Expert Root Canal Appointments for North Finchley Patients

Book an appointment if you have symptoms that point to an infected tooth pulp. This includes severe, persistent toothache that wakes you at night or worsens when you lie down. Other signs are extreme sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is removed, a discolored tooth, or swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. A small, recurring pimple on the gum, known as an abscess, can signal infection. Choosing a practice focused on endodontics means you receive care from a team with advanced training and equipment built for these issues.

First, you have a 60 minute consultation where we use a 3D CBCT scan to get a detailed view of your tooth’s root canals. This scan helps with accurate diagnosis and planning. The treatment itself, done under local anaesthetic, usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to see inside the tiny canals, thoroughly cleaning out the infection and shaping them. The canals are then sealed to prevent re-infection. Case Example 1: A patient from North Finchley had a severely infected lower molar. The 3D scan revealed a hidden fourth canal often missed without advanced imaging. Using the microscope, we located and treated this canal, saving the tooth and completing the procedure in a single 90 minute visit. Case Example 2: A patient referred from a dentist in Whetstone had a failing root canal from years ago. This retreatment is more complex. We removed the old filling material, disinfected the canals, and sealed them. The patient was pain free within a week and the tooth was saved. After a few weeks, you return to your general dentist to have a permanent crown placed to protect the tooth long term.

After treatment you may feel some tenderness for two to four days, which you can manage with over the counter pain relief. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is fitted. Your tooth might feel different, but severe pain should not occur. You can brush and floss as normal, just be gentle around the area. Red flags requiring immediate contact include increasing or severe pain after day three, swelling that spreads to the face, a fever above 38°C, or an allergic reaction to medication. Office hours are Mon, Wed, Fri 9 to 5 and Tue, Thu 11 to 7. For out of hours emergencies that are severe, go to A and E or call 111 for advice.

The only true alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. This removes the infection but can cause surrounding teeth to shift and jawbone loss over time. If you choose extraction, we discuss replacement options. A dental implant is a long term solution offering a permanent, stable replacement that functions like a natural tooth, though it has a higher initial cost and involves a surgical procedure. A fixed bridge is another option; it is faster but requires trimming the adjacent healthy teeth for support. Our approach is to save the natural tooth whenever possible since it often yields the best long term dental health.

To make an informed choice for your care whether with us or another practice in North London, here are key questions to ask: Do you use a dental microscope and 3D CBCT scanning for all root canal cases? What is your success rate for this procedure? What postgraduate qualifications in endodontics do you hold? Will the treatment be completed in one visit or multiple? What are the full costs, including the consultation and any scans? What are the risks if I delay this treatment? After treatment, will I need to see you again or return to my general dentist for the final crown?