Expert Root Canal Treatment for West Finchley Patients

You may need a root canal when tests point to an infection inside the tooth pulp. This treatment is often the alternative to extraction. We recommend a same day assessment at our Finchley practice if you have severe, ongoing toothache, especially if it worsens when you lie down. Other signs include long lasting sensitivity to hot or cold beyond 30 seconds, a discolored tooth, or tender, swollen gums near the affected tooth. Sometimes a small bump on the gum called an abscess appears and requires urgent care.

First, you will have a 60 minute consultation using digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to confirm the diagnosis. The procedure itself, done under local anaesthetic so you feel no pain, typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy removes the infected pulp, cleans the canals with the help of a dental microscope for accuracy, and seals the space to prevent re infection. After the procedure you will need a permanent filling or crown to protect the tooth. The final restoration is usually placed in a separate appointment a few weeks later. The whole process from first visit to final restoration aims to save your tooth with a success rate over 90 percent.

Case study 1: A patient arrived with severe pain in an upper molar. A 3D scan confirmed an infected nerve, and we scheduled a same day emergency root canal. The procedure lasted 90 minutes. He felt pressure but no pain. Within 48 hours the symptoms were gone. The tooth was later restored with a durable crown, and he can now chew without problems.

Case study 2: We treated a patient who had a root canal done elsewhere years ago and it became re infected. Using the dental operating microscope, Dr. Reddy located a small canal that had been missed. The retreatment saved the tooth from extraction and shows how advanced tools help in complex cases.

After treatment you may feel mild tenderness for 2 to 3 days, usually manageable with over the counter pain relief. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has a permanent crown. Eat soft foods for the first few days. Keep up your usual oral hygiene, brushing and flossing gently around the area. Red flags requiring a call: contact our practice during office hours (Mon Wed Fri 9 to 5, Tue Thu 11 to 7) if you have severe pain not relieved by medicine, swelling in or around the mouth, or if your temporary filling comes out. For after hours emergencies call 111.

The main alternative is tooth extraction. Removing the tooth will resolve the infection and pain but creates a gap that can cause other teeth to shift and may lead to bone loss in the jaw. Replacing the extracted tooth with an implant or a bridge is possible but more invasive and costly than saving the natural tooth. Our practice philosophy is to save natural teeth where possible, as it is the best long term solution for your oral health. During your consultation we explain all options so you can decide.

As a private practice we don't offer NHS treatment. The cost of a private root canal treatment depends on the complexity and which tooth is affected (molars are more complex than front teeth). Prices typically start from £750. This fee includes the detailed assessment, 3D imaging, and the root canal procedure itself. The final crown or filling is a separate cost. We provide a full transparent breakdown before starting any work. We accept private dental plans from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and can help you understand your coverage.

To decide what is right for you consider these questions for any practice in West Finchley: Do you use a dental operating microscope for root canals? What is your success rate for this procedure? Is the cost of the final crown included in the quote? How many appointments will the full treatment take? What are the signs that a root canal has failed and what happens then? Based on my tooth what is the long term prognosis after treatment?