Advanced Tooth Root Treatment in Finchley Central

A root canal is needed when the soft tissue inside your tooth, the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen from deep decay, repeated dental procedures, a crack, or an injury. Seek an assessment if you have severe persistent toothache, long lasting sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth discoloration, or swollen gums. Many Finchley Central patients visit us after noticing a pimple like bump on the gums near the painful tooth. That bump signals an abscess that needs urgent attention.

Knowing what to expect helps ease worry. First, you have a 60 minute consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose the issue accurately. Next, during the treatment appointment which lasts 60 to 90 minutes, we give a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to remove the infected pulp, clean the root canals, and seal them. Finally a temporary filling is placed. After a brief healing period you return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the tooth. With an 85 to 95 percent success rate this procedure reliably saves natural teeth.

Post treatment care is simple but important. For the first 1 to 3 days you may have mild to moderate tenderness. This is easily managed with over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side until the permanent crown is fitted. You can brush and floss as normal but be gentle around the area. Watch for warning signs of complications. Call our practice during office hours if you have increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling that spreads, a fever above 38 C, or if your temporary filling falls out. For out of hours emergencies visit A and E or call 111.

A patient from Finchley Central came to us with intense pain in an upper molar. Our 3D scan showed a complex root system with an extra hidden canal that was infected. Using the dental operating microscope, Dr. Reddy located and treated all canals in a single 90 minute visit. The patient reported immediate relief and kept the tooth that might otherwise have needed extraction.

Our goal is to save the natural tooth whenever possible, but there are options. The main alternative is tooth extraction. While this removes the source of infection, it creates a gap that can lead to shifting of other teeth and potential bone loss. The missing tooth would then need to be replaced with a dental implant or a bridge, which takes longer and costs more. In borderline cases, watchful waiting might be an option, but this carries the risk of the infection worsening. We discuss all options openly during your consultation to find the best solution for you.

As a private practice we do not offer NHS treatment. The cost of root canal treatment depends on the complexity of the case and which tooth is affected; molars have more canals and are more difficult to treat. We provide a detailed, transparent quote with no hidden fees after your initial consultation and 3D scan. Our practice accepts private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception team to discuss your plan and coverage.

A patient was referred from another practice in North London after a previous root canal failed. The pain returned after two years. A CBCT scan showed a missed canal and persistent infection. The retreatment took two appointments and involved removing the old filling material, cleaning, and resealing the entire canal system. This more complex case saved the patient’s existing crown and avoided extraction and implant.

To choose what is best for you, ask any dentist in the Finchley Central area a few key questions. Inquire about experience with complex cases like yours and what technology they use, such as microscopes or 3D scanning. Find out the long term success rate for the specific tooth being treated. Request a full breakdown of costs, clarifying if the fee includes the consultation, scans, and the final crown. Finally ask what happens if the treatment fails and what the next steps would be.