Expert Root Canal Treatment for North Finchley Patients

Assessments are advised if you notice signs of infection inside the tooth pulp. This includes a severe, throbbing toothache, especially when lying down, or long-lasting sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli. Other signs are a discolored tooth, tenderness when chewing, or swelling near the gums. Sometimes a small bump on the gum line signals an abscess. If you see any of these signs, seek an evaluation promptly to determine if the tooth is likely to be saved.

Understanding the process helps ease anxiety. First, you have a 60-minute consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the problem thoroughly. The treatment itself, at a second appointment, typically lasts 60-90 minutes. We numb the area with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain. Next, Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to access the infected pulp, clean the root canals, and seal them to prevent reinfection. Finally, a temporary filling is placed. After a few weeks you return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth long term. Success rates range from 85 to 95 percent, which shows this approach to saving a natural tooth is highly effective.

Post-treatment care is straightforward. For the first 1-3 days expect mild to moderate tenderness, which is easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has its permanent crown. Eat softer foods at first. You can brush normally, but be gentle around the treated area. The discomfort should decrease after day three. It is important to attend your follow-up appointment for the permanent restoration, as this is essential for the tooth's long-term health. If you experience severe pain that does not improve, significant swelling, or a fever, contact our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For emergencies outside these hours call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

While our philosophy is to save natural teeth, there is one main alternative if a tooth cannot be saved or if you choose not to proceed: extraction. Extracting the tooth resolves the infection and pain but leaves a gap. This can cause adjacent teeth to shift and may lead to bone loss in the jaw. Therefore, we typically discuss replacing the extracted tooth with either a dental implant or a fixed bridge. An implant is a standalone solution that does not affect other teeth, while a bridge requires altering healthy teeth. We review the pros and cons of all options with you.

Our practice is limited to endodontics, focusing on the highest standard of root canal care. Dr. Ashok Reddy (GDC: 85978) has over 20 years of experience and holds a postgraduate MSc in Endodontics from the University of Manchester. We use advanced technology not always found in general practices, like 3D CBCT scanning and dental operating microscopes, which provide up to 25x magnification for extreme precision. This helps us find and treat complex canal anatomy, greatly increasing the chance of success. For example, a recent patient from North Finchley with a complex molar infection was treated in one visit because the microscope let us navigate a narrow, curved canal that might otherwise have been missed. Another patient with a previously failed root canal was able to save their tooth through microsurgical retreatment, avoiding extraction.

To make an informed choice for your health, ask key questions whether you consult with us or another practice in the North Finchley area. Inquire about experience with complex cases like yours and what success rate they typically see. Ask if they use a dental operating microscope and rubber dam for all procedures, as this is the standard of care. Request a full breakdown of the cost, clarifying if it includes the consultation, scans, and the treatment itself but not the final crown. Finally, ask what happens if the treatment fails and what follow-up care is provided.