Advanced Root Canal Treatment for North Finchley Patients

Consider root canal treatment if you have symptoms pointing to an infected tooth pulp. The goal is to remove the infection before an abscess forms or the tooth is lost. It is the right choice when you want to save a natural tooth rather than extracting it. Key signs include a severe, persistent toothache, especially when you chew or lie down, and lasting sensitivity to hot or cold. Other signs are a discolored tooth, tender or swollen gums near the affected tooth, or a small pimple on the gum. If you notice these, a prompt assessment at our Finchley practice is advised.

Our approach centers on your comfort and a good result. First, you’ll have a 45 minute consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to map the canals precisely. In the treatment visit, typically 60 to 90 minutes, we numb the area with local anaesthetic. Dr. Reddy then uses a dental operating microscope to clean and shape the canals and remove infected tissue. The canals are filled and sealed to prevent re-infection. A temporary filling goes in, and you’ll return for a permanent restoration, usually a crown, to protect the tooth. The whole process aims to be as painless as possible.

A North Finchley patient presented with a molar that had curved, narrow canals and a general dentist could not handle. Using our 3D CBCT, we identified an extra hidden canal. The dental operating microscope provided magnification up to 25x to access and clean these difficult canals. The treatment finished in a single 90 minute visit, saving the tooth from extraction. The patient felt only pressure, not pain, during the procedure.

Post-treatment care is straightforward. For the first 24-48 hours, you will have mild to moderate tenderness around the treated tooth, which is easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We recommend a soft food diet during this period and avoiding chewing directly on the tooth until its permanent crown is fitted. You should brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the area. Most patients return to their usual activities the next day. It is important to attend your follow-up appointment to have the permanent crown placed, which provides long-term protection for the treated tooth. With proper care, a root-treated tooth can last a lifetime.

While complications are rare, call us during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience any of the following: severe pain that isn’t relieved by medication, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth that increases after 3 days, an allergic reaction to medication, or if your temporary filling comes out. For emergencies outside of our office hours, you should visit A&E or call NHS 111 for guidance.

While our philosophy is to save natural teeth whenever possible, there are alternatives if root canal treatment isn’t suitable or desired. The primary alternative is tooth extraction. However, leaving a gap can cause surrounding teeth to shift and may affect your bite and ability to chew. Therefore, if a tooth is extracted, we recommend replacing it. A dental implant is the most durable replacement, offering a permanent, fixed solution that functions like a natural tooth. Another option is a fixed dental bridge, which uses adjacent teeth as anchors for a false tooth. We will discuss the pros, cons, timelines, and costs of all options with you.

To make an informed choice about your care, here are essential questions to ask any provider, whether it is us or another practice in North London. What is your success rate for this type of procedure? (Success rates are typically 85-95%). Do you use a dental microscope for all root canal treatments? Will I need a crown after the treatment, and is that cost included in the quote? How many appointments will be required to complete the treatment? What are the risks if I choose to wait and not have the treatment? What are your qualifications and experience with complex cases like mine?

As a private practice, we do not offer NHS services. The cost for root canal treatment depends on the complexity and which tooth is affected (molars are more complex). Prices typically start from £850. This fee includes the detailed consultation, 3D CBCT scan, the procedure itself, and all follow-up checks. The cost of the final crown is separate and will be quoted clearly. We believe in full transparency with no hidden fees. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception to discuss your specific plan and coverage.