3D-Guided Endodontic Surgery for West Finchley Patients

This treatment targets cases where a conventional root canal has failed and retreatment is not possible. You might need 3D guided surgery if infection at the root tip persists, the tooth anatomy is hard to access, or canals are calcified. A common procedure is an apicoectomy, removing the infected tip and sealing it. The 3D guide helps remove only the affected tissue, preserving as much healthy tooth and bone as possible. The British Endodontic Society reports high success rates for modern microsurgical procedures, often above 90 percent.

Planning centers on precision. First, a 60 minute consultation with a high resolution 3D CBCT scan. The scan maps your tooth nerves and surrounding bone. Then we plan the exact path with specialized software and make a custom surgical guide. The procedure lasts about 90 to 120 minutes under local anaesthetic. The guide sits over your teeth and directs instruments to the target, reducing trauma to nearby tissues. Afterward the area is sealed and sutured. Follow up visits monitor healing. Case Example 1: A West Finchley patient had a failed upper molar root canal. The scan showed infection near the sinus. A 3D printed guide let us perform an apicoectomy with micromillimetre accuracy, avoiding the sinus lining and ensuring a safe outcome.

Recovery tends to be faster than with traditional surgery. Days 1 to 3 bring swelling and tenderness, managed with over the counter pain relief. An ice pack for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off helps. Eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, and smoothies. Week 1 discomfort should lessen; you can eat normally but avoid hard foods on the operated side. Keep the area clean by rinsing with warm salt water after meals. Red flags needing immediate contact: increasing pain after day 4, fever above 38 C, or persistent bleeding during office hours. For emergencies after hours go to A and E or call 111.

While 3D guided surgery saves the tooth, other options exist. Non surgical retreatment: re-do the original root canal by removing old filling, cleaning canals, and sealing again. This is less invasive but not possible if canals are blocked. Tooth extraction and dental implant: removing the tooth and replacing with an implant. This is a last resort as our aim is to save natural teeth. An implant starts from £2,500 excluding the crown. An implant is a permanent, stable solution but takes longer and costs more than saving the tooth. Case Example 2: A patient with a complex lower incisor had a heavily calcified canal. Instead of difficult retreatment, a 3D guided apicoectomy offered a direct solution, saving the tooth in a single 90 minute visit.

To decide what is right for you here are key questions to ask whether you choose us or another practice in West Finchley area: Do you use an in house CBCT scanner for planning? What is your experience with guided endodontic surgery specifically? What are the success rates for this procedure in your hands? Is the quoted price inclusive of the CBCT scan, surgical guide, and all follow up visits? What are the specific risks in my case based on the 3D scan? Are there any other alternatives for my tooth besides surgery or extraction?

3D guided endodontic surgery is highly specialised and the price reflects the advanced technology and expertise. Pricing is set after a thorough assessment and 3D CBCT scan. We offer a fully transparent, itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees during your consultation. As a private practice we do not offer NHS treatment. However we accept several major private dental insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our team to discuss your coverage.