Root Canal Therapy for West Finchley Patients

You may need root canal therapy when you have an infection inside a tooth. It can save a tooth that would otherwise be extracted. Look for signs such as a severe, persistent toothache that can wake you at night, extended sensitivity to hot or cold, or pain when chewing. You should also seek urgent assessment if you notice a small pimple-like bump on the gums, a darkening of a tooth, or tender, swollen gums near the affected area. If you live in West Finchley (N3) and have these symptoms, a prompt evaluation is key to stopping the infection from spreading.

Your first visit lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. We perform a thorough examination with digital X-rays and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose precisely. The treatment itself, under local anaesthetic, takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to remove the infected tissue, clean the canals, and seal them. For example, a recent patient from West Finchley had a complex molar with very narrow canals where the microscope was essential for a successful outcome. After the procedure, you return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth long term.

Expect some tenderness for two to three days after the procedure, manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the crown is placed. Eat soft foods for the first few days. You can brush normally, but be gentle around the treated area. Most people return to work the next day. A root canal can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene. If you experience severe pain that isn’t relieved by medication, visible swelling, or an allergic reaction, call us during office hours. For emergencies outside hours, go to A&E or call 111.

Saving the natural tooth is our goal, but there are alternatives. The main option is tooth extraction. It is quicker and cheaper at first, but it creates a gap that can cause teeth to shift and affect your bite. The gap may need a dental implant or bridge, which involves more surgery and higher long-term costs. For example, removing a tooth might cost a few hundred pounds, while an implant starts from £2,500. In most cases, root canal treatment remains the most conservative and cost-effective way to preserve your tooth and function over your lifetime. At your consultation, we’ll explain why saving your tooth is our preferred approach.

To decide what’s right for you, ask questions during your consultation, whether you see us or another practice in North London. Consider asking how many root canal procedures you perform each year, whether you use a dental microscope and 3D imaging for diagnosis and treatment, the quoted success rate for a tooth like yours, whether the fee covers all scans and follow-ups, and signs of treatment failure to watch for. A recent patient from the N3 area found it helpful to compare outcomes with and without advanced imaging to build confidence in her choice.

As a private practice focused on endodontics, we provide clear cost estimates before treatment. The cost depends on complexity and which tooth is affected; molars are more complex than front teeth. After your initial consultation and 3D scan, you will receive a fixed quote with no hidden fees. We are private-only and do not offer NHS treatment, but we do accept private plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment so our team can assist.