Root Treatment Appointments for West Finchley Patients

You should book a root treatment appointment if you have signs of an infection. The most common is a severe, persistent toothache that can worsen when you lie down. Another clue is long-lasting sensitivity to hot or cold. You might also see swelling or tenderness in the gums near the tooth, or a small bump on the gum that looks like an abscess. Sometimes the infected tooth darkens. If you notice these symptoms, come in for a prompt assessment at our Finchley practice to relieve pain and save the tooth.

Your treatment is planned for comfort and precision. First, there is a 45 minute initial consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT to diagnose accurately. The procedure usually takes 60-90 minutes in one visit. Dr. Reddy will numb the area with local anesthesia so you feel no pain. He uses a dental operating microscope to remove the infected pulp, clean the canals, and seal them to prevent reinfection. A temporary filling is placed. After a few weeks you return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth. As an example, a West Finchley patient with a painful molar was treated in one 75 minute session and felt only pressure, not pain.

Post care is simple. In the first 1-3 days you may have mild to moderate tenderness, which you can manage with over the counter pain relief. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is fitted. Your bite may feel different for a while, but it should settle. Maintain good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing gently around the area. A root treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper care and a well fitted crown. Call our practice during office hours if you have severe or increasing pain after day 3, swelling, or an allergic reaction to medication. For emergencies outside hours go to A&E or call 111.

Saving the natural tooth is our preference, but options exist. The main one is tooth extraction, which removes the tooth and provides immediate relief from infection but creates a gap. That gap then needs replacement with an implant, a bridge, or a partial denture to restore function and prevent shifting. Extraction is quicker initially, but long term costs and treatment time for replacement are often higher than saving the tooth with a root canal. In rare cases where the infection is minor and the tooth causes no pain, watchful waiting could be an option, though it risks the infection worsening.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another North London practice, consider these questions: What is the success rate for this procedure on this tooth? Do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D scanning for diagnosis and treatment? How many appointments will it take to finish? What are the total costs, including consultation, treatment, and follow-up? What options exist if this root canal fails later? Do you have postgraduate qualifications in endodontics? This was a key question for a patient referred to us from a local dentist in Friern Barnet; knowing Dr. Reddy has an MSc in Endodontics gave them confidence.

As a private practice, NHS treatment isn’t available. The cost depends on case complexity and which tooth is treated. You will receive a full quote after the initial consultation and diagnosis. This ensures there are no hidden charges. We accept private plans such as Denplan, Max Bupa, and Cigna. Please tell our reception if you are covered so we can help with paperwork. Our focus is on high standards of care using advanced technology, reflected in our pricing.