Expert Endodontic Therapy for West Finchley Patients

Endodontic therapy, also called root canal treatment, is needed when the soft tissue inside the tooth pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Seek an assessment with severe toothache, especially pain that wakes you at night, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, or a tooth that darkens or becomes discoloured. Other signs include tenderness when chewing or a small pimple-like bump on the gums near the painful tooth. Ignoring these symptoms may lead to an abscess or tooth loss, so prompt assessment is important.

First, a 60-minute consultation uses digital imaging and a 3D CBCT scan to map the tooth's root structure. The procedure takes place in a single visit lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Local anaesthetic ensures no pain, and a dental operating microscope helps locate and clean the infected canals. This magnification helps find and treat small branches. Next, we shape and disinfect the canals before sealing with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Finally, we place a temporary filling. A permanent crown from your general dentist protects the tooth long term.

After treatment, expect some tenderness for 2-3 days, usually manageable with ibuprofen. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until a permanent restoration is placed. For the first 24 hours, choose soft foods such as soup, yoghurt, and smoothies. Brush your teeth as normal, but be gentle around the treated area. Keep the tooth clean to support healing. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice during office hours (Mon Wed Fri 9-5, Tue Thu 11-7) if you experience severe, increasing pain after day 3, visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, an allergic reaction to medication, or if the temporary filling comes out. For after hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

An alternative to endodontic therapy is tooth extraction. If the tooth is too damaged to save, we keep your natural teeth whenever possible. If extraction is chosen, you should consider a replacement to stop others from shifting. Options include a dental implant, a titanium post that replaces the tooth root, or a fixed bridge supported by adjacent teeth. Each option has its timelines, costs, and maintenance needs. For borderline cases, a wait and see approach is sometimes used, but this carries the risk of infection worsening.

A patient with throbbing pain in an upper molar came to us. A 3D CBCT revealed a hidden fourth canal missed in a previous attempt. Using the operating microscope at high magnification, Dr. Reddy located, cleaned, and sealed the difficult canal. The retreatment took 90 minutes, with pain relief within 48 hours. This case shows how technology supports success rates above 90 percent.

A 28-year-old from the area had a discoloured front tooth from a childhood accident. We performed endodontic therapy to resolve the infection, followed by internal whitening to restore the shade. The tooth was preserved, avoiding extraction and implant. The treatment was completed in a single visit, reflecting our focus on efficient, tooth-preserving care.

Being a private practice, we do not offer NHS treatment. The price for endodontic therapy depends on the tooth's complexity and position, with molars costing more than front teeth. We quote after a full assessment and a 3D scan. Fees are transparent with no hidden charges and reflect the technology and expertise involved. We accept private dental insurance from plans such as Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please have policy details ready when you call so we can explain coverage.

To decide what suits you, ask these questions at any practice in North London. What is the success rate for this procedure? Do you use a dental microscope and 3D CBCT for diagnosis and treatment? What postgraduate qualifications do you hold in endodontics? What are the total costs, including consultation, scan, and treatment? What are the risks and what happens if the treatment fails? Will a crown be needed afterwards and is that included in the price?