Expert Root Canal Treatment for West Finchley Patients

Seek urgent assessment if you notice signs of infection in the tooth pulp. These include a severe, persistent toothache that wakes you at night, or sharp pain when you bite. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts more than a few seconds is another signal. You might also see a small, pimple-like bump on the gum near the painful tooth, tenderness in the surrounding gums, or the tooth itself darkening in color. If you are in the West Finchley area, a prompt evaluation is the first step to relief.

The process begins with a 60 minute consultation where we take digital images and a 3D CBCT scan to fully assess the tooth’s root structure. The treatment is then performed in a single visit lasting 60 to 90 minutes. First, the area is numb with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain. Next, Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to carefully remove infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth. Then the root canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected before being sealed with a biocompatible material. Finally, a temporary filling is placed. The success rate for this procedure is typically between 85 and 95 percent.

A patient from West Finchley recently came to us with intense pain in a molar. Using our dental microscope with up to 25x magnification, we located and treated a tiny fourth canal that is often missed, ensuring a successful outcome and immediate pain relief. In another case, we treated a patient whose previous root canal done elsewhere had failed. A 3D CBCT scan showed a persistent infection, which we resolved through a non-surgical retreatment, saving the tooth from extraction.

After root canal treatment you may feel some tenderness for 2 to 3 days as the area heals. This is usually mild and can be managed with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until a permanent restoration such as a crown is placed. Eat soft foods for the first few days and maintain good oral hygiene by brushing gently around the tooth. Red flags requiring immediate contact include severe, increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling in or around the mouth, fever above 38°C, or a loose temporary filling. For emergencies after hours, visit A&E or call 111.

We always aim to save the natural tooth, but there are times when root canal treatment is not the best option. The main alternative is tooth extraction. This removes the tooth and provides immediate relief from infection but creates a gap. That gap would then need to be restored with a dental implant or a bridge to prevent other teeth from shifting and to restore function. An extraction is usually considered when the tooth is too damaged to be saved. We will discuss the pros and cons of each option based on your specific clinical situation.

To make an informed choice about your dental health, you should ask several important questions of any provider in North London. For example, ask about the procedure’s success rate, whether a dental operating microscope and 3D imaging are used for diagnosis and treatment, and what qualifications or advanced training in endodontics the dentist has. Inquire whether you will need a dental crown after treatment and if that is included in the cost. Also ask about signs of treatment failure to watch for in the long term and what the total costs cover, including consultation, treatment, and follow-up visits.

We are a private dental practice and do not offer NHS services. The cost of root canal treatment varies with case complexity and which tooth is affected, with molars usually more involved than front teeth. After your initial consultation and 3D scan, we provide a detailed treatment plan and a full breakdown of costs with no hidden fees. Our practice accepts several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception team to discuss your specific insurance coverage and payment options.