3D-Guided Apicoectomy for Patients in North Finchley

An apicoectomy or root end surgery is usually recommended when a standard root canal has failed and retreatment is not an option. It serves as the last resort to save a tooth that would otherwise be removed. You might need this procedure if you have a persistent infection after a root canal, often visible on an x ray as a small shadow at the root tip. It is also suitable for treating cysts or structural issues like a blocked or curved canal that prevented the original treatment from working fully. Our 3D CBCT scan will confirm if an apicoectomy fits your case.

Your treatment is planned with careful precision. First you will have a 30 minute consultation during which we take a 3D CBCT scan. This detailed image helps us locate the source of infection and plan the surgery. The actual procedure takes between 60 and 90 minutes. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic so you should not feel pain. Then a small gum incision is made to access the root tip. Dr. Reddy uses a dental operating microscope to remove infected tissue and the end portion of the root. The canal is sealed with a small retrograde filling to prevent reinfection. Finally the gum is closed with stitches and you return 7 to 10 days later for a quick follow up to have the sutures removed.

Postoperative care is simple but important for healing. In the first 24 to 48 hours you may notice swelling and some discomfort. We provide a detailed aftercare plan. In the first days you can manage mild to moderate pain with over the counter medicines such as ibuprofen. Use an ice pack on the cheek for short periods to reduce swelling. Eat soft foods like soups smoothies and yogurt. Avoid vigorous rinsing spitting or using a straw. Over the coming weeks the pain and swelling should ease. You can return to a normal diet but avoid chewing on the surgical site. Attend your follow up appointment for suture removal. If you notice severe pain that does not respond to pain relief persistent bleeding or a fever contact us during office hours.

A 3D guided apicoectomy has a high success rate often above ninety percent, yet other options exist. Root canal retreatment may let you redo the original canal from inside the tooth, though this depends on the equipment and anatomy. Tooth extraction is another option for cases where restoration is not possible. The missing tooth would need replacement with a dental implant or a bridge to restore function and prevent shifting of nearby teeth. Our preference is always to save your natural tooth when feasible, as this tends to offer the best long term outcome.

To decide what fits you best, consider these questions for any provider serving North Finchley. What is your success rate with apicoectomies? Do you use a 3D CBCT scanner and a dental microscope for this procedure? What risks apply to my case based on my scan? What material is used to seal the root end? What is the total cost including the scan and follow up visits? Who performs the surgery and what is their experience with this specific procedure? Dr. Ashok Reddy holds an MSc in Endodontics with more than 20 years of experience in complex root canal treatments, so you are in capable hands.