Apicoectomy Costs in Finchley: A Guide to Pricing & Procedure

The price varies. Several factors determine the final fee. The location of the tooth matters most; front teeth are easier to access and usually cheaper than back teeth, which have multiple roots. The root structure complexity and the infection extent also play a role. For example, a patient from North Finchley needed an apicoectomy on a molar with a persistent infection near a nerve. The procedure required careful work with a dental operating microscope, and the total cost reflected that complexity. Your fee is confirmed after a thorough consultation and a 3D CBCT scan, which lets us see the problem precisely before surgery.

An apicoectomy saves a tooth that would otherwise be extracted. You need this treatment if a previous root canal has failed and causes pain or swelling. It is also the recommended solution when a persistent infection or a cyst forms at the root tip that a standard root canal cannot resolve. Sometimes the anatomy of the root canals is too complex or narrow for retreatment to be successful. In these cases, surgically accessing the root tip is the only way to clean and seal the area properly. If you have ongoing problems with a root-treated tooth, a consultation at our Finchley practice will determine if an apicoectomy is the right step for you.

First, you will have a 60-minute consultation including a 3D CBCT scan to plan the surgery. The procedure itself, done under local anaesthetic, typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. We make a small gum incision to reach the infected root tip. Next, we remove the very end of the root and clean away infected tissue. We use a dental operating microscope for high magnification to ensure no infected tissue remains. Then a small filling is placed to seal the end of the root canal. Finally the gum is stitched back. Most patients feel pressure but no pain during the treatment. A Barnet patient was anxious but found the procedure much more comfortable than expected, and the surgery removed a cyst causing discomfort for months.

Recovery is generally straightforward. For the first 24-48 hours expect swelling and mild discomfort. Use an ice pack on the cheek for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, and take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Eat soft foods for a few days like soup, yogurt, and smoothies. Avoid vigorous rinsing and brushing the surgical area until your follow-up appointment, which is usually 5-7 days later to remove stitches. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe, increasing pain after day 3, uncontrolled bleeding, or a fever above 38°C. For emergencies outside these hours, please call 111 or visit the nearest A&E.

Before proceeding with surgery, it's good to know your options. Root Canal Retreatment: sometimes it is possible to remove the old filling, clean the canals again, and refill them. This is less invasive than surgery but may not be possible if there's a post in the tooth or a complex blockage. Extraction: removing the tooth is another option. This is simpler and cheaper initially, but you will need a replacement like a dental implant or bridge to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting. An implant is a long-term investment, so saving your natural tooth with an apicoectomy often proves more economical in the long run. We discuss the pros and cons of each option based on your clinical picture.

To make an informed choice, consider these essential questions for any provider, whether at our Finchley practice or elsewhere. What is your experience with this specific procedure, especially on a tooth like mine? Does the quoted price include the consultation, 3D CBCT scan, the surgery itself, and all follow-up appointments? What is the success rate for this procedure in your hands? What are the specific risks in my case? Why is an apicoectomy a better option for me than root canal retreatment or extraction and an implant? What technology, like an operating microscope, will be used to improve the outcome?

As a dedicated endodontic practice in Finchley, we present clear costs. Apicoectomy fees start from £950 for an anterior tooth and up to £1,500 for a complex molar. This includes the initial surgical consultation and 3D CBCT scan, the procedure itself with a dental operating microscope, and all follow-up care including stitch removal. There are no hidden fees. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS services, but we accept major private insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact us with your policy details, and we can help you understand your coverage.