Expert Root Canal Treatment in Finchley

Root canal treatment is needed when the soft tissue inside your tooth, the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This happens due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, a crack, or an injury. You should consider an assessment if you have sharp, intense toothache, especially when biting; prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers; tooth discolouration; or swollen, tender gums near a specific tooth. Many Finchley patients visit us after a recurring pimple on the gums signals an abscess. Our goal is to relieve your pain and save your natural tooth from extraction.

First, you have an initial 45-minute consultation with digital X-rays and possibly a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the issue precisely. Next, during the treatment appointment, which typically lasts 60-90 minutes, we provide local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to remove the infected pulp, clean the internal canals, and seal them. Finally, a temporary filling is placed. After a few weeks you return to your general dentist to receive a permanent crown to protect the tooth. For straightforward cases, the full process from consultation to crown readiness is completed in one or two visits.

For the first 24-48 hours, some mild tenderness and sensitivity as the anaesthetic wears off is normal. This is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. We recommend soft foods and avoiding chewing directly on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is fitted. You can brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the area. Case Example 1: A patient from East Finchley had a severely infected molar. Using the microscope helped us locate and treat a hidden fourth canal, supporting a high long-term success rate. He returned to work the next day with only minor discomfort. Red flags requiring attention include severe pain not relieved by medication, swelling inside or outside the mouth that worsens after day 3, or a temporary filling that comes out. Contact us during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For emergencies outside those hours, visit A&E or call 111.

Although our aim is to save the natural tooth, there are options. The main alternative is tooth extraction. This can be quicker and initially less expensive, but it creates a gap that may cause surrounding teeth to shift. The gap then requires a dental implant or a bridge, both of which tend to be more invasive and costly in the long term than saving the original tooth. For a very small number of cases where a previous root canal has failed, a minor surgical procedure called an apicoectomy might be an option. We discuss the pros and cons of every choice with you.

The cost of private root canal treatment depends on the complexity and which tooth is affected, as molars have more canals and are harder to treat. Prices typically range from £650 for a front tooth to £950 for a molar. This fee covers the detailed consultation, all diagnostic 3D scans and X-rays, the procedure itself, and all follow-up checks. It does not include the final crown, which your general dentist provides. We offer complete transparency with no hidden fees. We accept private dental insurance plans from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna and help with the required paperwork. Case Example 2: A patient was referred from a dentist in Golders Green for a failed root canal on a front tooth. The retreatment required specialist tools and took 90 minutes. The final cost was £750, covered by his Denplan policy, saving him from needing an implant.

To make an informed choice about your dental health, whether you visit us or another practice in Finchley, here are important questions to ask: Do you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal procedures? What is your success rate for this type of procedure? How many appointments will the treatment take? Does the quoted fee include all necessary X-rays and scans? What are the risks if I delay this treatment? Will I need a crown afterwards, and is that a separate cost? What postgraduate training do you have in endodontics?