Apicectomy Costs in West Finchley: A Guide to the Procedure

An apicectomy or root-end surgery is usually a last attempt to save a natural tooth after a failed root canal treatment. You might need it if a 3D CBCT scan shows a persistent infection, a cyst, or inflammation at the root tip. It’s also used when retreatment isn’t possible because a crown or post cannot be removed. The goal is to remove the infected tip and seal the end to prevent relapse, keeping your tooth for years. Many patients from West Finchley come to us for this reason.

The process starts with a 60 minute consultation and a 3D CBCT scan to map the root anatomy. The surgery lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. We begin by numbing the area with local anaesthetic. A small gum incision allows access to the root tip. Using a dental operating microscope for high magnification, we remove the infected tissue and the last part of the root tip. The end of the root canal is cleaned and sealed with a small filling. Finally, the gum is stitched closed. A recent West Finchley patient had an upper molar problem after a root canal elsewhere. The scan revealed a hidden canal, which we fixed with an apicectomy, saving the tooth and the crown.

Recovery is usually straightforward. In the first 24 to 48 hours you may see some swelling and mild discomfort, which you can manage with over the counter pain relief and an ice pack on the cheek for 20 minutes at a time. Eat soft foods for a few days and avoid chewing on the treated side. Try to avoid strenuous activity for the first 48 hours. Most people can return to work the next day. Stitches are usually removed after a week. Red flags to call during office hours are severe or increasing pain after day 3, swelling that worsens after 72 hours, a fever above 38°C, or ongoing bleeding from the site. For emergencies outside these hours, call 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

The price depends on the tooth location and how complex it is. Front teeth are typically less complex than molars. As a private practice, we provide a detailed treatment plan with no hidden fees after your initial consultation and 3D scan. The quote covers the surgery, all imaging, and follow-up visits. We are private and do not offer NHS services, but we accept major private plans such as Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. Please bring your insurer details to the consultation so we can confirm coverage.

When a root canal fails, two main alternatives exist. The first is retreatment, redoing the original canal. This can work if the initial treatment was flawed, but it isn’t always possible. The second option is tooth extraction. That is the simplest and cheapest upfront choice, but it leaves a gap. Replacing the missing tooth with an implant or bridge involves higher cost and time. Our aim is to save the natural tooth whenever possible, and an apicectomy has a high success rate of over 90 percent.

To decide on your treatment, whether with us or another practice serving West Finchley, here are important questions to ask: What is your success rate with apicectomy? Do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT planning? What is included in the quoted price and does it cover follow-up visits? What are the specific risks in my case? Who performs the procedure and what is their experience with apicectomies? What are the costs of alternatives such as extraction and an implant?