Book a Root Canal Therapy Appointment in Finchley

You should book an appointment right away if you have signs of a tooth infection. These symptoms show that the nerve inside your tooth is damaged and needs treatment. Don’t delay, as the infection can spread. Key signs include a severe, persistent toothache that worsens when you lie down, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lasts, and swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth. You might also see a small bump on the gum or notice the tooth darkening. We offer same‑day assessments during our office hours to diagnose the problem and relieve your pain.

Your treatment aims to be clear and comfortable. First, you’ll have a 60‑minute consultation with Dr. Ashok Reddy (GDC: 85978), who has an MSc in Endodontics, and he will use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to assess the tooth. Then, during the treatment appointment, which typically lasts 60–90 minutes, the area is numbed with local anesthesia. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to carefully remove the infected pulp, clean the internal canals, and seal them to prevent reinfection. A temporary filling is placed. For example, a recent Finchley patient with an infected molar needed two visits: one to clean the canals and relieve the pain, and a second a week later to place the permanent seal before the final crown. After treatment, you return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth long term.

Post‑treatment care is straightforward. In the first 24 to 72 hours you may have mild tenderness as the anaesthetic wears off and the area heals. Take regular painkillers such as ibuprofen if needed. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final crown is placed. You can brush normally but be gentle around the area. In the long term the tooth should be protected with a permanent crown from your dentist, and you should maintain good oral hygiene. Red flags requiring immediate contact: call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9–5, Tue/Thu 11–7) if you experience severe, increasing pain after day three, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, or a fever above 38 C. For emergencies outside these hours, please visit A&E or call 111.

Our philosophy is to save a natural tooth whenever possible, and root canal treatment has a high success rate. The main alternative is extraction. While faster and cheaper at first, it creates a gap that can cause teeth to shift and bone loss. Replacing the tooth then requires a dental implant or a bridge, which takes longer and costs more. We will discuss whether saving the tooth versus extraction is viable during your consultation so you can decide with full information.

To ensure you receive good care whether you choose us or another practice in North London, being prepared helps. Here are essential questions: What is your success rate for this procedure? How many visits will the treatment take? Do you use a dental microscope for precision? What are the total costs, including the consultation and scans? What happens if the treatment fails? Do you have postgraduate qualifications in endodontics? Asking these questions helps you understand care quality and avoids surprises.

As a private practice, we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of private root canal therapy depends on the complexity of the case, such as whether it is a front tooth, a premolar, or a molar with multiple canals. During your consultation, we provide a detailed treatment plan with a transparent fixed quote and no hidden fees. This quote includes all necessary imaging like 3D CBCT scans. For example, a patient from Barnet required treatment on a complex molar, and upfront pricing helped them plan. We accept major private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and can assist with the paperwork for your claim.