CBCT-Guided Endodontic Surgery in Finchley Central

Endodontic surgery is not a first option. It is usually for infections that do not heal after a conventional root canal. You might be a candidate if a persistent infection remains visible on X rays, often due to a complex root tip or a small missed canal. If a cyst forms at the root tip, removing it along with infected tissue may be needed. An apicoectomy cleans and seals the root tip, addressing the source of trouble. Many Finchley Central patients choose this to save a tooth that might otherwise need extraction.

We plan your treatment carefully. A 60 minute consultation includes the CBCT scan for precise planning. The procedure itself usually takes 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. Reddy numbs the area with local anesthesia so you feel only pressure. He makes a small gum incision, removes infected tissue, and seals the end of the root. A dental operating microscope gives better visibility. Afterward, a few stitches are placed. You return in 7 to 10 days for a checkup and stitch removal. Bone healing takes months, but you usually feel back to normal sooner.

Postoperative care is straightforward. In the first 24 to 48 hours you may have some swelling and mild discomfort, managed with ibuprofen. Apply an ice pack to the cheek for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off to reduce swelling. Eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the operated side for a few days. Keep the area clean by rinsing with saltwater and avoid vigorous brushing around the stitches for the first week. Most patients can return to work the next day. A real world scenario: a patient from Finchley Central had an apicoectomy on a Friday morning and returned to their office job on Monday after managing mild swelling with ice packs. Red flags: contact us during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you have increasing pain after day 3, a fever above 38°C, or persistent bleeding. For emergencies outside these hours, call 111 or go to the nearest A&E.

An apicoectomy is effective, but you have options. Non surgical retreatment redoes the original root canal to clear infection without surgery. If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction is an option with implants, bridges, or dentures as replacements. We prefer to save the natural tooth whenever possible. During your consultation we discuss the success rates and costs for your case.

Costs depend on location and the complexity of the case. You will receive a full treatment plan and quote after your initial consultation and CBCT scan. The fee covers the procedure, follow up appointments, and the use of the CBCT scanner and operating microscope. Our Finchley practice is private and does not offer NHS services. We accept private dental insurance plans, including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. Please bring your insurance details to the consultation so we can help with paperwork.

To make an informed choice about your dental health, ask about the provider's experience with this procedure and how many they perform each year. Ask why a CBCT scan is needed and what it might reveal beyond a normal x‑ray. Inquire about the success rate for microsurgical apicoectomy; it is typically over 90%. Ask about total cost, what it covers, and payment options. Finally, ask what happens if the procedure fails and what the next steps would be.