Endodontic Surgery (Apicoectomy) Costs in North Finchley

The price for an apicoectomy at our Finchley practice starts from £950. This is a highly specialised procedure that requires advanced training and tools like 3D CBCT scans and operating microscopes to achieve a high success rate of over 90%. This fee covers the full surgical procedure performed by a dentist with postgraduate training in endodontics, the use of a dental operating microscope for maximum precision, all necessary 3D CBCT scans for diagnosis and planning, local anaesthetic and any follow-up appointments for stitch removal. The initial consultation fee is not included. We are private-only and do not offer NHS treatment. However, we accept private dental insurance plans from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Check your policy for coverage details. We provide fully transparent quotes with no hidden fees.

An apicoectomy is not a first-line treatment. It is usually advised after a conventional root canal has been done but infection remains. You may be a candidate if you have persistent pain or swelling months or years after a root canal, or if an x-ray shows a persistent infection at the root tip. It is also an option if complex root anatomy, such as a very curved canal, makes retreatment difficult or if removing a post and crown risks damage to the tooth. The goal is to save your natural tooth, and an apicoectomy is often used before extraction.

First, you will have a 60-minute consultation including a 3D CBCT scan to locate the infection and plan the surgery. The surgical appointment itself typically lasts 90 to 120 minutes. We ensure you are fully numb with local anaesthetic before starting. Next, a small incision is made in the gum to access the root tip. The infected tissue and the end of the root are removed using microscopic instruments. A small filling is placed to seal the end of the root canal and prevent reinfection. Finally, the gum is stitched back into place. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. You will return in about one week for a short 15-minute appointment to have the stitches removed.

Days 1-3 are the peak for discomfort and swelling. It is normal to have some swelling and mild to moderate pain as the anaesthetic wears off, with swelling usually peaking around 48 hours. Manage this with over-the-counter pain relief and by applying an ice pack to the cheek for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, and smoothies. Avoid hot drinks and vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours. Week 1 brings a steady decrease in discomfort and swelling. You can rinse with warm salt water after meals and keep the surgical site clean, but avoid brushing near the stitches until they are removed. Avoid strenuous exercise for the first few days. Red flags during office hours are pain that worsens after day 3, bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, or a fever above 38 degrees Celsius with pus from the surgical site.

While apicoectomy is highly effective, you should know your options. The main alternatives are root canal retreatment or extraction. Root canal retreatment involves reopening the tooth, removing the old filling, and re-cleaning and sealing the canals. It is less invasive than surgery but may not be possible if there is a large post in the tooth or complex anatomy. Extraction is the simplest option but has long term consequences, including bone loss and shifting of adjacent teeth. The gap would then require a dental implant or bridge, which is more extensive and costly than saving the original tooth. We aim to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible as the best long-term option for your oral health.

To make a well informed choice, whether you consult with us or another practice in North London, consider asking about the surgeon's success rate for this procedure, whether a dental operating microscope and 3D CBCT scanning are used, the full cost including the consultation and follow-ups, the amount of experience with apicoectomies, the risks in your case, why this is a better option than retreatment or extraction, and the long term aftercare required.