gum (an abscess), which is a definite sign of infection that requires immediate attention. If you’re in Finchley and have these symptoms, we offer same-day appointments to diagnose the issue.

The process is simple and focused on your comfort. First, you’ll have a 60-minute consultation where we use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to accurately assess the tooth's root structure. Next, during the treatment appointment which lasts 60 to 90 minutes, the area is fully numbed with local anaesthetic. Dr. Reddy then uses a dental operating microscope to precisely remove the infected pulp, clean the internal canals, and seal them to prevent reinfection. For example, a recent patient from Finchley Central had a complex molar where the microscope helped us find and treat a tiny fourth canal that was causing persistent pain, something easily missed without magnification. Finally, a temporary filling is placed. After a few weeks, you’ll return to your general dentist for a permanent restoration, usually a crown, to protect the tooth.

After treatment, you may feel mild tenderness for 2 to 3 days as the area heals. This is managed with over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen. We advise sticking to soft foods and avoiding chewing directly on the treated tooth until you receive your permanent crown. You can brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the area. Long-term, a tooth that has had pulp treatment can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene. It’s important to remember that while the nerve is gone, the tooth can still develop decay, so regular check-ups are essential. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe pain that isn’t controlled by medication, swelling that worsens after three days, or if your temporary filling comes out. For emergencies outside these hours, please call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

We aim to save the natural tooth whenever possible. Pulp treatment has a high success rate, around 85 to 95 percent. The main alternative is tooth extraction. This involves removing the tooth entirely. While extraction is quicker and initially less expensive, it creates a gap that can cause other teeth to shift and may lead to jawbone loss over time. The gap would then need to be filled with a dental implant or a bridge, which involves a longer-term financial and time commitment. During your consultation, we’ll give you an clear assessment of whether your tooth is restorable with pulp treatment or if extraction is the more predictable option for your situation.

We are a fully private dental practice and do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of private pulp treatment depends on the complexity of the case, primarily which tooth is affected. Molars, for instance, have more root canals and are more challenging to treat than front teeth, which affects the final fee. Your personalised treatment plan will provide a clear, all-inclusive quote with no hidden fees. The fee covers the consultation, 3D scans, the procedure itself, and all necessary follow-up checks at our practice. We are happy to accept patients with private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation.

To make an informed choice, here are important questions to ask any dentist, whether it’s at our Finchley practice or another clinic. Start by asking about their experience with complex cases and whether they use a dental microscope for all treatments. Ask about the expected success rate for your tooth and what the total cost includes—scans, the procedure, and follow-ups. It’s also wise to ask what happens if the treatment fails and what the next steps would be. Finally, confirm whether you will need a crown afterwards and the estimated cost from your general dentist.