3D-Guided Apicoectomy: Saving Teeth in Finchley Central

An apicoectomy, or root end surgery, is usually recommended when a previous root canal treatment has failed and infection remains. It is often the best option when a traditional retreatment isn’t practical or won’t solve the problem. You might be a candidate if you have persistent pain, swelling, or a gum abscess months or years after a root canal. It suits teeth with complex anatomy, such as curved roots or blockages in the canal that stop a standard retreatment. For example, a patient with a crown and post on a front tooth cannot have a retreatment without removing the restoration; an apicoectomy lets us treat the infection while keeping the existing dental work intact. Our 3D CBCT scan will confirm if this procedure suits you.

Our process focuses on precision and comfort. First, you will have a 60 minute consultation with a 3D CBCT scan. This creates a detailed map of your tooth’s root structure, nerves, and the infection, helping us plan the surgery with centimetre level accuracy. The procedure lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. It is done under local anaesthetic, so you should not feel pain. Dr. Reddy makes a small gum incision to reach the root tip. Using a dental operating microscope for high magnification, he removes infected tissue and the last few millimetres of the root tip. Next, the end of the root canal is cleaned and sealed with a biocompatible filling. Finally, the gum is stitched back in place. You return in roughly a week for a quick check-up and to have the stitches removed.

Recovery from an apicoectomy is typically straightforward. In the first 24 to 48 hours there is some swelling and mild discomfort, easily managed with over the counter pain relief and by applying an ice pack to the cheek for 20 minutes at a time. Eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, and smoothies, and avoid chewing on the treated side. Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days. We provide detailed aftercare instructions. Keep the area clean by rinsing gently with saltwater. Seek urgent help for severe or increasing pain after day three, heavy bleeding, or a high fever. Contact our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you have these symptoms. For out of hours emergencies, visit A&E or dial 111.

While an apicoectomy works well, you should know your other options. The main alternatives are root canal retreatment or extraction. Root canal retreatment involves reopening the tooth, removing the old filling material, and re cleaning the canals. It can succeed but is not possible if there is a large post or complex anatomy. This is evaluated at your initial consultation. Extraction removes the tooth. It is simple but creates a gap that can cause neighbouring teeth to shift. The gap then needs to be filled with a dental implant or a bridge, which adds procedures and costs. Our goal is to save a natural tooth whenever possible, since nothing matches your own tooth.

To make a well informed choice, here are key questions to ask any provider, whether at our Finchley practice or elsewhere: What is your success rate with apicoectomies and how many do you perform each year? Do you use a 3D CBCT scanner for planning and a dental microscope during the surgery? Is the quoted price inclusive of the initial consultation, 3D scan, the procedure, and all follow-up visits? Who will perform the procedure, and what postgraduate endodontic training do they have? What are the risks in my case based on the tooth’s location and anatomy? What material do you use to seal the end of the root? Do you accept my dental insurance such as Denplan or Cigna?

An apicoectomy is a complex micro surgical procedure that reflects the advanced technology and skill needed. Prices are provided after a full consultation and a 3D CBCT scan, since complexity varies by the tooth’s location. The quoted fee is fully inclusive, with no hidden costs, covering the consultation, all scans and X rays, the procedure itself, and any follow-up appointments. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment. We do accept private dental insurance plans from providers such as Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our team to discuss your plan and get a personalised treatment estimate.