Root Canal Treatment in Finchley | Advanced Endodontic Care

You should consider root canal treatment when signs point to infection inside the tooth pulp. It is often the only option besides extracting the tooth. Book an assessment if you have severe toothache, especially when you chew or lie down, or if heat or cold triggers lingering pain. Other clear signs include a darkened or discolored tooth, tender or swollen gums near the affected tooth, or a small persistent bump on the gum indicating an abscess. If you are in Finchley, we offer same day appointments during office hours to diagnose and relieve the problem.

First you attend a 45 minute consultation where we use digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the infection. We explain the findings and provide a clear cost breakdown. The treatment itself is usually completed in a single visit of about 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy will numb the area with local anaesthetic and then use a dental operating microscope to thoroughly clean and disinfect the canals of the tooth. After cleaning, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed. About two weeks later you return for a 45 minute appointment to fit a permanent crown that protects the tooth and restores full function. The success rate for primary root canal treatment is typically 85 to 95 percent.

After treatment you may feel mild to moderate tenderness for two to four days. Over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen can help. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the crown is placed. You can brush and floss as usual, but be gentle around the area. Case example one describes a patient from East Finchley with severe front tooth pain. The procedure took 60 minutes and she had only mild tenderness for two days, managed with paracetamol. The tooth was saved. If you experience severe or increasing pain after day three, visible swelling, an allergic reaction to medication, or a loose temporary filling, contact us during office hours. For emergencies outside these hours call 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

The main alternative to root canal treatment is pulling the tooth. Extraction is often quicker and initially cheaper, but it creates a gap that can cause surrounding teeth to shift and affect your bite and smile. Replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant or bridge is the long term solution, but it involves more procedures and higher costs, with implants starting from £2,500. Our practice philosophy is to save a natural tooth whenever possible. A successfully treated tooth can last a lifetime with good care, making it the most conservative and often most cost effective option over time. We discuss all options with you, but saving your own tooth is usually the best choice.

The cost of private root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case and which tooth needs treatment. Molars have more canals and are harder to treat than front teeth, which affects the final fee. During your initial consultation we provide a clear quote with no hidden fees. The fee covers all diagnostic scans, the procedure itself, and follow up checks. The final crown is a separate cost. As a private only practice we do not offer NHS treatment. We do accept several major dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Let our team know if you have coverage so we can help with the paperwork.

To make an informed choice about your care whether with us or another practice in North London you should ask several key questions. What is your success rate with this type of procedure? Do you use a dental microscope for all root canal treatments? What postgraduate qualifications in endodontics do you hold? Does the quoted fee include the final restoration like a crown? What are the risks if I wait and not have the treatment? What pain management options are available during and after the procedure? Asking these questions helps ensure you receive high quality care. Case example two describes a patient referred from Barnet for a failing root canal on a molar. Using our 3D CBCT scanner Dr. Reddy found a missed canal. The retreatment took 90 minutes under the microscope. The patient is now pain free and the tooth was saved from extraction.