3D-Guided Root-End Surgery in East Finchley

Root-end surgery is not a first-line treatment but is essential when a standard root canal falls short. You are a candidate if the infection persists after root canal treatment, often shown by a pimple-like bump on your gum or ongoing discomfort. It's also suitable when complex anatomy, like a curved root or a blockage from a dental post, makes retreatment impossible. Many patients are referred from across North London when the tooth is at risk of extraction. The goal is to save the natural tooth, and this procedure offers a highly effective way to do so. An in-depth assessment using our 3D CBCT scanner at East Finchley is the first step to confirm this path for you.

The process is precise and planned for accuracy. First, you have a 45-minute consultation including a 3D CBCT scan. The scan creates a map of your tooth roots and surrounding bone. Next, Dr. Reddy uses this model to plan the surgery, sometimes making a custom 3D printed surgical guide that ensures unparalleled accuracy. The procedure lasts 60 to 90 minutes with local anaesthetic, so you feel no pain. Dr. Reddy makes a small gum incision, removes the infected root tip using a dental operating microscope for high magnification, and seals the end of the root canal. Finally, a few small stitches are placed. A follow-up is usually scheduled 7 to 10 days later to check healing.

Recovery from root-end surgery is usually straightforward. In the first 24 to 48 hours expect mild swelling and discomfort, manageable with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Apply an ice pack to the cheek for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to reduce swelling. Eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, and smoothies for the first few days and avoid chewing on the treated side. Keep the area clean by rinsing gently with saltwater after 24 hours. Most patients return to normal activities within two to three days. Red flags: call our practice during office hours if you have increasing pain after day 3, a fever, or persistent bleeding. For emergencies outside these hours, visit your local A and E or call NHS 111.

If an infection persists you have two choices: root-end surgery to save the tooth or extraction to remove it. Tooth extraction with implant or bridge provides a definitive cure but means losing your natural tooth. Replacing it with a dental implant involves a longer, more costly process. A bridge is faster but requires grinding down healthy adjacent teeth, which we try to avoid. Root-end surgery preserves your natural tooth, the preferred biological option. It is less invasive than an implant and often more cost effective. With modern microsurgical apicoectomy, success rates reach 90 to 95 percent, making it a strong long term solution. During your consultation we will give you a clear honest assessment of which option suits your case.

Consider a patient from Highgate with a persistent infection on a molar that already had a crown and post. A standard retreatment was impossible without destroying the crown. We used a 3D CBCT scan to create a surgical guide, allowing an apicoectomy that targeted the infected root tip while avoiding the sinus cavity above. The infection resolved and the crown was saved. Another case involved a 45-year-old from Muswell Hill with a dull ache and a recurring front gum boil years after a root canal. The front tooth looked natural and the patient wanted to avoid extraction and implant. A 3D guided apicoectomy allowed us to clean and seal the root tip through a tiny incision, preserving the tooth and their smile. The procedure took about an hour.

The cost for 3D-guided root-end surgery at our private London practice starts from £950. This fee is comprehensive and includes: the initial consultation and assessment, all necessary 3D CBCT scans for planning, the surgical procedure performed by Dr. Reddy (GDC: 85978), and all follow-up appointments to monitor healing. There are no hidden fees. The final cost depends on the tooth's location and the case complexity, which will be detailed in your personalised treatment plan. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services. We do accept plans from major insurers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please let us know if you have coverage you want to use.

To make an informed choice about your care whether with us or another practice in North London, here are key questions to ask: What is your success rate with this procedure? Do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT scanning for all root-end surgeries? Is the quoted price inclusive of the scan, surgery, and all follow-up visits? What are your qualifications and experience in performing complex endodontic surgeries? What are the specific risks in my case and what are the alternatives if this fails? Do you have a portfolio of similar cases you can show me?