CBCT-Guided Root-End Surgery in North Finchley

Root-end surgery is not a first option. It is a highly effective micro-surgical step used when a conventional root canal has not resolved an infection. You are a candidate for an apicoectomy if you have persistent inflammation or infection near the root tip after initial treatment. It is also considered when retreatment isn’t possible due to a complex restoration like a post and crown that cannot be easily removed. A key sign is a recurring pimple-like bump on your gum or a dull ache that doesn’t go away. We recommend this surgery only after a thorough examination, including a 3D CBCT scan, confirms it will save your tooth.

CBCT stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography. It provides a detailed 3D image of your tooth, jawbone, and nearby structures. For root-end surgery this is essential. The scan lets Dr. Reddy map the shape and position of the root tips, locate the infection, and see how close critical structures like sinus cavities or major nerves are. This level of detail makes the procedure safer, more predictable, and minimally invasive, helping the success rate reach about 85 to 95 percent.

The process is designed for your comfort. First, you’ll have a 60 minute consultation where we take the CBCT scan to plan the surgery. The surgical appointment itself usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. We numb the area completely with local anaesthetic, so you feel only pressure and vibration. Dr. Reddy then makes a small incision in the gum to access the root tip. Using a dental operating microscope for high magnification, the infected tissue and the very end of the root tip are removed. The tip is sealed from the end, and the gum is closed with a few small stitches. For a patient from North Finchley with a persistent infection in an upper molar, the CBCT scan showed the root tip was very close to the sinus lining. With this 3D imaging we could perform the surgery precisely and avoid complications. In another case, a lower molar had a hidden untreated canal branch and the main nerve was millimetres away, allowing safe navigation and tooth preservation.

Recovery after an apicoectomy is generally straightforward. Expect swelling and mild discomfort for the first two to three days, managed with over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first day to reduce swelling. Stick to soft foods for a few days and avoid chewing on the treated side. Brush gently around the area. Stitches usually come out after five to seven days. Red flags during office hours include pain that worsens after day three, swelling that increases after 72 hours, persistent bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, and a fever above 38 C.

While apicoectomy has a high success rate, you have options. The main alternative is tooth extraction. After removal, you can replace it with a dental implant, a fixed bridge, or a removable partial denture. An implant is a permanent, stable solution but costs more and takes several months. A bridge is quicker but requires preparing nearby healthy teeth. A denture is the most budget-friendly option but offers less stability. In most cases saving your natural tooth with root-end surgery remains the preferred approach and fits our conservative philosophy.

The cost depends on the tooth and its complexity. After the initial consultation and CBCT, you receive a clear fixed price. This fee covers the surgery, imaging, and follow-up visits to remove stitches and check healing. There are no hidden charges. As a private practice, NHS treatment is not offered. We do accept private dental plans from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and we can help with the paperwork to claim.

To make an informed choice, consider asking about whether the dentist uses a microscope and CBCT for the procedure, how many root-end surgeries they perform each year, the success rate for your tooth, the total cost including consultation, scan, and follow-up, the specific risks given your tooth’s position, and what happens if the surgery does not resolve the infection.