Expert Root Canal Treatment for North Finchley Patients

You may need root canal treatment if the soft tissue inside your tooth, the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This happens from deep decay, repeated procedures on the tooth, or a crack. Seek a dentist if you have a severe, persistent toothache that disrupts sleep, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth discoloration, or swollen, tender gums near a specific tooth. Some patients notice a small pimple-like bump on the gums. If you live in North Finchley and observe these signs, we offer same-day emergency appointments during office hours to diagnose and relieve symptoms.

The process aims for comfort. First, you have a 60-minute consultation, including digital imaging and possibly a 3D CBCT scan to inspect the root canals. The treatment itself, performed under local anaesthetic, usually lasts 60-90 minutes. Dr. Reddy removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals, and then fills and seals the space. We use a dental operating microscope for better magnification, enabling us to handle even complex cases with high accuracy. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Afterward, we discuss placing a permanent crown to protect the tooth, which occurs in a separate appointment.

A patient from North Finchley (N12) called with intense pain in an upper molar. An X-ray showed a deep infection. We arranged a same-day appointment. The procedure took 90 minutes using a microscope to navigate the tooth's complex root structure. The patient felt relief after the anaesthetic wore off. The tooth was later restored with a crown, and chewing without pain became possible. The success rate for such procedures is typically between 85 and 95 percent.

A patient was referred after a root canal done elsewhere five years ago failed, causing a persistent, low-grade infection. A 3D CBCT scan showed a missed canal. We performed a retreatment, removing the old filling material, cleaning the missed canal, and resealing the tooth. This saved the tooth from extraction. Our practice handles these complex retreatments with the necessary training and technology.

After the treatment, the tooth and surrounding gums may feel tender for a few days, especially if pain or infection existed before. This is manageable with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. For the first 24-48 hours, avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is permanently restored with a crown. You can brush and floss as normal but be gentle around the area. Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you have severe pain not controlled by medicine, visible swelling, or an allergic reaction. For out-of-hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

The primary alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. While sometimes necessary if the tooth is too damaged to save, we always aim to preserve your natural teeth. After an extraction, you would need a replacement like a dental implant or bridge to prevent shifting. An implant is a permanent solution but involves surgery and a higher cost (from £2,500 plus crown). A bridge is quicker but requires grinding down adjacent healthy teeth. Root canal treatment saves your natural tooth, is less invasive than implant surgery, and often the most cost-effective long-term solution.

To choose what fits you, here are essential questions to ask, whether you speak with us or another practice in North Finchley: 1) What is the success rate of the root canal treatments you perform? 2) Do you use a dental microscope for all procedures? 3) Will I need a crown after the treatment, and is that included in the price? 4) What are the signs that a root canal has failed and what happens then? 5) Who will perform the treatment and what training do they have in endodontics? 6) What are the costs if the treatment is more complex than expected?

As a private practice, NHS treatment is not offered. The cost depends on complexity and which tooth is affected. Prices start from £700 for a front tooth and can reach £1,200 for a complex molar retreatment. This fee covers the full procedure, all necessary X-rays, and local anaesthetic. The cost of a final crown is separate. We provide a detailed treatment plan with all costs clearly broken down before we begin, so there are no hidden fees. We accept private dental insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception to discuss your plan.