Saving Your Tooth: Root Canal Therapy in East Finchley

Root canal therapy is needed when the pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This treatment can save a tooth that would otherwise need removal. Seek an assessment if you have persistent tooth pain, especially pain that wakes you at night, long lasting sensitivity to hot or cold, or tenderness and swelling near a specific tooth. Some infections show no symptoms and are found on dental x rays. A darkened tooth is a sign. You may be a good candidate if you want to keep your natural tooth and avoid extraction followed by an implant or bridge.

First, you will have a 45 minute consultation at our Finchley practice. We use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the problem precisely. Then the treatment appointment, usually 60 to 90 minutes, begins with local anaesthetic to numb the area. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to clean and shape the root canals, removing infected tissue. The canals are filled and sealed to prevent re infection. A temporary filling is placed. You will need to return to your general dentist for a permanent restoration, typically a crown, to protect the tooth long term. The whole process is designed to be comfortable and efficient.

You may feel mild tenderness for 2-3 days after the procedure, which you can manage with over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is fitted. You can brush and floss normally, but be gentle around the area. With good oral care and a protective crown, a tooth that had root canal treatment can last a long time. Red flags requiring a call—contact us during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you have severe pain not controlled by medication, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, or if the temporary filling comes out. For after hours, call 111 or visit A&E.

While root canal therapy has a high success rate (85 to 95 percent) and is the preferred option for saving a tooth, the main alternative is extraction. Tooth extraction removes the entire tooth. It is quicker and cheaper at first, but creates a gap that can cause nearby teeth to shift and may lead to bone loss. The gap would then be restored with a dental implant, bridge, or denture, which is a longer process and higher overall cost. Our approach is to save natural teeth whenever possible, and we will explain why root canal therapy is often the better long term solution for your oral health.

The cost depends on case complexity and which tooth is affected. We will provide a clear treatment plan with all costs at your consultation, with no hidden fees. This is a private practice, so NHS treatment is not offered. We do accept private insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your policy details to your appointment; we can help with the claims. Our team will help you understand coverage and payment options.

To decide what is right for you, consider these questions when you speak with us or another practice in East Finchley: Do you use a dental microscope for all root canal procedures? What is your success rate for this treatment? Will I need a crown after treatment and is that included in the cost? How many appointments will the treatment take? What are signs of a failed root canal I should watch for? Based on my diagnosis, what is the long term prognosis for my tooth after treatment?