Apicoectomy Costs and Procedure in North Finchley

An apicoectomy is not a first line treatment. It is advised when a standard root canal has failed but the tooth remains worth saving. You may need it if infection or inflammation stays at the root tip after previous treatment. This can happen due to complex root anatomy, such as tiny curved canals that are hard to clean, or a cyst at the root tip. We confirm the need with a 3D CBCT scan, which shows the tooth’s root structure and the surrounding bone in detail to ensure it is the right choice for you.

First you have a 60 minute consultation with the 3D CBCT scan to plan the surgery. The procedure itself usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes and is done under local anaesthetic so you are comfortable and pain free. Dr. Reddy will create a small gum incision to reach the infected root tip. Using a dental operating microscope for high magnification, about 3 mm of the root tip is removed along with any infected tissue. The end of the root canal is then cleaned and sealed with a small, biocompatible filling. Finally the gum is closed with sutures that dissolve over time. This precise approach, known as microsurgical endodontics, has a high success rate of around 85 to 95 percent.

This is a guide price, and a fixed quote is provided after your initial consultation and 3D scan. The fee is transparent and covers the initial consultation and 3D CBCT scan, the surgery performed by a dentist with postgraduate endodontics qualifications, all materials including the retrograde filling, and your follow up visits to monitor healing. We are a private only practice and do not offer NHS services. We do accept private dental insurance plans from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our team to check your plan coverage.

After surgery you may have swelling and some discomfort. Swelling usually peaks within 48 to 72 hours. You can manage this with an ice pack on the cheek for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Mild pain can be treated with over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. Eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, and smoothies and avoid chewing on the treated side. Rinse gently with a saltwater solution after meals starting the day after surgery to keep the area clean.

While complications are rare, know what to watch for. Call our practice during office hours (Mon Wed Fri 9 to 5, Tue Thu 11 to 7) if you have increasing pain not helped by painkillers after day 3, a fever above 38 C, persistent bleeding that won’t stop with gentle pressure, or pus from the site. For emergencies outside hours, call 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

An apicoectomy is usually a last resort to save a tooth. The main alternatives are root canal retreatment or extraction. Root canal retreatment means redoing the original canal, which may be possible if the initial treatment was compromised. If there is a blockage such as a large post in the canal, retreatment may not be possible. Another option is to extract the tooth. While this removes the infection, it creates a gap that might need a dental implant or bridge later, adding more treatment and costs. Our aim is to save your natural teeth whenever possible, and we will discuss all options with you.

To make an informed choice, consider these questions for any provider in the North Finchley area: What are your qualifications and experience performing apicoectomies? Do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT scanning for this procedure? What is the quoted cost and does it include the consultation, scan, and all follow-up visits? What is your success rate for this procedure? What are the specific risks for my tooth's location, such as proximity to nerves or sinuses? What material do you use for the root end filling? What are the alternatives if this procedure is unsuccessful?