Apicectomy Costs Finchley | A Guide to Endodontic Surgery

An apicectomy is used when a normal root canal cannot fix the problem. It is often the last option before tooth extraction. You may need this if a previous root canal has failed and infection persists, often shown as a small bump on the gum or seen on an X-ray. It is also advised when a cyst or persistent inflammation at the root tip won't heal. If a tooth has a crown and post, an apicectomy can spare removing the restoration and protect your investment. We use a 3D CBCT scan at our Finchley practice to decide if this approach is right for you.

The apicectomy procedure is typically completed in one visit lasting 60-90 minutes. First we ensure you're comfortable by administering a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Next a small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone and the infected root tip. Using a dental operating microscope for high magnification, Dr. Reddy removes the infected tissue along with the last few millimetres of the root tip. A small filling is then placed at the end of the root to seal it, preventing reinfection. Finally the gum tissue is stitched back into place. The entire process is designed to be as painless as possible.

Recovery after an apicectomy is generally straightforward. For the first 24-48 hours you can expect some localised swelling and mild to moderate discomfort, which you can manage with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling. Stick to a soft food diet for a few days and avoid vigorous rinsing or chewing on the affected side. Most patients feel back to normal within a week, with stitches typically being removed or dissolving after 7-10 days. Red flags requiring a call: Contact our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience increasing pain after day 3, uncontrolled bleeding, a fever, or significant swelling. For emergencies outside these hours, please call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

Private apicectomy cost in Finchley starts from £800. The final price depends on the tooth, with molars being more complex than front teeth. Our fee covers the initial 3D CBCT scan, the surgery, and all follow up visits. There are no hidden fees. We are a private only practice and do not offer NHS treatment. We accept several insurance plans including Denplan, Cigna and Max Bupa. Check with your provider to confirm coverage for endodontic surgery. A detailed cost breakdown is given at your consultation.

A patient from East Finchley had a persistent infection on a crowned front tooth. A retreatment could risk damaging the crown. An apicectomy cleared the infection from the root tip and saved both the tooth and the crown in a 75 minute visit. Another patient from Golders Green had a failed root canal on a lower molar with a newly formed cyst. Our 3D scan confirmed the issue and the apicectomy removed the cyst and sealed the root, avoiding extraction and a costly implant.

An apicectomy has a high success rate about 85 to 90 percent. Other options include tooth extraction, which removes the infection but can leave gaps that cause adjacent teeth to shift and require a replacement such as an implant or bridge, increasing time and cost. Another option is a non surgical root canal retreatment, where the original filling is removed and the canals cleaned again. This is often tried before an apicectomy, but may not be possible if there is a post in the tooth.

To help you decide, here are key questions for any provider in North London, including us: What is your success rate with apicectomies? Do you use a dental operating microscope for the procedure? Is the quoted cost inclusive of the 3D scan and all follow up visits? What are the specific risks for the tooth, such as proximity to nerves or sinuses? Why is an apicectomy better for me than extraction or retreatment? What is your experience with this surgery? Dr. Reddy has an MSc in Endodontics and more than 20 years of experience.