Expert Root Canal Treatment in East Finchley

If you notice clear signs of pulp infection, you should seek an assessment. This includes a severe and lingering toothache, especially when you lie down, long lasting sensitivity to hot or cold, or a tooth that looks darker. You might also feel tenderness when you chew or swelling in nearby gums, sometimes with a small persistent bump that acts like an abscess. If your general dentist has tried a root canal without solving the issue or if your tooth has curved or narrow canals, our practice has the technology needed for a successful outcome, such as 3D CBCT scanning. Root canal success rates for initial treatment are typically high, about 85 to 95 percent.

Your first visit is a 60 minute consultation to diagnose the problem. We use digital imaging and often a 3D CBCT scan to get a complete view of the tooth’s root structure. We explain the findings and present a clear treatment plan. The root canal procedure itself usually takes a single 60 to 90 minute appointment. The area is fully numb with local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure but no pain. Dr. Reddy then uses a dental operating microscope to thoroughly clean and shape the internal canals, removing infected tissue. The canals are disinfected and sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection. A temporary filling is placed and we coordinate with your general dentist for a permanent crown.

A patient from Muswell Hill was referred after a general dentist could not relieve persistent toothache after a root canal. Our 3D CBCT scan showed a small missed canal that caused the ongoing infection. With the help of the high magnification of the operating microscope, Dr. Reddy located and treated this fourth canal during retreatment. The patient’s pain resolved within 48 hours, saving a tooth that might have been extracted.

Post treatment care is simple. For the first one to three days you may feel mild to moderate tenderness, about 3 to 5 on a pain scale, which you can manage with over the counter pain relievers. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is in place. The tooth and surrounding gums may feel different for a few weeks as they heal. Red flags to call us about during office hours are severe or worsening pain after day three, swelling that spreads to the face, fever above 38 C, or a temporary filling coming out. For emergencies outside office hours, go to A and E or call 111.

We aim to save natural teeth whenever possible, but there are alternatives. The main one is tooth extraction. This can be quicker and cheaper initially, but it creates a gap that may cause nearby teeth to shift and can lead to bone loss. The gap then needs a restoration such as a dental implant or a bridge, which carries higher long term costs and more extensive procedures. For borderline cases with minimal symptoms, watchful waiting is an option, but it carries the risk of infection worsening and a possible dental emergency.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another practice in North London, consider these questions: - Do you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal procedures? - What is your success rate for this treatment? - Do you use 3D CBCT scans for diagnosis and planning? - What postgraduate qualifications do you hold in endodontics? - Is the price for the entire treatment or are there separate fees for consultations and scans? - What happens if the treatment is not successful?

We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services. The cost of root canal treatment depends on the case and which tooth is affected, with molars being more complex than front teeth. After your initial consultation and diagnosis, we provide a detailed treatment plan with a full cost breakdown and no hidden fees. We accept several major private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation so we can explain your coverage. Our focus is on high quality care and using technology that supports a strong success rate.