Root Canal Treatment Referrals in Finchley

General dentists perform many root canals successfully, but patients are referred to our Finchley practice for several reasons. A referral happens when the tooth has a particularly complex root structure, such as curved or very narrow canals that are difficult to clean. Another reason is retreatment of a previous root canal that has failed. We use dental operating microscopes with up to 25x magnification, letting us see details invisible to the naked eye. This technology, along with 3D CBCT scanning, is often essential for diagnosing and treating challenging cases and for protecting the long term health of your tooth.

A patient from a nearby Finchley practice arrived with persistent pain in an upper molar. The dentist suspected an untreated canal. Our 3D CBCT scan confirmed a fourth, very narrow canal (an MB2 canal) that is often missed without microscopic equipment. We located, cleaned, and sealed the canal in a single 90 minute appointment, and the patient’s pain resolved.

Your visit is designed to feel smooth and reassuring. First, you attend a 60 minute consultation. We review notes from the referring dentist, conduct our own examination, and take any necessary digital images or 3D scans. We explain the findings and the proposed treatment, and provide a clear cost breakdown. The treatment itself is often completed in a single visit lasting 60 to 90 minutes, performed under local anaesthetic so you do not feel pain. After the procedure, we send a full report back to your dentist and you return to them for the final restoration, such as a crown.

After your treatment you may feel some tenderness for a few days as the area heals. This is usually managed with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. For the first 24 to 48 hours, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Continue your regular brushing and flossing, but be gentle around the treated tooth. It is important to attend the follow up appointment with your own dentist to place the permanent filling or crown, which protects the tooth long term. Red flags call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7): - Severe, increasing pain that does not subside after day 3 - Visible swelling inside or outside your mouth - The temporary filling comes out - An allergic reaction to medication

Our main aim is to save a natural tooth because it supports long term oral health. If a tooth is non-restorable or you choose not to proceed, the main alternative is extraction. If a tooth comes out, consider a replacement to prevent nearby teeth from shifting. Options include a dental implant, which replaces the tooth root with a titanium post, or a fixed bridge supported by neighboring teeth. During your consultation we discuss the pros and cons of each option for your situation.

Being referred for treatment brings questions. To feel confident in your care, whether with us or another practice in Finchley, consider asking: the reason for the referral, what technology will be used such as microscopes or 3D scanning, the expected success rate for this procedure, how many visits are required, full costs and what is included, how you will be kept informed after the treatment, and whether private dental insurance like Denplan or Cigna is accepted.

A patient from Muswell Hill was referred for retreatment of a lower premolar that had a root canal 10 years earlier and now caused a dull ache. The operating microscope helped locate and disinfect the canals. We found a vertical fracture that caused the failure. Retreating was not an option due to the fracture, but we provided a definitive diagnosis so the patient could proceed with extraction and an implant with their own dentist.

As a private practice limited to endodontics, we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of a root canal depends on the complexity of the case and the tooth involved. After the initial consultation and diagnosis, we provide a detailed treatment plan with all costs clearly listed. There are no hidden fees. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your first appointment so we can explain your coverage.