Expert Treatment for Tooth Nerve Pain in East Finchley

Look for signs of an infected tooth nerve. Key indicators include a severe, persistent toothache that worsens when you lie down or eat. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lasts more than a few seconds. A small bump on the gum near the affected tooth, which may be an abscess, or the tooth darkening in color. Swelling in the gums or face is another urgent sign. For example, a patient from North Finchley woke at night with throbbing pain; assessment showed an abscess needing immediate root canal therapy. If you notice these signs in East Finchley, seek evaluation without delay.

Treating an infected tooth nerve follows a precise, comfortable process. First, you have a 45 minute consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT to diagnose. The procedure uses local anaesthetic so you do not feel pain. It lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope with up to 25x magnification to remove infected nerve tissue gently. Then the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, filled with a biocompatible material, and sealed. A temporary filling goes in. We plan a follow-up to place a permanent crown that protects the treated tooth and restores function. The full process from diagnosis to final restoration spans a few weeks to allow healing.

After root canal treatment, expect mild tenderness for 2 to 3 days as the numbness fades. Use over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed. Eat softer foods like pasta, eggs, and yogurt for the first days. You can brush and floss normally, but be gentle around the treated area. Attend the follow-up to place the permanent crown, which is essential for long-term success. Red flags requiring contact: Call our practice during office hours if you experience severe pain not controlled by pain relief, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth that increases after day 3, or if your temporary filling comes out.

While saving the natural tooth is our aim, the main alternative is tooth extraction. Extracting removes the infection and stops the pain but leaves a gap. This gap can cause teeth to shift and may lead to bone loss in the jaw. After an extraction, you would need a replacement such as a dental implant or a bridge to restore function and prevent further issues, which involves additional treatment and cost. In nearly all cases, keeping the natural tooth through root canal treatment, with a success rate of 85-95%, is the healthier and more conservative long-term option. We discuss all options during your consultation.

To make an informed choice about your dental health, here are key questions to ask any provider, whether it is us or another practice in North London. First, ask about experience with root canal treatment and what technology they use, such as microscopes or 3D scanning. You should also ask about the full cost, including the final crown, to avoid surprises. It is wise to ask about the expected recovery time and what signs to watch for. Finally, ask what the long-term prognosis is for the tooth and why they recommend root canal treatment over extraction in your specific case. This will help you feel confident in your decision.

As a private practice, we provide transparent pricing for all endodontic treatments. The cost of root canal treatment depends on the complexity and which tooth is affected. We will provide a detailed, itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees after your initial consultation. It is important to remember that this treatment is often less expensive than extracting a tooth and replacing it with a dental implant. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment so our team can help you understand and process your coverage. For example, a patient from Muswell Hill recently used their Denplan coverage to significantly reduce the out-of-pocket cost for their molar root canal.