Advanced Root Canal Treatment for West Finchley Patients

If you notice signs of an infection inside a tooth, you may need a root canal. The aim is to clear the infection and keep your tooth instead of removing it. Look for a toothache that is intense and lasts, especially when you lie down, plus lasting heat or cold sensitivity. A tooth stain or discoloration can appear. Swollen or tender gums near the problem tooth or a small pimple on the gum may signal an abscess. If any of these show up, book an assessment soon to stop the infection from spreading.

We explain every step so you know what to expect. First, a 60 minute consultation with digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan helps pinpoint the problem. The procedure uses local anaesthetic and usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to clean and shape the canals and remove infected tissue. The canals are disinfected and sealed to stop reinfection. For instance, a West Finchley patient had a molar reinfected after a prior treatment. Our 3D scan showed a missed canal, which we located and treated with the microscope, saving the tooth. Finally, you return to your general dentist for a permanent crown to protect the treated tooth.

Post treatment care is simple. In the first one to three days you may have mild to moderate tenderness. Use standard pain relief as needed. Do not chew on the treated tooth until the crown is in place. The tooth may feel odd for a while, but the feeling fades. Keep up gentle brushing and flossing. Contact us during office hours if you have severe or increasing pain after day three, swelling that spreads to the face, fever, or if the temporary filling falls out. For after hours emergencies call 111 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Our aim is to save natural teeth whenever possible. Sometimes an alternative is needed. The main option is tooth extraction. While removing the tooth ends the infection, it leaves a gap that can lead to bone loss and shifting of neighboring teeth. After extraction, a replacement is usually placed such as a dental implant or a fixed bridge. An implant acts as a replacement root but involves surgery and a higher upfront cost (from £2,500). A bridge is quicker but requires crowning the healthy teeth on either side. We will discuss the pros and cons of each option based on your clinical situation and long term goals.

To choose what fits best, ask these questions during your consultation, whether with us or another North London practice. Ask about the success rate for this procedure on this tooth, whether you use a dental operating microscope for all root canal treatments, the full costs including consultation, 3D scan, and treatment, options if this treatment fails, and what postgraduate training you have in endodontics. A good provider will answer these questions in detail.

As a fully private service, we do not offer NHS care. The cost varies with case complexity and which tooth is treated. For example a front tooth is cheaper than a large molar with many canals. After your initial consultation and 3D scan we provide a detailed treatment plan and a full cost breakdown with no hidden fees. A past patient needed retreatment on a molar which took 90 minutes. The clear upfront quote helped him plan his finances. We accept private insurance plans including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. Let our team know if you have cover so we can help with the paperwork.