Advanced Tooth Root Treatment for Finchley Central Patients

If you have persistent symptoms, you should seek urgent assessment for root canal treatment. Look for a severe, throbbing toothache that worsens when you lie down, or extreme sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts after the stimulus ends. Other signs include a discoloured or darkened tooth, tender or swollen gums near a specific tooth, or a small pimple-like bump on the gums that can indicate an abscess. Many of our Finchley Central patients come in when the pain is hard to bear. If you notice these signs, a quick evaluation is needed to save the tooth and stop the infection from spreading.

We begin with a 45-minute consultation using digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to diagnose accurately. The procedure, done under local anaesthetic, usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The tooth is first isolated to keep it clean and dry. Then the doctor accesses the inside of the tooth to remove infected pulp tissue. The root canals are cleaned and shaped with a dental operating microscope for clear visibility, which helps when canals are complex. The canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed. A temporary filling is placed, and you will need to return for a permanent crown to protect the tooth long-term. With modern techniques, this feels similar to a regular filling, with pressure but minimal or no pain.

After a root canal, you may feel some tenderness for two to three days as the area heals. This is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is in place, as it can be brittle. You can brush and floss normally, but be gentle around the treated area. Case example: a Finchley Central patient recently had a molar root canal and experienced light sensitivity for two days, then returned to normal eating. Red flags to contact us include severe, increasing pain after day three, swelling inside or outside the mouth, an allergic reaction to medication, or if the temporary filling comes out. Call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For severe emergencies after hours, go to A&E or call 111.

Our aim is to save natural teeth when possible. The main alternative to root canal treatment is tooth extraction. This can be quicker and cheaper at first, but it creates a gap that may lead to shifting teeth or bone loss. To replace the tooth, you might consider a dental implant or a fixed bridge, both more invasive and costly than saving the tooth. During your consultation, we will discuss whether your tooth can be restored. In cases of severe fracture, extraction and an implant may be the more predictable long-term option, and we will explain why.

As a private practice, we provide a detailed, personalised treatment plan with all costs outlined after your initial consultation and diagnosis. The fee for root canal treatment depends on the case and which tooth is affected. Your fee covers the consultation, diagnostic scans such as the 3D CBCT, the procedure itself, and follow-up visits. The cost of the final crown is separate. We accept private dental insurance plans from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and our team can help you with the paperwork to claim benefits. We believe in full transparency with no hidden charges.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another practice in North London, ask these questions. Do you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal procedures? What is your success rate for this treatment? How many appointments does the full process take, including the final crown? What are the costs for the root canal and the crown separately? What experience and postgraduate training do you have in endodontics? Will I need any medication after the treatment? What are the risks if I choose not to have the treatment?