Constant Tooth Pain Treatment in Finchley

Constant tooth pain almost always points to the tooth nerve, or pulp. The common cause is irreversible pulpitis, where the nerve inside the tooth is inflamed and dying from deep decay or trauma. This can lead to an infection with a pocket of pus at the root tip, a dental abscess. The pressure from the abscess causes the intense persistent throbbing pain. The pain often worsens when you lie down due to increased blood flow to the head. Without treatment the infection can spread to the jawbone and surrounding tissues.

Seek treatment immediately if your tooth pain is constant and you have other symptoms. We treat this as an emergency if you have severe throbbing pain that lasts more than a day, pain that wakes you at night, or a persistent ache not relieved by painkillers. Other red flags include a small pimple like swelling on the gum, swelling in the face or jaw, and a foul taste in the mouth. A North Finchley patient recently had a molar that was a dull ache for weeks but suddenly became intense and throbbing. We found an abscess with a 3D CBCT scan and started root canal treatment the same day to relieve pressure and pain.

Your 60 minute emergency visit focuses on getting you out of pain. First we listen to your symptoms and perform a clinical exam. Next we take digital X rays and possibly a 3D CBCT to view the tooth root and surrounding bone to confirm the diagnosis. We then numb the area with local anaesthetic. For an abscess we may need to drain the infection to provide immediate relief. The definitive treatment is usually a root canal, which removes the infected nerve. This process takes about 60 to 90 minutes. We clean and seal the inside of the tooth to prevent reinfection. You leave the appointment much more comfortable.

Days 1-3 after treatment: the intense pain is gone, but you may feel mild tenderness as the anaesthetic wears off and the area heals. This is manageable with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Eat soft foods such as soup, yoghurt, and pasta and avoid chewing on the treated tooth. Week 1: any initial tenderness should be gone. You can resume a normal diet but keep the treated tooth gentle until a final crown is placed. Keep the area clean with mild brushing. Red flags during office hours Mon Wed Fri 9 to 5, Tue Thu 11 to 7: contact us if pain increases after day 3, swelling returns, a fever above 38C, or if the temporary filling feels loose. For emergencies after hours go to A and E or call 111.

We prefer to save natural teeth, but sometimes that is not possible. The main alternative to root canal is tooth extraction. This removes the source of pain and infection but creates a gap in your smile. A gap can let adjacent teeth shift and cause bone loss in the jaw. If extraction is the only option we strongly recommend replacing the tooth with a dental implant or a fixed bridge. An implant is a long term solution that mimics a natural tooth root, while a bridge uses crowns on neighboring teeth to support a false tooth.

To make an informed choice about your care, here are important questions to ask, whether you see us or another Finchley practice: What is the specific diagnosis for my tooth pain? What are the success rates for the recommended treatment such as root canal? What does the total cost include and does it cover the final crown? How many visits will the full treatment take? What are the risks if I delay this treatment? Do you have advanced equipment like dental microscopes or 3D scanning for this procedure? What are my pain management options during and after treatment?

The cost depends on the required procedure. An emergency assessment with X rays has a set fee. Root canal costs vary with complexity and which tooth is affected. We provide a clear breakdown of all costs before starting treatment, with no hidden fees. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services. We do accept private dental insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your appointment so we can help with paperwork.