Advanced Apicoectomy with CBCT Scans in Finchley

A CBCT scan is a specialized 3D X ray that creates a detailed image of your teeth, jawbone, nerves and nearby tissues. For an apicoectomy this detail matters a lot. Standard 2D X rays can miss complex issues, while a CBCT scan lets Dr. Reddy see the exact shape and size of the infection, locate hidden root canals, and plan the surgery to protect nearby nerves or your sinuses. This level of detail improves the chances of success, with research suggesting an 85 to 95 percent success rate when performed by someone with advanced training. It helps ensure the treatment is safe and effective. For example, a Finchley patient with a persistent infection on an upper molar had the scan show the infection was closer to the sinus than a 2D X ray suggested, which allowed us to adjust the plan to protect it.

An apicoectomy, or root end surgery, is usually advised after a conventional root canal fails and retreatment is not suitable or has also failed. You might be a candidate if you have a persistent infection that shows up on an X ray months after your initial treatment, or if your root anatomy is complex such as a blocked or curved canal that prevents a standard root canal from working fully. It is a tooth saving procedure designed as a last option before extraction. Many patients are referred to our practice from their general dentist across North London when these complex situations occur. We will always perform a full assessment, including a CBCT scan, to confirm that an apicoectomy is the right choice for you.

The procedure is straightforward. First, the area is numb with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain. Dr. Reddy then makes a small gum incision to access the infected root tip. Using a dental operating microscope for high magnification, the end of the root is removed along with the infected tissue. The procedure typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth’s location and complexity. After cleaning the area, a small filling seals the end of the root canal. Finally, a few stitches close the gum tissue. You can go home the same day with clear aftercare instructions. A Muswell Hill patient recently completed this procedure and returned to work after two days of rest.

Recovery from an apicoectomy is usually quick. In the first 24 to 48 hours expect some swelling and mild discomfort, which you can manage with over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and by applying an ice pack to your cheek. Eat soft foods for a few days and avoid chewing on the treated side. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours. Most swelling and discomfort fade within a week, and stitches dissolve or are removed after about seven days. Keep the area clean by rinsing gently with salt water. Red flags include increasing pain after day three, persistent bleeding, fever, or signs of infection like pus. For emergencies outside office hours, go to A&E or call 111.

While apicoectomy saves many teeth, there are alternatives to consider. The main option is tooth extraction. That would require replacing the tooth with a dental implant, bridge or partial denture to restore function and prevent shifting of other teeth. An implant is a strong replacement, but our philosophy is to save natural teeth whenever possible. Extraction is often more invasive and costly than saving the tooth. In rare cases, another root canal retreatment might be possible, but we discuss the pros and cons of each choice based on your specific situation during your consultation.

To make an informed choice about treatment, consider asking these questions in Finchley: your procedure’s success rate, whether a dental operating microscope and CBCT are used for planning, the full price including scan, surgery and follow up, the specific risks based on your tooth, the alternatives if the procedure fails, the clinician's experience with this surgery, and who performs the procedure and their qualifications.