Apicoectomy Costs and Procedure in Finchley

Private apicoectomy costs in London usually range from £800 to £1,500. The final price depends on the tooth’s location because front teeth are simpler than molars, and on the complexity of the surgery. At our Finchley practice you receive a personal quote after a full consultation that includes a 3D CBCT scan to map the root. The quoted fee typically covers the initial consultation and scan, the surgical procedure performed by an endodontist, and follow up visits to monitor healing. There are no hidden fees. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment; however we accept Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna dental insurance. Please contact us to check your coverage.

An apicoectomy is usually recommended after a root canal fails and retreatment is not possible. You might need this procedure if infection remains in the bone around the root tip, which can show as a bump on the gum or show up on an X ray. It also helps when the root shape makes cleaning the very end of the canal difficult. For example, a patient from North Finchley had a molar with a crown where infection persisted because a tiny side canal near the tip could not be reached. The surgery resolved the issue without removing the crown.

All steps are designed to be comfortable and efficient. You have a 45 minute consultation with a 3D CBCT scan to plan the surgery. The actual surgical appointment lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. We numb the area with local anaesthetic. Then a small gum incision gives access to the root tip. Using a dental operating microscope for magnification, Dr Reddy with an MSc in Endodontics removes the infected tissue and the last few millimetres of the tip. A small retrograde filling is placed to seal the end of the canal. Finally the gum tissue is stitched. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Success rates range from 85 to 95 percent, making it a reliable way to save a natural tooth.

Recovery is usually straightforward. For the first 24 to 48 hours you may have swelling and mild to moderate discomfort, which you manage with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Apply an ice pack to the cheek for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first day to limit swelling. Eat soft foods for a few days and avoid chewing on the treated side. Be gentle when brushing near the area. Stitches come out about 7 days after the surgery. Red flags requiring a call: contact us during office hours if you have severe, increasing pain after day 3, uncontrolled bleeding, fever, or pus at the site. For emergencies outside hours, visit A&E or call 111.

If possible, repeating the original root canal is the first option. This avoids surgery but may not be feasible if a large post or crown blocks access. It involves removing the old filling, cleaning the canals again, and sealing them.

Removing the tooth is the last option. While it solves the infection, it creates a gap that needs a replacement to prevent shifting. This means a dental implant or a bridge, with costs starting from £2,500. Our practice aims to save natural teeth when possible, making apicoectomy a valuable alternative to extraction. A Barnet patient chose apicoectomy to keep their tooth and avoid the longer timeline and higher cost of an implant.

To help you decide for your care whether with us or another practice in North London, ask these questions during your consultation: 1. Does the quoted cost include the 3D CBCT scan and all follow up visits? 2. What is your success rate with this procedure? 3. Do you use a dental operating microscope for apicoectomies? 4. What type of filling material do you use to seal the root end? 5. What are the signs of failure I should watch for long term? 6. Given my case what are the chances a retreatment would work instead? 7. What post graduate training do you have in endodontics?