Expert Root Canal Treatment for Finchley Central Patients

Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp inside the tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip. Seek an assessment if you have persistent severe toothache, especially when chewing or pressing on the tooth, long lasting sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, tooth colour change, or swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Some infections show no symptoms but appear on a dental X-ray. Our goal is to resolve the infection, relieve your pain, and save your natural tooth from extraction.

Understanding the process helps reduce anxiety. First, we hold a 60 minute consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the problem accurately. Next, the treatment appointment lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. We numb the area with local anaesthetic and place a rubber dam to isolate the tooth. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to locate, clean, and shape the root canals and remove infected tissue. Finally, the canals are sealed to prevent reinfection. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain. After treatment, you return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth long term.

A recent patient from Finchley Central arrived with intense, throbbing pain in a lower molar. The 3D scan showed an acute infection. We treated him the same day with a 90 minute root canal procedure. The microscope helped Dr. Reddy locate a narrow curved canal that might have been missed, resulting in a successful outcome. He was pain-free the next morning. Another case involved a patient from a nearby area who had a root canal years earlier that failed. We performed a complex retreatment, carefully removing the old filling material and disinfecting the canals, saving a tooth that would otherwise have been extracted.

After the procedure you will have tenderness for a few days while the area heals. Days 1-3: Discomfort is typically mild to moderate and is relieved with over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Do not chew on the treated tooth until a permanent restoration is in place. Choose softer foods like pasta, eggs, and soup. Week 1: Any initial sensitivity should subside. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing gently around the area. Red Flags: Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe, increasing pain not controlled by painkillers, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, an allergic reaction to medication, or if your temporary filling falls out. For emergencies outside these hours, visit A&E or call 111.

Our aim is to save the natural tooth whenever possible. The main alternative is tooth extraction. After extraction the missing tooth would need to be replaced with an implant, a fixed bridge, or a removable denture to restore function and prevent shifting of adjacent teeth. Extraction is less desirable because it is more invasive and often leads to higher long term costs than saving the tooth. In rare asymptomatic cases watchful waiting is an option, but this carries a significant risk of the infection spreading and causing a dental emergency.

To help you choose your care, here are essential questions to ask any dentist in Finchley. First, do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT for root canal work? What is your success rate for this treatment? Studies show success rates between 85 and 95 percent. Does the dentist hold postgraduate qualifications in endodontics such as an MSc? What is included in the quoted fee, including consultation, X rays, and the procedure? What happens if the treatment fails and what are the next steps? Will I need a crown after the procedure and is that a separate cost?

As a private practice, we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case and which tooth is affected (molars have more canals and are more difficult to treat than front teeth). Following your initial consultation and 3D scan, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan and a full breakdown of costs with no hidden fees. This ensures you understand the investment required to save your tooth. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Our team can assist you with the necessary paperwork for your insurance claim.