Expert Root Canal Therapy Near Finchley Central

Root canal therapy is needed when the soft tissue inside your tooth, the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. This tends to happen after deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma. Seek an assessment if you have severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, tooth discolouration, or swelling and tenderness in nearby gums. Sometimes a small bump on the gum, an abscess, forms. Sometimes there are no symptoms, but an infection shows up on an X-ray. Our practice uses 3D CBCT scanning for an accurate diagnosis to decide if root canal treatment is the right step for you.

We aim for comfort throughout treatment. First, you have a 45-minute consultation with digital imaging to assess the tooth. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic so you won't feel pain. The procedure typically involves one or two appointments, each lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy will first carefully create a small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp. Using a high-powered dental microscope for enhanced visibility, he will remove the damaged tissue, then clean and disinfect the internal canals. Finally, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent re-infection. A temporary filling is placed, and you will return to your general dentist for a permanent restoration, such as a crown, to protect the tooth long-term.

A patient from Finchley Central presented with intense pain in an upper molar. A standard X-ray was inconclusive. Our 3D CBCT scan revealed a hidden, fourth canal that was infected—a common reason for treatment failure if missed. Using our dental operating microscope, Dr. Reddy located, cleaned, and sealed this tiny canal. The patient's pain was relieved, and the tooth was saved, avoiding a more complex extraction and implant.

After the root canal, the tooth and surrounding gum may feel tender for a few days, especially if there was pain before the procedure. This is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until you have your permanent crown fitted. For the first 24 to 48 hours, stick to softer foods. It is important to maintain your oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing gently around the area. Long-term, with a proper restoration and good care, a root-treated tooth can last a lifetime.

While complications are rare, please call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9 AM to 5 PM, Tue/Thu 11 AM to 7 PM) if you experience severe pain that is not managed by painkillers, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth that increases, or if your temporary filling comes out. For emergencies outside of these hours, please call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

Our philosophy is to save the natural tooth where possible, and root canal therapy has a high success rate, often between 85% and 95%. However, it's not always the only option. The main alternative is tooth extraction. If the tooth is removed, you would then need a replacement to prevent shifting and restore chewing function. Replacement options include a dental implant, which is a permanent screw-in tooth, or a fixed bridge, which is supported by adjacent teeth. While effective, these options are typically more invasive and costly than saving your tooth with root canal therapy. We'll discuss all viable choices with you during your consultation.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another practice in the Finchley area, here are some important questions to ask: What is your success rate with this specific type of tooth (e.g., molar, front tooth)? Do you use a dental microscope for all root canal procedures? How many appointments will the treatment require? What are the total costs, including the consultation, treatment, and any necessary scans? Does this cost include the final crown, or is that separate? What are the risks if I choose not to have the treatment?