A Clear Guide to Apicectomy Costs in East Finchley

The price for an apicectomy at our East Finchley practice is usually between £800 and £1,200. The final amount depends on how complex the tooth is and its position; back teeth are harder to reach and cost more than front teeth. The fee covers the initial visit with 3D CBCT scanning for a precise diagnosis, the surgery performed under a dental operating microscope, and all follow-up visits. There are no hidden charges. We accept private insurance from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and we provide a clear cost breakdown before treatment starts.

An apicectomy is suggested when a previous root canal has not healed and infection remains at the root tip. It suits cases where non-surgical retreatment cannot be done or has failed. For example, a tooth with a large post and crown might fracture if the components are removed for retreatment, so apicectomy helps save the tooth. It also helps treat cysts or curved root canals that could not be cleaned in the first procedure. The aim is to clear the infection while keeping your natural tooth.

The apicectomy is done with a focus on your comfort. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain. The procedure lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy, who has an MSc in Endodontics, makes a small gum incision to reach the infected root tip. Under a high magnification dental microscope, the infected tissue and the end of the root are removed. The root canal is cleaned and sealed with a small filling to prevent reinfection. A few stitches close the incision to help healing. You go home the same day with aftercare instructions.

Recovery is usually straightforward. In the first 24 to 48 hours expect some swelling and mild discomfort, managed with ibuprofen and an ice pack on your cheek. Stick to soft foods for a few days and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day. Gently rinse with saltwater after 24 hours to keep the area clean. Most patients return to work the next day. A follow-up visit occurs about a week later to remove the stitches and check healing. Call during office hours if you experience severe pain that does not improve, excessive bleeding, or a high temperature.

A apicectomy has a high success rate around 85 to 95 percent. It helps you keep your natural tooth. The main alternative is tooth extraction, which removes the tooth and may require a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. Extraction eliminates infection but results in tooth loss and often higher long-term replacement costs. In some cases non-surgical root canal retreatment might be tried first, but retreatment is not feasible in others. We discuss all suitable options with you during your consultation at our Finchley practice.

To make an informed choice, here are some key questions to ask any provider in North London: What is your success rate with this procedure? Does the quoted price include the consultation, 3D scans, and all follow-up visits? Do you use a dental operating microscope for precision? What are the specific risks in my case? How much experience do you have with apicectomies on a tooth like mine? What happens if the procedure fails? Asking these questions will help you feel confident in the care you receive.