Expert Root Canal Treatment in Finchley Central

Get an assessment if you have persistent symptoms indicating infection deep in the tooth. Root canal treatment is usually the best way to save a tooth with a severe infection. Signs include a severe throbbing toothache that gets worse when you lie down, and long-lasting sensitivity to hot or cold. A discoloured tooth turning grey or dark is another warning. You may also see tender or swollen gums or a small bump on the gum near the root, which can be an abscess. We offer same-day appointments during office hours for Finchley Central patients with acute pain.

Process designed for precision and comfort. First, a 60-minute consultation during which Dr. Reddy uses a 3D CBCT scan to map the tooth's root structure for an exact diagnosis and plan. Then, the treatment itself lasts about 60-90 minutes. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to remove infected pulp, clean the canals, and seal them to prevent reinfection. Finally, a temporary filling is placed. After a short healing period, you return to your general dentist to receive a permanent crown for long-term protection. Success rates for this procedure are between 85-95%.

We treat many patients from Finchley Central with various issues. A common case is an infected molar causing severe pain. Using the microscope, we locate and treat all four canals, even those hard to see, resolving the infection in a single 90-minute visit. Another scenario involves failed previous treatment. A patient was referred with persistent discomfort after a root canal done elsewhere years ago. Our 3D scan revealed a missed canal, which we were able to clean and seal, saving a tooth that might otherwise have required extraction.

Post-treatment care is straightforward. For the first 24-48 hours, it's normal to feel some mild to moderate tenderness as the anaesthetic wears off, which is easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We advise you to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is fitted. For the first week, stick to softer foods. You can brush and floss as normal but be gentle around the treated area. Most people return to work or their daily routine the next day. Red flags requiring a call during office hours (Mon, Wed, Fri 9 to 5; Tue, Thu 11 to 7): severe increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, or if the temporary filling feels loose or comes out. For out of hours emergencies, please visit A&E or call 111.

Our approach aims to save the natural tooth whenever possible. The main alternative is tooth extraction. Removing the tooth resolves infection and pain but creates a gap that can cause adjacent teeth to shift and may lead to bone loss. After extraction, the missing tooth needs replacement with a dental implant or a fixed bridge. A bridge requires grinding down adjacent healthy teeth, which we avoid. While extraction might seem cheaper at first, the long term cost of replacement is often higher than saving the tooth with root canal treatment. We will discuss all viable options with you.

To help you choose, here are essential questions to ask any dentist in Finchley. Do you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal procedures? What is your success rate for a tooth like mine? How many appointments will the treatment require? What does the quoted price include, and does it cover the 3D scan and follow-ups? What signs of treatment failure should I watch for in the future? Given your experience, what are the specific challenges with my tooth?

As a dedicated endodontic practice, the price reflects the advanced technology and expertise needed. The cost of root canal treatment varies with case complexity and which tooth is treated. Molars have more canals and are more complex. At the initial consultation we provide a detailed plan with a full breakdown of costs and no hidden fees. Our practice is private and we do not offer NHS services. We do accept private dental insurance from major providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details so we can help with paperwork.