CBCT-Guided Apicectomy in East Finchley

An apicectomy is commonly advised when infection stays at the tip of a tooth root after a root canal has been done. You might need this procedure if a persistent abscess does not heal, or if a standard root canal retreatment is not an option. It is a final effort to save a natural tooth that would otherwise be removed. A CBCT scan is essential in these cases. For example, a patient from Highgate came to us with lingering pain in a previously treated upper molar. A regular X-ray did not show the issue, but our 3D CBCT scan exposed a tiny fracture at the root tip and its exact proximity to the sinus, helping us plan the surgery with millimetre precision that a 2D image could not provide.

The procedure is careful and planned for success. First, you will have a 60-minute consultation where we use our in-house 3D CBCT scanner to fully assess the tooth. This scan is the key part of the planning. The actual operation usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. It is done under local anaesthetic, so you will feel pressure but not pain. Using a dental operating microscope, a small incision is made in the gum to reach the root tip. The infected tissue and the end of the root are removed, and a small filling is placed to seal the canal. Sutures are then placed and typically removed after seven days. A follow-up appointment about a week later checks how the healing is progressing.

Recovery is usually straightforward. In the first 24 to 48 hours you may notice swelling and mild discomfort, which you can manage with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. An ice pack on the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off helps reduce swelling. Eat soft foods for a few days and avoid chewing on the treated side. Keep your mouth clean, but avoid brushing the surgical site directly until your follow-up. Most people resume normal activities within 2 to 3 days. Red flags that mean you should call the practice during office hours are increasing pain after day three, persistent bleeding that does not stop with pressure, or a fever above 38°C. If you need help after hours, contact NHS 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

Apicectomy has a strong success rate, around 85 to 95 percent with modern methods. It helps you avoid extraction, but there are other options. Root canal retreatment may be possible in some cases, though it is not suitable if the tooth has a large post or complex anatomy. Tooth extraction removes the infection but creates a gap that needs replacement through a implant or a fixed bridge, which adds more treatment and cost. Dr. Reddy will explain which option fits your situation best during your East Finchley consultation.

To make a clear choice, consider these questions for any provider in North London: - Do you use a 3D CBCT scanner for planning every apicectomy? - Will a dental operating microscope be used during the surgery for magnification? - What is your personal success rate with this procedure? - What are the full costs, including the scan, surgery, and follow-up visits? - Who will perform the procedure and what specific postgraduate training do they have in endodontics? - What are the risks specific to my tooth's location, such as nerves or sinuses?

An apicectomy is a complex surgical procedure that is not offered on the NHS and is provided privately. The price reflects the advanced technology, such as the CBCT scan and the operating microscope, and the postgraduate training involved. A full personalised quote with no hidden fees is provided after your initial consultation and CBCT scan. Our practice is private, but we do accept private dental insurance plans from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation so we can help with the paperwork.