Root Canal Treatment in East Finchley | Endodontic Practice

If you notice signs of nerve infection, you should seek an urgent assessment. The goal is to remove the infection and save a tooth that would otherwise be extracted. Key signs include a severe, throbbing toothache that worsens when you lie down, or prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers for more than a few seconds. Other indicators are a darkened or discoloured tooth, tender or swollen gums near the problem tooth, or a small persistent pimple on the gum called a sinus tract. If you see any of these signs, a prompt evaluation at our Finchley practice can determine if treatment is needed.

Our process focuses on precision and comfort. First, you have a 60 minute consultation where we use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the problem thoroughly. Next, during the treatment appointment, which typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, the area is numbed with local anaesthetic so you won’t feel pain. Dr. Reddy then uses a dental operating microscope to remove the infected pulp, clean the internal canals, and seal them. After a short healing period, you return to your general dentist to have a permanent crown fitted to protect the tooth. The full process aims to resolve the infection with an 85 to 95 percent chance of success.

After your treatment, it is normal to experience mild to moderate tenderness for 2 to 4 days as the area heals. This is usually manageable with over the counter pain relief like ibuprofen. We recommend avoiding chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is placed. Stick to softer foods for the first few days. It is important to maintain your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing gently around the area. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe or increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling that spreads to your face, a fever, or if your temporary filling comes out. For out of hours emergencies, call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

The main alternative to root canal treatment is extracting the tooth. While extraction is often quicker and cheaper at first, it can lead to long term problems. A missing tooth can cause adjacent teeth to shift, affect your bite, and lead to bone loss in the jaw. Replacing an extracted tooth with a dental implant or bridge is more involved and expensive later. Our practice philosophy is to save natural teeth whenever possible. A successful root canal lets you keep your tooth for a long time with proper care, which is usually the best option for your overall dental health.

To make an informed choice, consider these questions for any provider whether at our practice or another in North London: 1. What are your qualifications and experience with complex root canal cases? 2. Do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT scanning for diagnosis and treatment? 3. What is the expected success rate for this specific tooth? 4. What is the total cost, including the consultation, treatment, and will I need a separate crown? 5. What happens if the treatment fails later? 6. Do you accept private dental insurance plans like Denplan or Cigna?

As a private practice we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of root canal therapy depends on the complexity of the case and which tooth is affected (molars have more canals and are harder to treat). During your consultation, we provide a detailed treatment plan with a full breakdown of costs and no hidden fees. We accept several private insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team helps with any paperwork to claim benefits. A recent patient from Highgate needed a complex retreatment on a molar, removing old filling material. Using the microscope, we found and treated a missed canal, saving the tooth from extraction.