Apicoectomy Costs for Patients in West Finchley

An apicoectomy is usually advised when a standard root canal does not succeed and retreatment is not practical. Seek this treatment if a persistent infection appears on an X-ray, even if you do not have pain. It serves as a last effort to save a natural tooth that might otherwise be removed. Dr. Ashok Reddy, who holds an MSc in Endodontics, might suggest an apicoectomy if a cyst is present, a fractured root tip, or if complex root anatomy like a sharply curved canal prevents full cleaning of the infection. The aim is to preserve the natural tooth, and an apicoectomy carries a high success rate, typically between 85 and 95 percent.

First, you will have a 60 minute consultation with a 3D CBCT scan. This imaging shows the root structure in detail. The surgical part usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy makes a small gum incision to reach the infected root tip. With a dental operating microscope for high magnification, the end of the root is removed along with infected tissue. Next, a small filling called a retrofill is placed to seal the end of the root canal. Finally, the gum is sutured. You will be fully numb from local anaesthetic and should not feel pain, only pressure and vibration. A follow-up visit is planned for 7 to 10 days later to check healing and remove stitches.

The price of a private apicoectomy depends on the tooth location, with front teeth simpler than molars, and the infection's severity. A precise fixed quote is provided after your initial consultation and the 3D CBCT scan. This fee typically covers the surgical procedure, local anaesthetic, all necessary high-resolution imaging, the retrofill material, and follow-up visits. There are no hidden fees. We are a fully private practice and do not offer NHS services. However we do accept private dental insurance plans from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please have your insurance details ready when you contact us.

A patient from West Finchley was referred to us with a molar that remained painful six months after a root canal elsewhere. Our 3D CBCT scan showed a persistent infection around one root tip. A standard retreatment was not viable. We performed an apicoectomy which resolved the infection completely. The patient was relieved to save her tooth and is now pain-free. The entire process from consultation to final check-up took about two weeks.

After the procedure you will notice swelling and bruising, peaking around 48 hours. Discomfort is expected and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side. An ice pack on the cheek for 20 minutes at a time helps reduce swelling. In the first week the initial discomfort should lessen. Keep the area clean with gentle rinsing as instructed. Avoid strenuous exercise for the first few days. We remove stitches after about a week. If you experience severe, increasing pain after day three, uncontrolled bleeding, fever, or pus from the surgical site, contact us during office hours at 0203 488 0335. For emergencies outside those hours, visit an A&E or call 111.

When an apicoectomy is recommended, there are very few alternatives for saving the tooth. The main option is tooth extraction. This is simpler and initially less expensive, but it creates a gap that can cause teeth to shift or bone loss. Replacing the extracted tooth with a dental implant or bridge would be a separate, often more expensive and longer process. A second option could be a root canal retreatment, but an apicoectomy is usually suggested because retreatment is unlikely to succeed due to blockages or complex anatomy. During your consultation we will discuss honestly whether any other option is viable for your case.

To make an informed choice about your treatment with us or another London practice, here are key questions to ask: What is your success rate with this procedure? Do you use a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT scanning for planning and surgery? What is included in the quoted cost and are follow-up visits covered? What are the specific risks in my case? Who will perform the surgery and what is their experience in endodontics? What type of filling material do you use for the retrofill? What is the expected healing time for my tooth?