Advanced Root Canal Treatment for West Finchley Patients

You need root canal treatment when you have signs of infection in the tooth pulp. Signs include a severe, persistent toothache that worsens when you lie down and disrupts sleep. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts after the stimulus ends is another sign. A darkening of the tooth or swelling and tenderness in the gums near the tooth also indicate a problem. A small bump on the gum may appear and signals an infection requiring urgent care. If you are in West Finchley and notice these signs, get evaluated promptly.

The goal is a smooth and painless experience. First, you have a 60 minute consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT to diagnose the issue accurately. Then the main procedure, usually 60-90 minutes, is done under local anaesthetic. Dr. Reddy removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals, and seals them to prevent reinfection. Most patients feel pressure but no pain. A West Finchley patient who had a failed treatment elsewhere was relieved that a dental microscope helped us find a hidden canal and save the tooth. Finally, a follow up with your general dentist is needed to place a permanent crown for long term protection.

After treatment you have some tenderness for 2-3 days as the area heals. This can be managed with over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the crown is placed. Stick to soft foods like soup, yoghurt, and smoothies for the first days. You can brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the treated tooth. Red flags requiring a call — Contact the practice if you experience severe pain that is not relieved by medication, swelling that grows after day 3, or a fever. Please call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For emergencies outside hours, visit A&E or call 111.

Our aim is to save natural teeth whenever possible. The main alternative is tooth extraction. Removing the tooth stops the infection and pain but creates a gap in the smile. This can cause adjacent teeth to shift and bone loss in the jaw. To replace the tooth you may consider a dental implant or a fixed bridge. These options are more invasive and costlier than saving the tooth. During your consultation we will discuss honestly whether the tooth is restorable or if another approach offers a better long term outcome for your situation.

To choose informed care, consider these questions for any provider in West Finchley or nearby: what is the success rate in this hands, do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D scanning for diagnosis and treatment, what postgraduate endodontics training do you have, will a crown be needed after the treatment and is that cost included, what are the signs of treatment failure to watch for, and do you offer same day emergency appointments.

Our practice is easy to reach from West Finchley. Take the Northern Line one stop to Finchley Central. From Finchley Central, 26 Southern Road is about a five minute walk. Buses 143 and 326 stop near Ballards Lane. Parking is limited, so public transport is the best option when possible.