Advanced Apicoectomy with CBCT Scans near Finchley Central

An apicoectomy, or root-end surgery, is suggested when a regular root canal treatment has not cleared the infection. You may be a candidate if you have ongoing pain, swelling, or an abscess months or years after your treatment. This can happen when tiny canals at the root tip are missed, the root structure is complex, or a cyst forms. Dr. Reddy will advise an apicoectomy only if retreatment is unlikely to work. The goal is to remove infected tissue and the end of the root, then seal the tip to prevent reinfection, giving a final chance to save a tooth that might otherwise be extracted.

Before any surgery, we take a 3D CBCT scan. This 15 minute scan is essential. It shows the exact shape and position of the root tips in three dimensions, maps nearby nerves and your sinus cavity, and helps plan the safest approach. This imaging is a key part of the high success rate of modern apicoectomies. A patient from Finchley Central recently had an infection on an upper molar. The CBCT scan showed the root tip was very close to the sinus lining, enabling the team to perform the surgery with microscope precision and protect the sinus.

The procedure usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. First, the area is numbed with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain. Dr. Reddy makes a small gum incision to reach the infected root tip. With a dental operating microscope for magnification, the infected tissue and the last millimetres of the root tip are removed. The end of the root canal is cleaned and sealed with a small filling. Then the gum is closed with stitches. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure.

Recovery is usually straightforward. You may have swelling and mild discomfort for the first two to three days, which you can manage with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. An ice pack applied to the area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours helps reduce swelling. Eat soft foods for a few days and avoid chewing on the side that was operated on. Most people can return to work and daily activities the next day. The stitches are typically removed after about a week. Red flags that require immediate contact include increasing pain after day three, a fever above 38 degrees, or uncontrolled bleeding during office hours. For emergencies outside those hours, visit A&E or call 111.

A apicoectomy has a high chance of saving the tooth, but you should know your options. The main alternative is tooth extraction. That removes the tooth entirely and usually requires a replacement like an implant or a bridge to restore function and prevent shifting of nearby teeth. Extraction is simpler and costs less upfront, but the long term cost of an implant and crown can be substantial. In some cases, non surgical root canal retreatment might be possible, but an apicoectomy is often chosen when retreatment has failed or cannot be done because of a post or complex anatomy. We will discuss which option fits your situation.

To make an informed choice, it helps to ask a few questions whether you come to us or another practice in North London. Consider asking:

As a private practice focused on advanced endodontic care, our fees reflect the technology and expertise needed. The cost for an apicoectomy depends on how complex the case and the tooth involved are. We provide a clear, itemised treatment plan after your first consult and CBCT, with no hidden fees. While we are private and do not offer NHS treatment, we do accept private dental insurance plans such as Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to the consultation so we can help with paperwork and claims.